{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School","outOfStateSupporters":17.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2681077,"projectId":9175449,"letterContent":"As a music teacher, I can't overstate how grateful I am for new equipment like a fresh timpani head, quality reeds, and a new bongo. These aren't just \"supplies\" — they're the tools that make real musical growth possible.\r\nA new timpani head is transformative. The clarity of pitch, the resonance, the way the drum finally sings instead of sounding dull or uneven — it changes how students hear and understand tone. Suddenly, tuning becomes accurate. Rolls become smooth and controlled. The instrument responds the way it's supposed to, and students gain confidence because their effort produces beautiful sound.\r\nFresh reeds are just as meaningful. Any band director knows the struggle of students trying to play on worn, chipped, or inconsistent reeds. A good reed gives immediate response, stable intonation, and a centered tone. When a student can articulate cleanly and sustain a note without fighting the instrument, it removes frustration and replaces it with motivation. That small piece of cane can be the difference between discouragement and discovery.\r\nAnd a new bongo — that's pure joy. Hand drums invite rhythm, movement, and creativity. A tight, responsive head with rich tone makes rhythm come alive in the classroom. It encourages participation, builds ensemble skills, and gives students a physical connection to music that's energizing and inclusive.\r\nI'm deeply grateful because these items don't just improve sound — they improve learning. They show students that their music program matters. They communicate care, investment, and belief in their potential. And as a teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than watching students light up when their instruments finally give them the sound they've been striving for.","fullyFundedDate":1746786918490,"projectUrl":"project/reeds-timpani-head-and-bongos/9175449/","projectTitle":"Reeds, Timpani Head, and Bongos!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luft","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2681077_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699110069655","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marktwainwinds"},{"teacherId":9986854,"projectId":9216819,"letterContent":"The iPad kiosks you helped out library procure have made a huge difference in how students have been able to access the school library's book collection. Before the iPad kiosks, students were unable to access the book catalog on their own since the library did not have computers that could support the catalog website. Students can now look up books they are interested in, put books on hold, and explore the library's collection with more purpose rather than simply browsing the shelves or having to go through the previous librarian. \r\n\r\nSince school started this year and the students have had access to all three kiosks during their library visits, there has been an enormous uptick in books being circulated or put on hold. We have already doubled the number of books put on hold from last year which means that students are finding books that they are excited to read more easily. Additionally in the two months that school has been back in session, over 2,000 books have been circulated. Last year, the grand total was 4,251. If the momentum keeps up, we are on track to quadruple the number of books circulated!\r\n\r\nWhile there are many factors contributing to the increase in book circulations this year, the ease of access that the iPad kiosks provide the students is a big contributor. Thank you so much for being part of this success story with your donations,","fullyFundedDate":1743350672073,"projectUrl":"project/mark-twain-reads-with-library-catalog-a/9216819/","projectTitle":"Mark Twain Reads! with Library Catalog Access","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9986854_orig.jpg?crop=534,534,x111,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743348484618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986854"},{"teacherId":2681077,"projectId":9325049,"letterContent":"I want to extend our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your kind and generous donation that made it possible for us to purchase new music folders. While a folder may seem like a simple item to some, to us it represents organization, pride, unity, and progress—and your support has made a meaningful difference in our everyday lives as student musicians.\r\n\r\nThere's a special feeling that comes from being handed something new—something that was given because someone out there believes in you. These folders are more than just paper holders. They are a symbol of your belief in music education and in the potential of young people like us. Every time we walk into rehearsal and see our matching folders lined up, we feel more connected—not just to each other, but to a larger community that supports the arts and values what we do.","fullyFundedDate":1747940495820,"projectUrl":"project/folders-for-us/9325049/","projectTitle":"Folders For Us!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luft","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2681077_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699110069655","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marktwainwinds"},{"teacherId":2681077,"projectId":9159068,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire music program, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation that made the purchase of our new euphonium possible. Your support means more than words can fully express—it is an investment not only in an instrument but in the growth, creativity, and potential of every student who will have the opportunity to play it. With your help, we've added a beautiful, high-quality euphonium to our collection, enhancing both our ensemble's sound and our students' musical experience.\r\n\r\nThis new euphonium has already made a remarkable impact. Students who previously had limited access to quality instruments can now practice and perform on a professional-level euphonium, improving their skills and confidence. It's inspiring to see their excitement and dedication grow each day as they rehearse with this incredible gift. The improvement in tone and technique has elevated our performances and brought a new richness to our brass section.","fullyFundedDate":1741974085767,"projectUrl":"project/a-euphonium-grows-in-brooklyn/9159068/","projectTitle":"A Euphonium Grows in Brooklyn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luft","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2681077_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699110069655","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marktwainwinds"},{"teacherId":2681077,"projectId":8273138,"letterContent":"The fight for quality music education in our schools is an ongoing one. It is a fight against bureaucracy, against politics, against indifference, and against the narrow dogma offered up by too many of our leaders regarding education policy.\r\n\r\nYet, despite all that, over the past month I have been filled with hope. All of you have demonstrated your tremendous heart, generosity, and wisdom by investing in my students. I promise you - they won't let you down. They really are musical kids who LOVE to perform. Your donation will help our music program to continue and to thrive.\r\n\r\nIt has been so FUN to see so many people from different corners of my life coming together for this cause, and it has been so AMAZING to receive such compassion from people who I will never meet.\r\n\r\nPlease remember, even though the world has its problems, the world also has YOU! And you're the kind of person who makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1710766312757,"projectUrl":"project/reeds-reeds-and-more-reeds/8273138/","projectTitle":"Reeds, Reeds, and More Reeds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luft","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2681077_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699110069655","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marktwainwinds"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_724","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1296,"numTeachers":67,"percentFrplEligible":48,"percentAsian":33,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":37,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":82.2,"schoolId":724,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/is-239-mark-twain/724"}
Join the 422 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School is
an urban public school
in Brooklyn, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 1,296 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.3:1.
Its teachers have had 42 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
1,296 Students
67 Teachers
2401 Neptune AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School Demographics
48%
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
55%
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.
Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 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.
Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School
$72,817
raised using DonorsChoose
42
projects
funded
13
teachers
funded
422
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
8
projects for
technology
2
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Intermediate School 239 Mark Twain Gifted School has received support from
347 individuals from New York and
75 individuals out-of-state.
