{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS993 @ PS208","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1465245,"projectId":9787607,"letterContent":"Why I chose the need for a desktop computer for my classroom. There were many factors but maninly because unlike mobile devices, a desktop computer creates a permanent, dedicated space for study, fostering better posture and improved mental focus on the task at hand. \r\n\r\nAlso, computer based learning is learner centered. It enables students to revisit challenging concepts at their own pace and access a wealth of knowledge instantly, promoting greater understanding to the task at hand. \r\n\r\nThank you for your support with this project for my class.","fullyFundedDate":1768421767783,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-research-this/9787607/","projectTitle":"Can You Research This?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manley-Ryder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465245_orig.jpg?crop=1029,1029,x36,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588117433706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-manley-ryder"},{"teacherId":1465245,"projectId":9762306,"letterContent":"Thanks to you my students learning has a more postive impact on them. \r\nWe are now able to print, laminate, and use reusable, dry-erase materials over and over again in our classroom environment. In an era where hands-on, engaging, and sustainable education is vital, these resources have transformed our daily teaching practices from simple paper-based lessons into dynamic, durable learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThese tools allow us to create tailored, reusable task cards and stations that meet diverse learning needs. Students stay engaged longer with colorful, tactile, and interactive resources.","fullyFundedDate":1764673708804,"projectUrl":"project/print-laminate-use/9762306/","projectTitle":"Print, Laminate, Use","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manley-Ryder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465245_orig.jpg?crop=1029,1029,x36,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588117433706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-manley-ryder"},{"teacherId":1465245,"projectId":9510501,"letterContent":"Your support of my classroom for this project of the Glow forge has been a game changer for both the staff and students in my room. My classroom has been transformed from a space where students consume information to a makerspace where they create, iterate, and innovate.\r\nThe Glow forge has completely changed the landscape of our learning. Rather than just following instructions, my students are now designing, prototyping, and fabricating their own, unique creations. \r\nThe Glow forge has not only provided them with tangible rewards for their efforts but has also instilled a sense of pride and ownership in their education. It has bridged the gap between imagination and reality.","fullyFundedDate":1758899004552,"projectUrl":"project/glowforge-magic/9510501/","projectTitle":"Glowforge Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manley-Ryder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465245_orig.jpg?crop=1029,1029,x36,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588117433706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-manley-ryder"},{"teacherId":1465245,"projectId":9509097,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity with supporting my students has had a large impact on them. \r\nThe remarkable progress and positive impact observed in our students through our \"Environmental Responsibility and Life Skills\" initiative has been seen not only in the classroom but also when they are in the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch. By integrating basic vocational skills into our daily routine; specifically teaching students to clean up after themselves and care for their shared spaces, we have seen a profound shift in student attitudes and capabilities.\r\n\r\nThis would have never been possible without your help. Thank you, thank you and thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1758847274945,"projectUrl":"project/getting-back-to-the-basics/9509097/","projectTitle":"Getting Back to the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manley-Ryder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465245_orig.jpg?crop=1029,1029,x36,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588117433706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-manley-ryder"},{"teacherId":1465245,"projectId":9650002,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support the snack shop we have started has impacted our students in so many ways. We run the snack shop 4 days a week and shop to refill our supplies every Friday. \r\n\r\n Students learn to handle money, make change, and understand the basics of budgeting and profit. They see firsthand how price sensitivity affects consumer choices and learn to adjust their purchase based on price and what they know will sell. \r\n\r\nThey are responsible for marketing their products, managing inventory, they each have a job and are learning to work as a team.","fullyFundedDate":1758720062972,"projectUrl":"project/what-can-i-buy/9650002/","projectTitle":"What Can I Buy?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manley-Ryder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465245_orig.jpg?crop=1029,1029,x36,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588117433706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-manley-ryder"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":10135848,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to a Shark vacuum and a Wet Swiffer—tools that will make a meaningful difference in their daily learning and growth.\r\n\r\nMy students are nonverbal or have significant speech, language, and cognitive delays, and they require intensive support to build foundational life skills. With these real-life cleaning tools, they will now have the opportunity to practice important skills such as following multi-step directions, building independence, and taking responsibility for their environment. These hands-on experiences will help them develop confidence, motor skills, and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nJust as importantly, your support helps us maintain a clean and safe classroom. Many of my students explore their environment through touch and sensory play, so keeping our space free of dust and germs is essential for their health and well-being.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly impacts their learning, safety, and independence every single day. Because of you, my students are able to grow, explore, and succeed in a supportive and structured environment.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1774706419486,"projectUrl":"project/helping-our-students-clean-and-learn-wit/10135848/","projectTitle":"Helping Our Students Clean and Learn with Real-Life Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":10123293,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to your students in your self-contained autism program. The work you do every day goes far beyond traditional teaching—it is deeply meaningful, highly specialized, and truly life-changing for the learners you support. Your students, who are nonverbal and experience significant speech, language, and cognitive delays, rely on your patience, creativity, and intentional planning to access the world around them. The way you describe their love for learning, despite the challenges they face, is a powerful reminder that ability is not defined by communication method, but by opportunity and access.\r\n\r\nYour focus on alternative communication shows a profound understanding of how essential it is for every child to have a voice. Whether through assistive technology, visual supports, or sensory-based engagement, you are helping your students build bridges to expression, independence, and connection. This is not just instruction—it is empowerment.\r\n\r\nThe classroom environment you are intentionally shaping is equally inspiring. You recognize that sensory regulation is not optional for your learners; it is foundational. By seeking to add the Cozy Corner bean bag, you are creating more than just a soft seating option—you are building a safe retreat where students can decompress, self-regulate, and return to learning in a calmer, more grounded state. Deep pressure input is a powerful tool for many autistic learners, and your understanding of its importance reflects both expertise and empathy.\r\n\r\nYour consideration of a teacher chair on wheels highlights your flexibility and student-centered approach. You are not confined to a desk or traditional teaching space. Instead, you move fluidly throughout the classroom, meeting students at their level—on the floor, at low tables, or wherever learning is happening. This mobility strengthens connection, encourages engagement, and allows you to provide immediate support, modeling, and reinforcement exactly when it is needed most. It is a simple tool with a profound impact on instructional presence and accessibility.\r\n\r\nThe shimmering sequin wall is a beautiful example of how sensory and academic learning can blend seamlessly. For your students, tactile and visual stimulation is not just enjoyable—it is meaningful exploration. The act of flipping sequins supports fine motor development, encourages cause-and-effect understanding, and provides a calming, repetitive motion that can reduce anxiety and increase focus. Transforming a plain wall into an interactive, sensory-rich experience demonstrates your ability to think creatively and purposefully about every inch of your learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhat stands out most is your holistic view of your students. You are not only planning lessons—you are designing experiences that honor regulation, communication, movement, sensory input, and emotional safety. You see your students as capable learners who deserve dignity, accessibility, and joy in their education.\r\n\r\nThank you for advocating so strongly for resources that bridge structured learning with sensory support. Your efforts ensure that your classroom is not only functional, but nurturing and responsive. Educators like you make an extraordinary difference in the lives of students and families every single day. Your work is a powerful reminder that when environments are thoughtfully designed and hearts are fully invested, every child can grow, connect, and shine in their own unique way.","fullyFundedDate":1773080629383,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-sanctuary-for-success-seating/10123293/","projectTitle":"Creating a Sanctuary for Success Seating for Sensory Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9939712,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity means more to my students and me than words can fully express. Because of your kindness, my students will have the opportunity to create personalized shirts, tote bags, and hats that allow them to communicate in ways that feel natural, meaningful, and exciting.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, communication looks different for every child. Many of my students are nonverbal or have significant speech and language delays, so expressing their thoughts and feelings can be very challenging. However, every day they work incredibly hard to find their voices. They communicate through gestures, pictures, communication devices, drawings, and brave attempts at words. Every effort is celebrated, and every attempt matters. Your support recognizes the importance of these efforts and gives my students tools that help their voices be seen and heard in new ways.\r\n\r\nThe materials you helped provide will transform learning into something hands-on and engaging. Instead of only practicing communication skills on paper, students will design items they can wear and carry with pride. A shirt might display a favorite color, hobby, or positive message that represents who they are. A tote bag might feature a symbol, picture, or vocabulary word they are learning in class. A hat might include images or designs that bring them joy and help express their personalities.\r\n\r\nThese projects are more than simple crafts. They become meaningful communication tools that allow students to express their thoughts, interests, and identities. When students proudly wear something they created themselves, it becomes a powerful confidence builder. It also opens the door for conversations with peers, teachers, and family members. Classmates may ask about the design on a shirt or the pictures on a bag, which encourages natural social interaction and communication.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, starting a conversation or expressing an idea can be difficult. Having something they designed themselves helps give them a starting point and makes communication feel more comfortable and exciting. These personalized items help turn creativity into connection, learning into pride, and effort into celebration.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, capable, and empowered. You are not just providing supplies—you are helping my students build confidence, independence, and meaningful ways to connect with others. These experiences will stay with them far beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my incredible students, thank you for believing in their abilities and supporting their growth. Your kindness is helping them share their voices, express their creativity, and show the world who they are. We are deeply grateful for your support and the opportunities you have made possible for our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1766439288263,"projectUrl":"project/wear-your-words/9939712/","projectTitle":"Wear Your Words","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":5267082,"projectId":9778854,"letterContent":"You Didn't Just Donate Materials — You Created Moments of Joy and Discovery\r\nWhen the boxes arrived in our classroom, my students were immediately curious and excited. For many of them, new materials are more than just supplies — they are opportunities to explore the world in ways that support how they learn best.\r\nAs a teacher in a 6:1:1 classroom serving students with autism and diverse learning needs, hands-on learning tools make an incredible difference. Many of my students learn through movement, touch, and visual exploration. Because of you, our classroom now has resources that truly meet them where they are.\r\nOne of the most memorable moments happened during our literacy centers when we introduced the fidget sight word games. My students were thrilled to learn that reading could feel like play. As they moved the pieces and searched for sight words, I watched students who usually struggle with focus remain engaged and proud as they recognized words they had been practicing.\r\nThe headphones have also become a daily essential in our classroom. Many of my students benefit from reduced noise and clear audio during digital learning activities. With these headphones, they can focus on reading and math programs independently while feeling calm and supported.\r\nNext, our students will continue observing their terrariums as part of an ongoing science investigation while connecting literacy and vocabulary to what they see growing. These experiences help turn abstract concepts into real understanding.\r\nYour generosity did more than fund a project — it opened doors for exploration, independence, and discovery for students who benefit deeply from hands-on learning.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our classroom.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Regina & Students","fullyFundedDate":1765817380126,"projectUrl":"project/lets-explore-problem-solve-and-grow-a/9778854/","projectTitle":"Let's explore, problem-solve, and grow as learners and individuals.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Regina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5267082_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759244536049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/victoria-regina2"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9927856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity means more than words can truly express. Because of you, my students have access to materials that help them learn, grow, and most importantly, communicate in ways that honor who they are.\r\n\r\nIn our Special Education classroom, every small step is a big victory. Many of my students are nonverbal or have significant speech and language delays. Expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas can be incredibly challenging. Your donation helps create opportunities for hands-on learning experiences that allow them to share their voices in ways that feel safe, meaningful, and empowering.\r\n\r\nWhen students are able to create something with their own hands—whether it is a personalized project, a visual support, or a communication tool—their confidence shines. They take pride in their work. They show it to friends. They bring it home to share with family members. These moments may seem small, but for my students, they are powerful milestones.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is not just a donation of supplies; it is an investment in independence, confidence, and connection. You are helping build a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable. Because of you, learning is more engaging, communication is more accessible, and smiles are even bigger.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and their families, thank you for believing in them. Thank you for giving them opportunities to succeed. And thank you for making a direct and lasting impact on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764605142659,"projectUrl":"project/press-create-communicate-helping-ever/9927856/","projectTitle":"Press, Create, Communicate: Helping Every Student Be Heard","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2192463_orig.jpg?crop=1194,1194,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771941317992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":1465245,"projectId":9365992,"letterContent":"My students and I can not thank you enough for help use to organize our classroom so that learn is organized for them. \r\n\r\nStudents no longer ask where to find a pencil or a math manipulative; they know exactly where those \"they can see them in the clear containers' and can manage getting them independently. The predictability of an organized space has lowered anxiety for many of our students, creating a calmer, more inviting atmosphere where they feel safe to take risks in their learning. Because transitions are smoother and materials are always ready, we have gained back valuable instructional minutes every single day.\r\n\r\nThis system does more than just keep the room tidy; it creates a culture of respect and responsibility. When we give every item a home, we teach our students that their tools and their learning are worthy of care and intentionality.\r\nThank you for supporting these efforts","fullyFundedDate":1755747032162,"projectUrl":"project/everything-needs-a-home/9365992/","projectTitle":"Everything Needs a Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manley-Ryder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465245_orig.jpg?crop=1029,1029,x36,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588117433706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-manley-ryder"},{"teacherId":9259619,"projectId":9473287,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your gracious donation to my classroom. Without your generosity, making my classroom safer and more accessible would not have been possible. Because of your support, my students are becoming much more comfortable unpacking and packing their instruments safely.\r\n\r\nWe have been discussing the importance of instrument longevity and how proper cases help preserve them. We talk about protecting our instruments so that students in younger grades will also have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the same instruments for many years to come.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely loved the cases and the ukulele dice block! One student shared that it's going to be so much fun playing the ukulele chord game. Students were eagerly challenging each other to play the chords that the dice block landed on. To say the least, my students truly enjoyed all of the materials.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so, so much for your generous donation and support of our classroom and our music program.","fullyFundedDate":1760693763354,"projectUrl":"project/protect-and-serve-in-our-music-class/9473287/","projectTitle":"Protect and Serve in Our Music Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Linda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9259619_orig.png?crop=799,799,x115,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694038242920","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9259619"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2024","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":42,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":64.9,"schoolId":2024,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS993 @ PS208 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS993 @ PS208","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/district-75-city-wide-programs/ps993-ps208/2024"}