{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology","outOfStateSupporters":41.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6445889,"projectId":9626607,"letterContent":"We're using new resources for dynamic, personalized learning: students access digital libraries for research, collaborate on shared platforms like Schoology, use interactive apps (Wayground!) for review, and explore self-directed paths with digital tools for deeper understanding, all while building essential tech skills for the future. These tools transform passive learning into active engagement through multimedia, simulations, and games, catering to different styles and making complex topics more memorable. Students dive into online databases, e-books, and journals beyond textbooks, fostering deeper inquiry. Using shared documents and platforms for group projects, peer feedback, and remote teamwork.\r\nStudents who start school with the supplies they need in the classroom and at home are more motivated, have higher self-esteem, and enjoy a better learning experience overall. As the first week goes on, there will be many natural opportunities to introduce and practice with each of their school supplies. They don't need them all on day one and I definitely wouldn't recommend introducing them all at once for. Instead over the week, plan activities for students to learn about each of the expectations and build in time to practice with each.\r\nFor students' next steps in a project, they should focus on deepening inquiry, developing their product/solution, incorporating feedback for revision, collaborating, and preparing for presentation to an authentic audience, moving from investigation to creation and reflection, often involving cycles of goal-setting, drafting, and refinement. Students delve deeper into their chosen topic, gathering specific information, analyzing data, and synthesizing findings.","fullyFundedDate":1758819457515,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-environment-for-my/9626607/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming Environment For My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. OKussick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6445889"},{"teacherId":6445889,"projectId":9099529,"letterContent":"Implementing new class materials can lead to numerous benefits for students, enhancing their learning experience in various ways. When students see how the material relates to their lives and current events, they become more invested in learning. High-quality materials can encourage students to engage more deeply and meaningfully with the subject matter, fostering a stronger grasp of concepts.\r\n\r\nNew materials often promote skills crucial for success in the future, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1745847028307,"projectUrl":"project/making-science-come-alive/9099529/","projectTitle":"Making Science Come Alive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. OKussick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6445889"},{"teacherId":6445889,"projectId":9056601,"letterContent":"These are the materials which the student is likely to find more interesting and engaging. This helps them to learn more effectively as they are able to absorb this information more easily than through a lecture or reading assignment. We use the resources for note-taking and active learning: Quickly jotting down notes, outlining thoughts, and physically writing things out can aid in understanding and memory retention, particularly in science. \r\n Developing handwriting fluency through pen and paper activities can positively impact the quality of writing, even when students are using computers. In conclusion, pens and pencils remain valuable tools for both teachers and students, playing a role in academic achievement, creative expression, and fostering responsibility within the classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1737737069406,"projectUrl":"project/having-the-basic-needs/9056601/","projectTitle":"Having the Basic Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. OKussick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6445889"},{"teacherId":9801788,"projectId":8873642,"letterContent":"Perhaps the coolest part of my Donors Choose experience, besides seeing the happiness it brought to our school library patrons, was the amount of donations it took to hit my project goal. My goal was high, about $700 and right off the bat- google technology sent a large donation covering about half. Then, shortly later, one more donor, this time anonymous, from Arizona stepped in and gave the rest. \r\n\r\nThe chairs themselves are spectacular, there were eight gaming chairs and six beanbag chairs in my project, and the students took to them immediately. In fact, they seemed like cats taking to whatever new is brought into their environment. As soon as the chairs were put in the library, they were used. Today, the first spot our students go to when coming to the library is where I have those chairs. The chairs are a hit, as I write this and look over to them- they're in use and that makes for a happy library. The library, so I'm told, has become the \"place to be\" in our building. The chairs play a big role in that. \r\n\r\nThe chairs have enabled me to create a safe space for the students that foster literacy in the process. Often, I see the students pull a book from the shelves and read it on those chairs. My experience with Donors Choose was a very positive experience. I look forward to putting tighter another project for my building's library next year. More chairs will be sought after, more supplies will be ordered, and more students will","fullyFundedDate":1734553179835,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-bennetts-library-better/8873642/","projectTitle":"Help Make Bennett's Library Better","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. J. Brace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9801788"},{"teacherId":9316662,"projectId":8167006,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me bring real gel electrophoresis experiences into my classroom. It is a hard concept to understand, and seeing and experiencing it greatly helps them grasp the concept better so they remember how to do it long into the future! Many of my students are also English language learners who don't speak any English yet. Being able to do hands-on experiences like this has helped them learn the concept without the language barrier getting in the way. Thank you again for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1715260698599,"projectUrl":"project/learn-about-gel-electrophoresis-and-dise/8167006/","projectTitle":"Learn About Gel Electrophoresis and Diseases","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tanner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9316662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696499980239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9316662"},{"teacherId":9769592,"projectId":8807745,"letterContent":"January 23, 2025\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith the many growing challenges of today, students are finding it more and more difficult to navigate getting a quality and meaningful education. Special education students have it even harder because they are already starting at a learning disadvantage. Due to this, they often underperform compared to their peers and are well aware of it. \r\n\r\nI just want to thank you for supporting special education students to feel just a little bit better about their small gains and goals they have strived to achieve. These gains often go unnoticed or unappreciated in the mainstream, but are far more meaningful than meets the eye in special education. The snacks that you have provided have really helped keep my students motivated to work hard for themselves. 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PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology
Join the 51 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology is
an urban public school
in Buffalo, New York that is part of Buffalo Public Schools.
It serves 468 students
in grades 9 - 12.
Its teachers have had 34 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology Demographics
95%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
88%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 17, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology
$15,312
raised using DonorsChoose
34
projects
funded
16
teachers
funded
51
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
3
projects for
technology
4
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
PS 363 Lewis J Bennett School of Innovation Technology has received support from
30 individuals from New York and
21 individuals out-of-state.
