{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 281 Joseph B Cavallaro","outOfStateSupporters":20.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6948094,"projectId":7729486,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our new Apple iMac is already making a meaningful difference in our classroom. From the moment it was set up, students were excited and eager to learn using this powerful new tool. It has quickly become a central part of our daily instruction, allowing lessons to be more interactive, engaging, and accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nStudents are now able to research, write, and create digital projects with greater independence and confidence. The iMac has also allowed for more effective small-group instruction and individualized support, helping me meet each student exactly where they are. Many of my students do not have access to this level of technology at home, so having it in the classroom has helped bridge that gap and ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, I've already seen a boost in student motivation and collaboration. Students are taking more ownership of their learning, working together, and proudly sharing their work with their peers. What was once a barrier has now become an opportunity.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in their potential. Your support has not just provided a device, it has opened doors for creativity, confidence, and future success.","fullyFundedDate":1693535530806,"projectUrl":"project/an-apple-imac-a-day-keeps-the-students/7729486/","projectTitle":"An Apple (iMac) a Day Keeps the Students Engaged","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gaita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6948094_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616716556203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gaita"},{"teacherId":6948094,"projectId":7033566,"letterContent":"This project transformed my classroom into a space where students didn't just learn about engineering—they became engineers. Through hands-on experience with 3D printing, students applied science and math to design, test, and create real-world solutions, mirroring how engineers solve problems in everyday life.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this was their first meaningful exposure to advanced technology. They moved from being passive learners to active creators, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and design skills that are essential in today's STEM-driven world. Students who once struggled with engagement became deeply invested as they saw their ideas come to life layer by layer.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project helped close the opportunity gap. Students who may not have access to technology at home were able to explore cutting-edge tools in school, building confidence and a sense of belonging in fields like engineering and technology. They learned perseverance through trial and error, collaboration through shared design challenges, and pride in producing tangible, high-quality work.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this experience expanded their vision of what is possible. It showed them that they are capable of creating, innovating, and contributing to the future, not just consuming it.","fullyFundedDate":1669781253243,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-meets-3d-printing/7033566/","projectTitle":"Engineering Meets 3D Printing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gaita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6948094_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616716556203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gaita"},{"teacherId":6948094,"projectId":5842238,"letterContent":"This project empowered my 7th grade students to become creators, leaders, and collaborators in their own learning. With access to cameras and digital tools, they were able to produce documentary-style videos that explained key concepts and reviewed unit content in ways that were engaging and accessible for their peers. This not only strengthened their understanding, but also gave them a meaningful voice in the classroom. Students who once faced barriers to technology were now actively using it to express their ideas, showcase their creativity, and support one another. Through this process, they built confidence, improved communication skills, and developed a deeper sense of ownership over their education. Most importantly, they proved that when given the right tools and opportunities, they can rise above challenges and thrive in any learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1637081505392,"projectUrl":"project/students-to-the-stage-quiet-on-set-act/5842238/","projectTitle":"Students to the Stage. Quiet on Set! Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gaita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6948094_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616716556203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gaita"},{"teacherId":9742744,"projectId":9554505,"letterContent":"Thanks to the new bulletin board materials, my students were able to take part in a schoolwide door decorating contest, and it quickly became one of the most exciting community-building moments in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe used the materials to design and decorate our classroom door based on a TV show the students love. From borders and letters to colorful paper and visuals, the materials gave students the freedom to plan, create, and problem-solve together. What stood out most was how collaborative the process became—students volunteered their lunch periods to brainstorm ideas, sort through materials, cut, design, and put everything together as a team. It was completely student-led, and they were genuinely excited to spend extra time in the classroom creating something they felt proud of.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions were immediate—smiles, excitement, and lots of \"Can we use this?\" and \"This is perfect for our idea!\" They loved having access to high-quality supplies and felt trusted to use them creatively. Many of my students thrive when given hands-on opportunities, and these materials allowed them to express themselves in ways that go beyond traditional classwork.\r\n\r\nNext, we're building on this momentum by connecting creativity to our current lessons. Students are reflecting on teamwork, planning, and communication, and we'll be using the bulletin board materials again for future projects tied to reading and writing—such as visual summaries, character boards, and student-created displays. These resources are not just decorations; they've become tools that help students feel engaged, confident, and excited to be part of our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students materials that helped turn our classroom into a space they truly feel ownership over.","fullyFundedDate":1758898791777,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-space-for-back-to-s/9554505/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming Space for Back-to-School!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mastrianni","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9742744"},{"teacherId":10034736,"projectId":9519948,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing this iPad to life in our classroom! Your generosity has already made a meaningful impact. With this new device, I can move freely around the room, check in with students more intentionally, and model math thinking right next to them instead of being tied to my Smartboard.\r\n\r\nMy students are especially excited about the interactive features—we've been able to annotate notes, capture student work in real time, and boost engagement during collaborative activities. This tool has made our lessons more dynamic and has truly supported the needs of our diverse learners.\r\n\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created more opportunities for my students to feel seen, supported, and successful. 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Join the 53 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Intermediate School 281 Joseph B Cavallaro is
an urban public school
in Brooklyn, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 1,196 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.4:1.
Its teachers have had 22 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
1,196 Students
83 Teachers
8787 24th AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Intermediate School 281 Joseph B Cavallaro Demographics
87%
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
72%
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 281 Joseph B Cavallaro Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 23, 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 281 Joseph B Cavallaro
$17,790
raised using DonorsChoose
22
projects
funded
10
teachers
funded
53
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
13
projects for
technology
3
projects
for
art supplies
Intermediate School 281 Joseph B Cavallaro has received support from
42 individuals from New York and
11 individuals out-of-state.
