{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Elementary School 21","outOfStateSupporters":37.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9851149,"projectId":9763539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to our supporters for your generous investment in our self-contained special education classroom in Paterson, New Jersey. As a second-year teacher working with students in grades 2–4 at a Title I school, I see firsthand how simple, purposeful tools can have a powerful impact on student success. Your donations of homework planners and carpet spots have helped create structure, consistency, and independence for my students both in and out of the classroom.\r\nThe homework planners have strengthened home–school communication while also encouraging students to take ownership of their responsibilities. With clear, consistent planners, students are learning how to track assignments, organize materials, and follow routines—skills that are especially critical for students with diverse learning needs. Families are able to stay more informed, and students feel proud of managing their work more independently.\r\nThe carpet spots have transformed our carpet area into a calm, organized learning space. They support smooth transitions, positive behavior, and clear expectations during whole-group lessons and movement breaks. Together, these resources help create a structured environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for making such a meaningful difference in my students' daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1759269097161,"projectUrl":"project/bright-spots-and-big-plans/9763539/","projectTitle":"Bright Spots and Big Plans","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9851149_orig.jpg?crop=2506,2506,x0,y183&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758576137907","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-medina"},{"teacherId":9851149,"projectId":9760560,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our special education classroom in Paterson, New Jersey. As a second-year teacher working with students in grades 2–4 at a Title I school, I see firsthand how access to the right tools can remove barriers to learning. Your donations of headphones with microphones and bulletin board paper have made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students' daily experiences in the classroom.\r\nThe headphones with microphones have been especially powerful in supporting both communication and focus. They allow students to fully engage in adaptive learning programs, virtual small groups, and speech or reading activities while minimizing distractions. For many of my students, having their own headset builds independence and confidence, giving them the opportunity to participate more actively, express themselves clearly, and work at their own pace.\r\nThe bulletin board paper has also helped transform our classroom environment into a welcoming, organized, and visually supportive space. Student work, learning goals, and routines are now clearly displayed, providing structure and reinforcement that supports diverse learning needs. Because of your generosity, my students are learning in an environment that encourages engagement, pride, and growth. Thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1759261883401,"projectUrl":"project/hear-speak-and-shine/9760560/","projectTitle":"Hear, Speak, and Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9851149_orig.jpg?crop=2506,2506,x0,y183&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758576137907","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-medina"},{"teacherId":9851149,"projectId":9748222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom in Paterson, New Jersey. As a second-year special education teacher in a Title I school serving students in grades 2–4, I see every day how access to the right resources can make a meaningful difference for my students. Your donations helped provide a Chromebook charging cart, a new classroom carpet, and two filing cabinets—items that may seem simple, but have had a powerful impact on our learning environment.\r\nThe Chromebook charging cart has increased student independence by ensuring devices are always ready for instruction, reducing downtime and allowing students to take responsibility for their materials. The filing cabinets have transformed how our classroom is organized, making instructional materials, student work, and accommodations easily accessible. This improved organization has created smoother transitions throughout the day and helped students develop routines that promote responsibility and confidence.\r\nOur new classroom carpet has also been a game changer. It provides a welcoming space for whole-group instruction, social skills lessons, and calming moments, which are especially important for students with diverse learning needs. Because of your generosity, my students are learning in a space that supports structure, independence, and success. Thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our students' futures.","fullyFundedDate":1758823932137,"projectUrl":"project/charging-up-minds-organizing-success/9748222/","projectTitle":"Charging Up Minds, Organizing Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9851149_orig.jpg?crop=2506,2506,x0,y183&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758576137907","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-medina"},{"teacherId":3599262,"projectId":9758887,"letterContent":"This project has really made a difference in the lives of my students. In total sixty students from two different grades travel to this room throughout the day to receive Math, Science and Health lessons. \r\n The best part of my day is when I see my kids smiling and learning. And still, the greatest part of the day is when they are excited to come to the classroom and tell me they love the colorful room they get to learn in. \r\n We are now fully organized, and it is going exceedingly beautiful as the teams are taking care of their spaces, know where everything is located and are at ease with the calmness of knowing that there is enough of anything they may need to finish a project in class or at school. \r\n Both groups said to send their donor today a huge hug! I opened the crayon case and was it exciting to have brand new crayons to draw the observation from our newest Science experiments. Afterwards, each team was able to organize their space to ready themselves for tomorrow's lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1762265289425,"projectUrl":"project/happy-and-shiny/9758887/","projectTitle":"Happy and Shiny","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3599262_orig.png?crop=815,815,x61,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763439682762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3599262"},{"teacherId":5881952,"projectId":9531695,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom has a brand-new juicer—and it has already made a remarkable difference in our students' habits, confidence, and connection to healthy living.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of our students would throw away the fruits and vegetables provided during breakfast and lunch. Several students are English Language Learners, and many struggle with unfamiliar foods or textures. The juicer changed everything. Instead of ending up in the trash, these fruits and vegetables are now transformed into colorful, delicious juices that students are excited to try.\r\n\r\nThe first day we unpacked the juicer, students crowded around the table, amazed at how the apples, oranges, carrots, and spinach turned into bright, refreshing drinks within seconds. For some, it was their first time tasting fresh juice that wasn't from a bottle. Students began asking questions about ingredients, flavor combinations, and nutrition in ways I've never seen before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the juicer has helped reduce food waste in our classroom and cafeteria. Students who once refused whole fruit now line up eagerly to turn it into something new. They experiment with recipes, share ideas with classmates, and encourage one another to try \"just one sip\"—a small act of bravery that means so much for students building language, confidence, and healthy habits.\r\n\r\nOne 9th-grade ELL student proudly told me, \"I didn't like spinach, but in the juice, it tastes good!\" Another student who normally avoids breakfast asked if he could make a \"green power juice\" before class to help him stay focused. These moments show how having the right tools can change behaviors and open up new experiences for students who need them most.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us:\r\n\t•\tReduce daily food waste\r\n\t•\tPromote healthy habits in a way that feels fun, not forced\r\n\t•\tCreate hands-on learning moments about nutrition and sustainability\r\n\t•\tGive ELL students meaningful opportunities to practice English while exploring flavors, textures, and descriptive vocabulary\r\n\t•\tBuild classroom community as students work together to create recipes\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us turn something ordinary—leftover fruit—into something extraordinary: excitement, curiosity, and a healthier school day. Your gift made an immediate, meaningful difference, and we are so grateful.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,\r\n[Your Name]\r\n[Your School]","fullyFundedDate":1757876505856,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-with-critical-thi/9531695/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds with Critical Thinking Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis-Francis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5881952_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747376122194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5881952"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9706517,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is buzzing with excitement and motivation! The positive reinforcements you helped fund—like stickers, stamps, squishies, snacks, and fidget toys—have become powerful tools that drive learning and positive behavior. These rewards are more than just fun items—they're part of an evidence-based system that helps students understand expectations, stay engaged, and celebrate their progress.\r\nThe kids are thrilled by the new choices. One student who used to avoid tasks now eagerly finishes his work to earn a squishy. Another proudly requests to use the bathroom on his own to receive stickers. These small rewards have made a huge impact in building confidence, encouraging independence, and making learning joyful.\r\nYou've truly made a difference in their daily lives and we are so grateful. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1758815694947,"projectUrl":"project/positive-reinforcements/9706517/","projectTitle":"Positive Reinforcements","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9734000,"letterContent":"Since receiving your support, the materials for our ABA‑based activity centers (file folders, Velcro dots, visual schedules) have transformed how students engage with learning. Though not high‑tech gadgets, they are technology in the sense that they bring structure, visual clarity, and self‑management tools into our lessons. Students now see their steps, track their progress, and move more independently through tasks. What excites them most is choice and control: they can pick the next activity, \"check off\" steps themselves, and feel ownership over their work. Additionally, the students are supported through first/then tools, visual supports, and visual cues. These materials allow students (many who are not communicating using words) to have the option to share their knowledge with various communication methods. For example, the students now have a concrete way to respond and participate. Your generosity is giving these children tools to grow, not just do work. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758506031535,"projectUrl":"project/implementing-aba/9734000/","projectTitle":"Implementing ABA","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":9967508,"projectId":9681490,"letterContent":"My students are loving our new ukulele storage racks! They are an amazing addition to our classroom and have become part of our daily classroom routine. Initially, there were lots of questions about the addition to the classroom and why they were being used. But, once the students started using the new storage system and saw how much time it saved when preparing to play, they loved it!\r\n\tThe storage racks have been crucial to our learning environment. In past lessons, it took some time to hand out the instruments and really took away from our engagement time and time with the music. Now that the instruments are readily available and can remain tuned, we have so much more time with our hands on the instruments. As the year progresses, we hope to continue to utilize these storage racks and are excited as to how much more effective our classroom has become. \r\n\tI want to thank you again for your support and we cannot wait to continue to make awesome music with your help!","fullyFundedDate":1758835279146,"projectUrl":"project/learning-ukulele/9681490/","projectTitle":"Learning Ukulele","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillippe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967508_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x324,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758740527148","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967508"},{"teacherId":5881952,"projectId":9361787,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has a brand-new juicer—and it has already made a remarkable difference in our students' habits, confidence, and connection to healthy living.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of our students would throw away the fruits and vegetables provided during breakfast and lunch. Several students are English Language Learners, and many struggle with unfamiliar foods or textures. The juicer changed everything. Instead of ending up in the trash, these fruits and vegetables are now transformed into colorful, delicious juices that students are excited to try.\r\n\r\nThe first day we unpacked the juicer, students crowded around the table, amazed at how the apples, oranges, carrots, and spinach turned into bright, refreshing drinks within seconds. For some, it was their first time tasting fresh juice that wasn't from a bottle. Students began asking questions about ingredients, flavor combinations, and nutrition in ways I've never seen before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the juicer has helped reduce food waste in our classroom and cafeteria. Students who once refused whole fruit now line up eagerly to turn it into something new. They experiment with recipes, share ideas with classmates, and encourage one another to try \"just one sip\"—a small act of bravery that means so much for students building language, confidence, and healthy habits.\r\n\r\nOne 9th-grade ELL student proudly told me, \"I didn't like spinach, but in the juice, it tastes good!\" Another student who normally avoids breakfast asked if he could make a \"green power juice\" before class to help him stay focused. These moments show how having the right tools can change behaviors and open up new experiences for students who need them most.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us:\r\n\t•\tReduce daily food waste\r\n\t•\tPromote healthy habits in a way that feels fun, not forced\r\n\t•\tCreate hands-on learning moments about nutrition and sustainability\r\n\t•\tGive ELL students meaningful opportunities to practice English while exploring flavors, textures, and descriptive vocabulary\r\n\t•\tBuild classroom community as students work together to create recipes\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us turn something ordinary—leftover fruit—into something extraordinary: excitement, curiosity, and a healthier school day. Your gift made an immediate, meaningful difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1750682574764,"projectUrl":"project/fruit-to-fuel/9361787/","projectTitle":"Fruit to Fuel","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis-Francis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5881952_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747376122194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5881952"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9575821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your time and support. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to a variety of craft materials that have transformed our classroom. When the supplies arrived, their faces lit up with excitement as they explored cotton balls, yarn, and clay. We are already using the items to learn about our body parts and work one-on-one with the students to create projects! We are using the materials for hands-on projects like \"pasta suns.\" We are continuing to use the items during small group instruction and choice time as well!","fullyFundedDate":1757554473322,"projectUrl":"project/hand-to-mind-crafts-for-preschoolers-wit/9575821/","projectTitle":"Hand to Mind Crafts for Preschoolers With Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9342323,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to our a clean sensory sand table, and it has quickly become one of the most engaging areas in our classroom—again! Along with the sand table, we also added kinetic sand bins to our discovery area. When they first saw the kinetic sand, their faces lit up with excitement, and they eagerly began exploring, digging, and creating. When I added the ice cream cone set to it, they could not get enough of it! The students learned to scoop and even offered the teachers \"ice cream.\" That said, we are using the sand activities to support vocabulary, social-emotional skills, and fine motor development. Students are learning to share tools, describe textures, and collaborate on imaginative projects. It has also encouraged focus and engagement for students who often struggle with attention.","fullyFundedDate":1757680663342,"projectUrl":"project/sandy-hands/9342323/","projectTitle":"Sandy Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9207359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, Your generosity has provided my student with snacks they need to stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn. Many of my students struggle with sensory sensitivities and selective eating, and without these familiar snacks, they often displayed big feelings. Thanks to you, I see students participating more fully, showing improved attention, and approaching learning with joy. Your support has truly nourished their growth, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1742889507183,"projectUrl":"project/a-happy-tummy-leads-to-a-growing-brain/9207359/","projectTitle":"A Happy Tummy Leads to a Growing Brain","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82066","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":642,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":62.5,"schoolId":82066,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Elementary School 21 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Elementary School 21","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/paterson-public-schools/elementary-school-21/82066"}