{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS255Q @ PS397","outOfStateSupporters":53.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":660143,"projectId":10001161,"letterContent":"There are not enough words that can thank you for providing interactive books for my students with autism in our social skills classroom. These books are already making a meaningful difference by supporting literacy development while also meeting important sensory needs. The excitement was immediate as the students helped take the books out of the packaging and eagerly explored them together.\r\n\r\nOne student who has previously shown no interest in books was completely engaged, making vocalizations and even turning the pages independently. Another student carefully touched the pictures and attempted to repeat the words, showing growing confidence with language. It was truly heartwarming to witness these moments of connection, curiosity, and learning.\r\n\r\nIt was also wonderful to see the students asking for the books and responsibly returning them to their designated location so they could choose another to read. Through these experiences, my students are learning focus, language, sharing, and the importance of waiting their turns. These books are a powerful tool for promoting both literacy and social skills, and I am already seeing the positive impact they are having on my students. Thank you so much for making this opportunity possible.","fullyFundedDate":1770164068566,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-books-for-curious-minds/10001161/","projectTitle":"Interactive Books for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp660143_orig.jpg?crop=653,653,x0,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609112717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srlopez"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":9908950,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making this project possible! The Flip & Solve Math Boards and Giant Magnetic Place Value Blocks have already made subtraction more meaningful by allowing students to see, touch, and physically remove items to understand what it means to \"take away.\"\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them. The oversized magnetic blocks stole the show! Several students who are typically hesitant with math eagerly came up to the board to try solving problems. One student independently removed blocks while counting aloud, showing a clear understanding of subtraction in a way worksheets alone never allowed. We are now using these tools daily to build foundational subtraction and place value skills. \r\nYour generosity has truly brought math to life in our classroom and is helping my students learn with confidence and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1767227320177,"projectUrl":"project/subtraction-success-for-every-learner/9908950/","projectTitle":"Subtraction Success for Every Learner!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":10345232,"projectId":9881206,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the letter bins to our classroom. These materials have quickly become a meaningful part of our literacy instruction. Each time the students see the objects in the letter bins, they get so excited! We use the letter bins during sensory activities and in our mystery box, which instantly captures students' curiosity and excitement for learning. The hands-on experience helps make literacy lessons engaging and accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nWith these letter bins, students are building sentences, matching objects to pictures, and strengthening their understanding of letters, sounds, and vocabulary in a fun, interactive way. Your support has made it possible for our students to learn through exploration and play, which has boosted both their confidence and enthusiasm for literacy. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and investment in our students' learning. Thank you for making such a positive impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1762815826186,"projectUrl":"project/using-our-senses-to-explore-the-world-of/9881206/","projectTitle":"Using Our Senses to Explore the World of Letter Sounds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pantea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10345232_orig.jpg?crop=2163,2163,x0,y901&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762482262795","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10345232"},{"teacherId":3121941,"projectId":9906319,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my students and I have been able to use our light-up pad and translucent materials in meaningful and exciting ways. We are already incorporating them into daily lessons, and they have helped transform our learning centers into a more engaging, hands-on environment. One especially memorable moment was watching students collaborate while using the light-up pad with the new materials; they were excited and engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked everything together, and they immediately began exploring the new materials and asking questions. There was a genuine sense of excitement and ownership throughout the room.","fullyFundedDate":1765473983554,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-to-calm-confident-lear/9906319/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way to Calm, Confident Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3121941_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1480564449279","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/yubis-lopez"},{"teacherId":10058087,"projectId":9532691,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my students now have a dedicated table where meaningful learning and connection happen every day. We use the table during small-group instruction, hands-on activities, and one-on-one support time. For many of my students, learning works best when it's interactive and structured, and this table has quickly become a space where they feel focused, supported, and ready to engage. One of my favorite moments so far was watching a student independently sit down, wait for their turn, and complete a task with pride—something that was much harder to do before we had this consistent workspace!\r\n\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, the table will continue to support our current literacy and math lessons, social-skills activities, and fine-motor work. It will be used for structured group work, turn-taking games, and individualized instruction as students work toward their IEP goals. Because of your support, my students now have a welcoming space that helps them feel calm, capable, and confident as learners. Thank you for giving us more than just furniture—you've helped create a space where growth happens every day.","fullyFundedDate":1764182986277,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-us-together-a-group-table-for/9532691/","projectTitle":"Bringing Us Together: A Group Table for K-2 Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leanne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10058087_orig.jpg?crop=687,687,x0,y144&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750170840255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10058087"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":9968106,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our LEGO Duplo project! When the materials arrived, my students were thrilled and immediately began exploring, building, and experimenting. Their creativity and excitement were contagious as they worked together to build structures, vehicles, and train systems, using the blocks to act out real-world scenarios like construction projects and running a train station.\r\nThese hands-on materials have already had a big impact on learning. Students are practicing problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and language skills while experimenting, testing, and rebuilding when things don't go as planned. The sensory-rich, interactive nature of LEGO Duplo has made lessons more engaging, motivating students to participate actively and confidently. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the tools to explore, create, and learn in ways that build both academic skills and real-world understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1766764647515,"projectUrl":"project/building-real-world-connections-with-leg/9968106/","projectTitle":"Building Real-World Connections with LEGO Duplo","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":9689411,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our STEM Cafe project and believing in my amazing students. When the materials arrived, their excitement was immediate! Students were drawn to the light-up blocks, eagerly explored the LEGO set, and showed great curiosity about the indoor garden. Many students began building right away, using their hands to explore and create, which is when they shine the brightest.\r\nWe are using these resources to bring STEM learning to life in meaningful, sensory-rich ways. Students are growing greens in our indoor garden, tracking growth with picture charts, and practicing early math and science skills. Using LEGO Education set, they are designing cafe tools like trays and signs, while role-playing cafe jobs such as farmer, engineer, chef, and server. These activities have supported communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and independence in a way that feels fun and motivating.\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are gaining confidence, independence, and joyful access to learning that truly meets their needs.","fullyFundedDate":1763590794736,"projectUrl":"project/growing-building-and-serving-stem-caf/9689411/","projectTitle":"Growing, Building, and Serving: STEM Café in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":9968187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and bringing hands-on, meaningful learning into our classroom. When the materials arrived, my students were thrilled! Their smiles, excitement, and immediate curiosity filled the room. They eagerly explored the figurines and magnetic tiles and couldn't wait to begin building and creating together.\r\nWe are using the materials in interactive learning centers where students design and act out Lunar New Year celebrations. One especially meaningful moment occurred when a student shared that they celebrated Chinese New Year in Chinatown in Manhattan. Inspired by this, the class worked together to build Manhattan using the magnetic tiles and Legos, creating tall buildings and busy streets, and then used the figurines to act out a Lunar New Year parade through Chinatown. Students practiced communication, collaboration, and social skills as they planned their city and brought their shared ideas to life.\r\nThanks to your generosity, these materials will continue to support creativity, cultural learning, and teamwork long after this unit ends.","fullyFundedDate":1766457907414,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-lunar-new-year/9968187/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Lunar New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8048342,"projectId":9861167,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Our students are doing wonderfully, and the ducks have already become a meaningful part of our classroom.\r\nWhen the ducks arrived, students were excited and immediately connected them to our Mighty Duck mascot. Seeing their smiles and pride was unforgettable. Many students began using them right away, squeezing them during lessons and transitions to help stay calm and focused. We now use the ducks daily as sensory tools during instruction, transitions, and special events, where they've helped students manage anxiety and fully participate. Students also bring them home, allowing families to support emotional regulation beyond school.Thank you for giving our Mighty Ducks a sense of belonging, confidence, and support.","fullyFundedDate":1765383403655,"projectUrl":"project/mighty-duckscalm-hands-and-minds/9861167/","projectTitle":"Mighty Ducks=Calm Hands and Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michalina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8048342_orig.jpg?crop=1860,1860,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630898960817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michalina"},{"teacherId":8591558,"projectId":9594536,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in purchasing an iPad for our classroom through this project. Your contribution is making a meaningful difference for our students, especially those who face the greatest challenges in accessing educational resources.\r\n\r\nWith this iPad, our students now have reliable access to Google Classroom and engaging digital tools across all subject areas. This technology helps bridge the gap between home and school learning, increases student participation, and motivates learners to stay connected and engaged in their education.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your commitment to supporting student success and for helping create more equitable learning opportunities. Your generosity has a lasting impact on both our classroom and our students' academic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1758763252339,"projectUrl":"project/digital-fun/9594536/","projectTitle":"Digital Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valentine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8591558_orig.jpg?crop=1695,1695,x478,y451&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660064421931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8591558"},{"teacherId":5728371,"projectId":9912054,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students with autism now have access to meaningful supplies that are already making a powerful difference in their confidence, independence, and daily success at school.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMany of my students face challenges that go beyond academics. Tasks that may seem small—sharing materials, expressing feelings, transitioning between activities, or believing in themselves—can feel overwhelming. The supplies you helped provide were intentionally chosen to address these needs and to create a supportive, predictable, and encouraging learning environment. Each item serves a purpose in helping students feel safe, capable, and valued.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince receiving these materials, I have seen students take risks they previously avoided. They are engaging more willingly in activities, practicing social interactions with greater comfort, and showing pride in their accomplishments. Tools that support emotional regulation, communication, and sensory needs allow students to focus on learning instead of managing anxiety or frustration. When students feel supported, they feel confident—and confidence opens the door to growth.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful changes has been the way students are beginning to advocate for themselves. With the help of these supplies, they are learning to recognize their emotions, ask for help when needed, and celebrate their strengths. These are skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. Confidence is not something that develops overnight, but thanks to you, our students now have the tools and encouragement to build it every single day.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour kindness has also strengthened our classroom community. The materials allow for more inclusive activities where every student can participate in a way that feels comfortable and successful. When students feel confident, they are more willing to connect with peers, try new challenges, and believe that they belong. That sense of belonging is priceless.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI want you to know that your donation is more than just supplies—it is hope, encouragement, and belief in children who need it most. Your support sends a powerful message to my students: they matter, they are capable, and they are worthy of investment. I will be forever grateful for the role you have played in helping them grow.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for partnering with me to build their confidence, one day at a time. Your generosity has made a lasting impact that will continue to shape their learning and their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1764688878603,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-one-step-at-a-time/9912054/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence One Step at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5728371_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534900962485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jackieg"},{"teacherId":5728371,"projectId":9970751,"letterContent":"Our students come from diverse backgrounds where they are exposed to many different cultures and languages. Our students have not been exposed to materials that address Lunar New Year and our school does not have the budget for these types of supplies! \r\nFortunately that is no longer an issue! Thanks to you, we now have the proper supplies and literature to teach the students of Astoria New York about Lunar New Year and the Asian culture. We so look forward to using these supplies to make crafts and reading the literature that you have supplied us.","fullyFundedDate":1766755428515,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-lunar-new-year-sensory-lite/9970751/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Lunar New Year Sensory/ Literacy For Students With Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5728371_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534900962485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jackieg"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18707","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":46.3,"schoolId":18707,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS255Q @ PS397 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS255Q @ PS397","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/district-75-city-wide-programs/ps255q-ps151q/18707"}
Join the 1,450 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS255Q @ PS397 is
a public school
in Astoria, New York that is part of District 75 City Wide Programs.
Its teachers have had 506 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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: US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area
40%
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.
PS255Q @ PS397 Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 11, 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.
PS255Q @ PS397
$168,961
raised using DonorsChoose
506
projects
funded
50
teachers
funded
1,450
donors
38
projects
for
basic supplies
73
projects for
technology
27
projects for
books
51
projects
for
art supplies
PS255Q @ PS397 has received support from
671 individuals from New York and
779 individuals out-of-state.