Emmet Belknap Intermediate School in Lockport, New York on DonorsChoose

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When a device dies, that support disappears instantly — and so does valuable instructional time.\r\n\r\nBefore the charging stations, we were juggling outlets, rotating chargers, and sometimes pausing lessons because devices weren't powered. Now, students plug their devices into a central, organized station at the end of the day, and every morning we start fully charged and ready to learn. It has eliminated interruptions, reduced stress, and created a calmer start to our day.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is the independence. They love having a designated space where their device \"lives.\" It gives them responsibility and ownership. They take pride in plugging in their Chromebook properly, checking the charging lights, and making sure it's ready for tomorrow. What seems small to adults feels big to them.\r\n\r\nOne student who uses speech-to-text for writing used to become anxious if their battery was low. Now, they confidently begin writing projects without worrying whether their device will last through the lesson. Another student who struggles with organization has taken on the role of \"tech helper,\" ensuring devices are neatly placed in the charging station each afternoon — building leadership and responsibility skills along the way.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide a charging station. It protected instructional time, increased student independence, and ensured equitable access to learning tools every single day. Our classroom is more organized, more efficient, and more empowered because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1772055759089,"projectUrl":"project/powering-success/10098526/","projectTitle":"Powering Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Churik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10412548_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771072865982","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10412548"},{"teacherId":10412548,"projectId":10041299,"letterContent":"When our materials arrived, it honestly felt like a party! My students immediately noticed the difference. One student quietly said, \"This is so cool!!\" That moment meant everything.\r\nWe've been using the flexible seating options every single day. The Safco Zenergy ball chairs and floor rockers have become go-to spots during independent reading and small-group math. Students who previously struggled to stay seated for more than a few minutes are now able to regulate their bodies while staying engaged in instruction. The wiggle cushions and chair bands have been especially helpful during longer lessons — instead of getting up or shutting down, students are able to move safely and stay focused.\r\nThe headphones have made a huge difference during independent work and Chromebook time. For some of my students, reducing noise helps lower anxiety and increases productivity. I've already seen students complete assignments they previously would have avoided.\r\nThe snacks have been just as impactful. In a 15:1+ classroom, emotional regulation is closely tied to basic needs. Having snack options available has helped students feel cared for and safe. I've seen fewer mid-morning breakdowns and more consistent focus because students aren't trying to learn while hungry.\r\nOne specific moment that stands out happened during the independent fluency math block. A student who typically refuses to participate chose a floor rocker, put on headphones, had a quick snack, and completed an entire page independently. When he finished, he smiled and said, \"I did it.\" That was a powerful reminder of how the environment matters.\r\nNext steps is incorporating more project-based learning activities, where students will rotate through flexible seating spaces while collaborating and practicing executive functioning skills.\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide materials — it helped create a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment for students who truly need it. You are part of every small win, every regulated moment, and every bit of growth happening in our classroom. 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About this school

Emmet Belknap Intermediate School is a town public school in Lockport, New York that is part of Lockport City School District. It serves 570 students in grades 5 - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.2:1. Its teachers have had 9 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 5 - 6

570 Students

51 Teachers

491 High St

Lockport, NY 14094 View local requests

http://www.lockportschools.org

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Emmet Belknap Intermediate School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Emmet Belknap Intermediate School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Emmet Belknap Intermediate School Demographics

78%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

21%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Emmet Belknap Intermediate School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Mar 19, 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.