{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"W.T. Clarke Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":15.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10085380,"projectId":9930356,"letterContent":"Thank You for Bringing Movement, Joy, and Confidence to Our Students\r\nBecause of your generosity, our physical education space has been transformed into a place of movement, confidence, and joyful connection for my amazing group of autistic, non-verbal students in grades 6–12.\r\nWhen the new equipment arrived, the excitement was immediate and heartfelt. Several students rushed toward the boxes with huge smiles, and lots of questions as to what could be in the boxes. \r\nOne student who typically observes from the sidelines independently walked over, touched the basketball hoop, and used his AAC device to say, \"My turn.\" It was a powerful moment that brought tears to our eyes. Your gift didn't just deliver equipment—it opened doors.\r\nWe are now using the adjustable basketball hoop during structured skill stations. Because we can lower or raise it to meet each student's needs, every child experience success. Some students shoot from their wheelchairs. Others stand close to the hoop and practice two-handed tosses. We've incorporated turn-taking routines where students request \"ball,\" \"shoot,\" or \"again\" using their AAC devices. What might look like a simple basket is actually a lesson in communication, motor planning, strength-building, and social connection.\r\nThe trampoline has quickly become one of our most powerful regulation tools. Before group activities, students take structured turns bouncing while we count together. The rhythmic movement helps calm their bodies, improve focus, and prepares them to participate. One student who often struggles with transitions now asks for \"jump\" before starting class—and after a few minutes of bouncing, he is ready to engage with peers. The difference in regulation and readiness has been incredible.\r\nThe spinning chair has also made a tremendous impact. For many autistic students, vestibular input is essential for feeling safe and balanced. We use the chair as a movement break between activities or as a calming strategy after high-energy play. I've watched students who were overwhelmed return to a calm, regulated state after a short, supported spin session. They rejoin class smiling, centered, and ready to learn. That sense of control over their own bodies is invaluable.\r\nTogether, these resources have created a flexible, sensory-friendly environment where every student can access movement at their own pace—with dignity and confidence. Physical education in our classroom is not just about sports. It is communication. It is emotional regulation. It is strength. It is independence. It is joy.\r\nNext, we are building a structured movement circuit that combines shooting, bouncing, and sensory regulation stations. Students will rotate through each station, practicing requesting turns, waiting, encouraging peers, and celebrating accomplishments. We are also working on tracking personal goals—like increasing the number of successful shots or building endurance on the trampoline—to help students see and celebrate their growth.\r\nYour generosity has given my students more than equipment. You have given them opportunities to communicate, to regulate, to connect, and to feel successful. You have helped create a space where movement becomes a voice.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for making our classroom a place where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1764440633746,"projectUrl":"project/movement-confidence-and-calm-inclusiv/9930356/","projectTitle":"Movement, Confidence, and Calm: Inclusive PE for Autistic Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaVacca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085380"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_23660","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":649,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":25,"percentAsian":30,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":37,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.6,"schoolId":23660,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about W.T. Clarke Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"W.T. Clarke Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/east-meadow-union-free-school-district/w-t-clarke-middle-school/23660"}
Join the 13 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
W.T. Clarke Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Westbury, New York that is part of East Meadow Union Free School District.
It serves 649 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.0:1.
Its teachers have had 2 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
649 Students
50 Teachers
740 Edgewood DrContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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: the National Center for Education Statistics
60%
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.
W.T. Clarke Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 27, 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.
W.T. Clarke Middle School
$777
raised using DonorsChoose
2
projects
funded
2
teachers
funded
13
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
W.T. Clarke Middle School has received support from
11 individuals from New York and
2 individuals out-of-state.