{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS993 @ PS208","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":4874746,"projectId":9721365,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to help support my classroom with the tumbling mat. We use this mat in many different ways in our classroom. We like to use during quiet work to relax so we don't have to sit it on the floor. We also use it as a table divider to separate two groups in the classroom. We also use the mat in the sensory area of our classroom. \r\n\r\nIt is a great help for my students for many reasons. The students were very excited to see that others wanted to help support our classroom. It's a great resource to help my students in many ways.","fullyFundedDate":1758899174968,"projectUrl":"project/a-mat-for-calm-safety-and-support/9721365/","projectTitle":"A Mat for Calm, Safety, and Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4874746_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507681752674","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4874746"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9663670,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom and funding my project \"Snack Store Helps Students with Autism Learn Many Skills.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students and has helped create learning opportunities that are practical. Because of you, my students are gaining access to hands-on tools and resources that support their growth, independence, and confidence.\r\nOne of our most important classroom goals is building financial literacy. Understanding money is a critical life skill, yet it can be especially challenging for students with autism and communication delays. My students are working hard to identify coins and bills, count money, add values together, and understand how money is exchanged for goods. These concepts take time, repetition, and concrete experiences to master. Your donation is allowing us to provide meaningful, hands-on practice that brings these lessons to life. Your support has helped the students receive the tools they need to succeed.\r\nTo make learning about money more engaging and realistic, we created a classroom store where students can purchase snacks. This experience allows them to practice using money in a real-world context rather than through worksheets alone. Students learn to make choices, wait their turn, hand over the correct amount of money, and receive an item in return. These moments help connect abstract concepts to everyday life and build confidence through successful interactions. It is so amazing to see how excited and proud the children are when they can handle money and buy their own snack. The sensory friendly snacks are great for my students! More importantly, the snacks help students stay energized, regulated, and ready to learn throughout the school day.\r\nThe money manipulatives are very effective. These hands-on tools allow students to physically touch, sort, and count coins and bills, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable. Repeated practice with manipulatives helps students develop skills such as matching, counting, adding, and problem-solving. Over time, these skills will build toward greater independence when interacting with money in real-life situations.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for supporting learners who need a little extra help to shine. Your kindness is helping them develop essential life skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom walls. My students and I are deeply grateful for your support and for the positive impact you have made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758804085864,"projectUrl":"project/snack-store-helps-students-with-autism-l/9663670/","projectTitle":"Snack Store Helps Students With Autism Learn Money Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2192463_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474128502547","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9502274,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support of my classroom. Your kindness has made a powerful and lasting impact on my students and on our learning environment. Because of you, my classroom now has the tools needed to create meaningful, individualized, and visually rich learning experiences that truly meet my students where they are.\r\n\r\nI teach in a self-contained autism program, where my students are incredible learners with bright spirits, curiosity, and a strong desire to engage with the world around them. While they experience significant challenges with speech, language, and cognitive delays, they show tremendous growth when provided with the right supports. Visuals, hands-on materials, and consistent routines are not optional for my students; they are essential for learning, communication, and emotional regulation. Your support allows me to provide these critical resources every single day.\r\n\r\nClear, colorful visuals play a vital role in helping my students understand expectations and navigate their daily routines. Visual schedules, transition cues, reinforcement boards, and social stories help reduce anxiety, promote independence, and support positive behavior. Having a color printer with reliable ink in our classroom means I can create these materials immediately and customize them to meet individual student needs. Instead of waiting or reusing worn materials, I can respond in real time to what my students need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe addition of a laminating machine has been truly transformative. Many of my students have sensory needs that lead them to chew, tear, or crumple paper materials. Laminating visuals and activities makes them durable, reusable, and more engaging for students who benefit from tactile input. Laminated materials also allow for flexibility and repeated practice. Students can use dry-erase markers to trace letters, solve math problems, match pictures, and practice life skills again and again without fear of ruining materials. This repetition is key to building mastery and confidence.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I am able to create high-quality, individualized lessons across academic and functional areas. In reading, students use visual supports to build comprehension, vocabulary, and early literacy skills. In writing, they practice fine motor skills, letter formation, and communication using adapted and visually supported activities. In math, visuals help students understand number concepts, counting, matching, and problem-solving in concrete and meaningful ways. These tools also support social and communication growth by helping students understand emotions, routines, and appropriate behaviors through personalized social stories.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has helped foster independence and confidence in my students. When students know what to expect, have access to clear visuals, and can interact successfully with their materials, they experience pride in their accomplishments. Tasks that once felt overwhelming become manageable. Small successes, such as completing a schedule independently or following a visual direction, become powerful moments of growth that build toward greater independence over time.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also supports a positive and organized classroom environment. Consistent visuals and durable materials allow for smoother transitions, increased engagement, and more time spent learning rather than managing behavior. This structure benefits not only students but also support staff, allowing them to work more effectively with students one-on-one or in small groups.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your contribution goes far beyond supplies. You have invested in my students' confidence, communication, and ability to access learning in ways that make sense to them. Every laminated visual, every color-coded schedule, and every adapted worksheet represents your belief in my students and their potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to support my classroom and for recognizing the importance of individualized, visually supported education. Your kindness helps create a learning environment where my students feel safe, capable, and excited to learn. My students and I are deeply grateful for your generosity and for the meaningful difference you have made in our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1758800832981,"projectUrl":"project/bright-visual-supports-for-growing-minds/9502274/","projectTitle":"Bright Visual Supports for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2192463_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474128502547","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9448104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my classroom project, \"Enhancing Visual Learning on iPads.\" Because of you, my students now have access to updated technology and tools that support communication, independence, and meaningful learning.\r\nMany of my students are nonverbal and have significant speech, language, and cognitive delays. They do not learn traditionally and rely heavily on visual supports, adapted materials, and teacher modeling to process language and express themselves. Creating an innovative and responsive learning environment is essential for their success.\r\nThe iPads that you so kindly funded through this project are greatly enhancing the communication and social development of my students. I have observed that the iPads that we now have in the class are helping the children remain on task longer, retain information, and experience a strong sense of accomplishment. With the updated technology, I can incorporate real-life images, expanded vocabulary, and personalized social stories into daily differentiated lessons to support socially appropriate behaviors.\r\nAdditionally, the walkie-talkies help our classroom stay connected with other teachers and classes, improving communication and safety throughout the school day. The children enjoy using the walkie-talkies to talk to some of their friends who are in other classes. The children earn time to use them at designed PBIS periods during the week.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in tools that empower them to learn, communicate, and succeed. My students and I are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758804086205,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-visual-learning-on-ipads/9448104/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Visual Learning on iPads","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2192463_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474128502547","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":5205501,"projectId":9607876,"letterContent":"My students with special needs love using the 3D pens to create their art projects! We used templates for them to create snowflake shapes and they loved this addition to other snowflake themed art projects they created.\r\nThe students have also been practicing using the pens to create unique and individualized name plates. Troubleshooting how to connect the letters in their names to create a cohesive piece has been a challenge they have enjoyed pursuing.\r\nMost of my students are on the autism spectrum and many have real challenges with motor planning and small motor activities, and these pens are a creative and fun way for them to work on these skills while using them to make art. Thank you so much for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1758899237216,"projectUrl":"project/steam-students-need-3d-printing-experien/9607876/","projectTitle":"STEAM Students Need 3D Printing Experience!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baltimore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5205501"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9401922,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of my classroom project through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, my students and I are able to learn in an environment that is structured, engaging, and designed to meet their individual needs. Your belief in my students and in the importance of specialized education has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom.\r\nWith your support, I am able to implement TEACCH Work Stations in my classroom. These workstations provide clear structure, repetition, and predictable routines that help students understand expectations and work more independently. Through daily practice, students build confidence, increase focus, and develop important academic, social, and functional skills.\r\nThe materials funded through this project, including visual schedules, file systems, center-based activities, bulletin board displays, calendars, and hands-on learning tools, help clearly define each Work Station and create a consistent learning environment. These resources allow for individualized instruction and support students as they practice skills at their own pace. They also enable support staff to work effectively with students one-on-one or in small groups, ensuring each child receives personalized attention.\r\nMost importantly, your generosity directly impacts my students' everyday experiences. Because of you, they enter a classroom that feels organized, welcoming, and purposeful. They experience success as they complete tasks independently, pride as they master new skills, and comfort knowing what to expect throughout their day. These achievements may seem small, but they represent significant milestones for students with complex learning needs.\r\nThank you for choosing to support my classroom and for investing in students who benefit so greatly from structured, individualized education. Your donation is helping to create meaningful learning experiences that support my students' growth, independence, and confidence. My students and I are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1758804085304,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-our-new-classroom-with-indepe/9401922/","projectTitle":"Setting Up Our New Classroom With Independent Teach Works Stations!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2192463_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474128502547","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"},{"teacherId":2526539,"projectId":9511688,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity is truly making a difference for my students with significant learning needs. With the laminating sheets and Velcro you helped provide, we are now able to create durable, hands-on visual schedules and learning materials that my students rely on every single day.\r\n\r\nThese materials allow me to make individualized picture schedules, task cards, and communication supports that withstand constant handling. Many of my students depend on visual structure to understand routines, reduce anxiety, and build independence. Because the schedules are laminated and reinforced with Velcro, students can move pieces on their own, practice sequencing steps, and take ownership of their daily activities.\r\n\r\nThe backing paper and borders you helped fund have also made a meaningful difference. They allowed me to create a neutral, calm classroom environment that reduces visual distractions and helps students stay focused. A soothing and organized space is essential for my learners, and these simple materials go a long way in supporting their emotional regulation and engagement.\r\n\r\nIn addition, using the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to purchase highly engaging activities that help my students practice the skill of fulfilling an order. This is not only an important functional life skill, but it also directly prepares them for working in our classroom's school store. The activities give students hands-on opportunities to read an order, gather items, and complete a task from start to finish—building confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nWhat might seem like simple supplies and resources actually gives my students access to the tools they need to thrive. You are helping them stay engaged, feel successful, and develop life skills that will support them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth. We are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758899146028,"projectUrl":"project/real-life-begins-here/9511688/","projectTitle":"Real Life Begins Here","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2526539_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1476985160555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2526539"},{"teacherId":9259619,"projectId":9309296,"letterContent":"The recent addition of new resources to my classroom has significantly transformed the way my students engage with music. We have begun to practice as a full ensemble, which has been an exhilarating experience for everyone involved. Many of my students haven't experienced performing alongside their peers. The glockenspiels have become a focal point of our music classes, this allows my students to explore the joy of making music together. The excitement in the room is unmatched as they discover the unique sounds they can create when playing in unison. Additionally, we have introduced the small Zippy piano into our activities, which has captured the hearts of my elementary students. The moment they laid eyes on this miniature grand-style piano, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. It was as if they could envision themselves as professional pianists, sitting at the keys, creating beautiful melodies for their audience. This new resource has not only enhanced their musical experience but has also ignited a deeper passion for music, opening up a world of possibilities for their creativity. To further celebrate this newfound enthusiasm, I am planning a small piano recital, where students can showcase their skills and share their love for music with their peers. This has allowed me to open my classroom doors to the parents of my elementary students to showcase their immense talents and give students the opportunity to spread music to their families and friends. \r\n\r\nIn the process of implementing these new resources, I faced some challenges, particularly with the replacement of certain items in my original order. However, I took this opportunity to select instruments that would foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among my students. One of the key additions was the request for ukulele cases, which serve a dual purpose. Not only do these cases protect the instruments, but they also instill a sense of accountability in the students. Previously, I encouraged them to handle the instruments with care, but the absence of cases made it difficult for them to do so effectively especially when packing and unpacking their instruments. With the generous donation that made this possible, my students now have the freedom to pack and unpack their instruments with ease, knowing they are taking steps to protect their musical instruments. This responsibility is crucial in helping them develop a deeper connection to their instruments and a greater appreciation for the music they create.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward with our current classroom projects, the impact of these new resources continues to resonate within our learning environment. The students are not only excited about the instruments but are also eager to explore various musical concepts and techniques. Our upcoming lessons will focus on collaborative compositions, where students will work together to perform pieces together on the glockenspiels and also choose a piece of music to perform solo on our new Zippy piano in preparation for our piano recital. This collaborative approach encourages teamwork and creativity, allowing students to express themselves while learning from one another. The support from our donors has been instrumental in making these experiences possible, and I am confident that they would be thrilled with the outcome they produce, especially with the addition of the gracious donation that way given to my classroom. Without donors like you we would not have been able to have this opportunity for collaboration and independence in my classroom. Thank you again for your donation to my classroom!!!!","fullyFundedDate":1752586549885,"projectUrl":"project/music-makes-the-world/9309296/","projectTitle":"Music Makes the World","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"},{"teacherId":5132609,"projectId":9701410,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to my classroom project on DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, we were able to purchase the velcro strips and laminate sheets that will make a significant impact on our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese materials are not just simple classroom supplies—they are tools that help us build a more organized, engaging, and interactive learning space. The velcro, for example, allows us to create flexible bulletin boards and displays that can be updated easily to support student learning. Whether it's for visual aids, student work, or classroom schedules, these velcro strips have given us the ability to adapt our learning space quickly to meet the needs of our students.\r\n\r\nThe laminate sheets are equally important, as they allow us to preserve and reuse resources such as flashcards, word walls, and other classroom materials. This durability ensures that our learning tools remain in top condition, even with heavy use throughout the year, and saves us both time and money by reducing the need for constant replacements.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has empowered us to create a more dynamic and student-centered classroom. I have already seen the impact in the way students are engaging with the materials and how much more organized our classroom has become. It has allowed us to create a learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to participate in new and creative ways.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, I want to extend a huge thank you for your generosity. Your support means so much to us, and we are grateful for your belief in the power of education. You are truly making a difference in the lives of our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1758899032494,"projectUrl":"project/learning-that-sticks/9701410/","projectTitle":"Learning That Sticks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Samantha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5132609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1644529455242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5132609"},{"teacherId":10035414,"projectId":9354763,"letterContent":"The iPad that was graciously funded has been an integral part of my therapy these past few months. I have been able to acquire 3 communication applications on it, which allows me to model longer sentences for them to imitate and learn on their own communication devices. \r\nThey have also enjoyed having two screens, so that one can be used to display materials while they still have access to their applications. \r\nLastly, having a tablet makes me more mobile, to provide access to communication across the school environment; as communication happens everywhere! \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1747528896964,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-appy-with-ipad-to-mod/9354763/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students \"APPY\" with iPad to Model AAC Apps!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10035414"},{"teacherId":2192463,"projectId":9426139,"letterContent":"When the new materials arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement. They immediately wanted to open everything and start exploring. The bright, colorful money manipulatives and hands-on games captured their attention right away. For many of my students, learning can be challenging due to their speech, language, and cognitive delays, but when learning is interactive and sensory-based, it opens up a whole new world for them. Seeing their faces light up as they handled the new coins and began matching and sorting them was one of those moments that remind me why I love teaching.\r\n\r\nOur new \"Classroom Store\" has quickly become one of the most engaging parts of our school day. Each morning, the students practice identifying and counting coins as part of their math routine. They earn play money by completing classroom jobs, following directions, and engaging in their lessons. Then, during \"store time,\" they get to use their coins to purchase snacks that meet their sensory preferences. Many of my students are very selective eaters due to sensory sensitivities, so having snacks that accommodate their individual needs keeps them focused and happy throughout the day. It's incredible to see how motivated they've become to learn about money because it's tied to something that feels rewarding and meaningful to them.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments so far was when one of my students, who typically struggles with attention and fine motor skills, proudly counted out his coins independently and handed them to me to \"buy\" his favorite snack. He had the biggest smile on his face and clapped his hands when I told him he got the amount exactly right. It may seem like a small thing, but for him, it was huge—a real moment of independence and success. Watching that kind of growth and pride in my students is what makes every effort worthwhile.\r\n\r\nThe manipulatives and games have made it possible for my students to understand abstract concepts like coin value and addition in a way that makes sense to them. They are tactile learners—touching, moving, and seeing the coins helps them make those important connections. The games have also encouraged social interactions and turn-taking, which can be difficult for my students with autism. During our \"store\" lessons, I often see them waiting patiently for their turn or helping a classmate count coins. These are such important social and emotional skills that go beyond academics.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new snacks and realized they could \"buy\" them, they were thrilled. Many of them have limited diets, so having familiar, sensory-friendly snacks available has made our mornings so much smoother. Instead of feeling hungry or distracted, they are energized and ready to learn. This project has not only supported their financial literacy goals—it has also improved their focus, attention, and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to expand the project by introducing paper bills and simple budgeting lessons. I want my students to begin thinking about saving and making choices about what they can afford to buy. These lessons are helping them build real-life skills that will serve them well beyond our classroom. My hope is that one day they will be able to use these skills in the community, like going to a store or café and buying something independently.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful to everyone who made this project possible. As a Special Education teacher, I see every day how much a small change can make a big difference. These materials have given my students the chance to learn important life skills in a way that feels fun, empowering, and achievable. Thank you for helping me create a classroom environment where my students can thrive, grow, and experience the joy of learning. Your generosity has truly touched our hearts and made a lasting impact on their education and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1755522450076,"projectUrl":"project/improving-financial-literacy-by-using-mo/9426139/","projectTitle":"Improving Financial Literacy by Using Money to Buy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leah Dworkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2192463_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474128502547","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leahdworkis"}],"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","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"}