{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Intermediate School 72 Rocco Laurie","outOfStateSupporters":33.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10430685,"projectId":10233903,"letterContent":"Thank you to the donors who chose to support my classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity helped me purchase the I Survived series, the Crossover series, and the Who Was? series for my 6th-grade students. These books will have a lasting impact by encouraging a love of reading, building literacy skills, and helping students connect with history, sports, and inspiring real-life stories. Because of your support, my students will have access to engaging books that spark curiosity, strengthen comprehension, and foster a lifelong appreciation for learning. I am truly grateful for your investment in my classroom and students' success","fullyFundedDate":1778031890323,"projectUrl":"project/read-to-succeed/10233903/","projectTitle":"Read to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10430685_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777583549603","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10430685"},{"teacherId":4508586,"projectId":10166401,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a tremendous impact on our classroom, and these new fantasy books have quickly become some of the most exciting and meaningful resources for my students. Because of your support, students now have access to engaging, high-interest series that spark imagination, encourage discussion, and help build a genuine love of reading.\r\n\r\nMiddle school students often connect deeply with fantasy literature because these stories allow them to escape into imaginative worlds while still exploring important real-life themes such as courage, friendship, perseverance, identity, trust, and resilience. These books have created excitement around reading in a way that is truly special to witness. Students who were previously reluctant readers are now asking for time to continue reading, discussing characters with classmates, and eagerly waiting to see what happens next in the series.\r\n\r\nThe impact has extended far beyond enjoyment. These texts are helping students strengthen essential literacy and critical thinking skills every day. Students are practicing inference, analyzing character development, identifying themes, tracking plot structure, and supporting their thinking with textual evidence. Fantasy stories naturally encourage readers to think deeply because students must pay attention to clues, conflicts, relationships, symbolism, and world-building details. Many students who previously struggled with comprehension are becoming more confident because they are motivated and invested in the stories.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is highly interactive and discussion-based. Students annotate passages, participate in partner and small-group conversations, respond to writing prompts, and make meaningful connections between the books and their own experiences. These books have helped create authentic conversations about empathy, choices, leadership, and overcoming obstacles. Students are not simply completing assignments — they are truly engaging with literature and thinking critically about what they read.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of this project has been watching students who are typically quiet or hesitant become active participants during discussions because they feel connected to the books. Some students have even started recommending books to one another, reading independently at home, and sharing their excitement with friends outside of class. Creating enthusiastic readers is one of the greatest goals for any ELA teacher, and your support has helped make that possible.\r\n\r\nThese books have also strengthened our classroom community. Shared reading experiences bring students together, and these fantasy series have created moments of excitement, curiosity, laughter, and reflection throughout the school day. In a time when many students are surrounded by constant digital distractions, it is incredibly meaningful to see them fully immersed in reading and engaged in thoughtful conversations with one another.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity sends a powerful message to students that their education matters and that people believe in them. Many students are amazed to learn that individuals they have never met chose to support their classroom and provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. That kindness leaves a lasting impression.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping students become stronger readers, deeper thinkers, and more enthusiastic learners. These books will continue inspiring students for years to come, and the impact of your generosity will be felt every time a student opens a book and gets lost in a story.","fullyFundedDate":1774629395071,"projectUrl":"project/fantasy-book-series/10166401/","projectTitle":"Fantasy Book Series","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4508586_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506001991563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-mcmahon"},{"teacherId":4508586,"projectId":10208019,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our project, Walking in Their Shoes: Powerful Stories Building Empathy and Understanding. Your generosity means so much to our students, our classroom community, and to me personally as an educator. Because of you, my students will have access to meaningful literature that goes beyond simply teaching reading skills — these books will help them better understand themselves, each other, and the world around them.\r\n\r\nMiddle school is such an important time in a child's life. Students are learning not only academic content, but also how to navigate friendships, challenges, emotions, identity, and the perspectives of others. Stories have the power to open hearts and minds in ways that lectures and worksheets simply cannot. Through powerful characters and real-life experiences, students begin to recognize that everyone carries struggles, hopes, fears, and dreams that may not always be visible on the surface.\r\n\r\nThese books will allow students to step into experiences that may be different from their own and develop empathy, compassion, and understanding. They will engage in thoughtful discussions, reflect on important themes, and make meaningful connections to their own lives and communities. As an ELA teacher, one of my greatest goals is helping students become not only stronger readers and writers, but also stronger human beings. Your support directly helps make that possible.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is not just about answering questions correctly. It is about thinking deeply, listening respectfully, considering multiple perspectives, and building a sense of community. The stories you helped provide will spark conversations that encourage kindness, reflection, resilience, and understanding — skills that are just as important as academic growth.\r\n\r\nMany of my students benefit greatly from seeing themselves represented in literature, while others benefit from learning about experiences outside of their own. These books will create opportunities for both. They will help students feel seen, valued, and connected while also encouraging them to become more thoughtful and empathetic members of our school community.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity remind my students that there are people beyond our classroom who believe in them and care about their success. That message alone is incredibly powerful. When students see that others are investing in their education, it helps them feel important, capable, and worthy of opportunities.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of literacy, empathy, and education. Thank you for helping create a classroom environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally through authentic and meaningful reading experiences. Your support will have a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude","fullyFundedDate":1779371015451,"projectUrl":"project/walking-in-their-shoes-powerful-stories/10208019/","projectTitle":"Walking in Their Shoes: Powerful Stories Building Empathy and Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4508586_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506001991563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-mcmahon"},{"teacherId":3631032,"projectId":10123349,"letterContent":"We feel so fortunate to have our \"Sharp Minds Need Sharp Pencils\" project funded, and the impact has been immediate in our busy 6th-grade ICT classroom. Thanks to your generosity, we now have two pencil sharpeners available for students, which has greatly improved our daily routines and reduced classroom interruptions.\r\n\r\nOur previous sharpener often left students' pencils jagged, uneven, or broken, which caused frustration and wasted valuable class time. The new sharpeners have been a game changer--they fast, quiet, and reliable. Students can quickly sharpen their pencils and return to learning without distracting noise or long waits. Additionally, we now have sharpeners placed on both sides of the classroom, minimizing distractions caused from students walking around the room for resources. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new sharpeners, they were excited and eager to use it right away. They immediately noticed how much better it worked and were impressed by how smoothly and quietly it sharpened their pencils. Even this small upgrade has made a big difference in helping our classroom feel more organized and efficient.\r\n\r\nOne noticeable moment has been during independent work periods. Instead of students struggling with broken pencil tips or waiting for a turn, they are able to sharpen their pencils quickly and get right back to their assignments. This has helped students stay focused and has allowed us to maximize instructional time.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, both sharpeners will continue to support our students each day during writing assignments, note-taking, math lessons, and future projects. Your generosity has provided a simple but essential tool that helps our classroom run more smoothly and keeps students ready to learn. Thank you for making a lasting difference for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1776434303914,"projectUrl":"project/sharp-minds-need-sharp-pencils/10123349/","projectTitle":"Sharp Minds Need Sharp Pencils!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lyon and Ms. Giordano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3631032_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772201896669","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lyon-giordano-72"},{"teacherId":9991472,"projectId":10154342,"letterContent":"This project will have a huge impact on my students education and lives. As soon as the books came in, they were so excited to see and choose new books. The Harry Potter series got selected right away. The discussions the students have been having are amazing. This series was popular when I first started teaching 25 years ago and to see it continue, all these years later, is so amazing. This is also true for the HingerGames series too. It was very popular and is now reaching a new set of young readers. Thank you for your support in shaping our future leaders and readers.","fullyFundedDate":1773869204194,"projectUrl":"project/keep-us-reading/10154342/","projectTitle":"Keep Us Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991472"},{"teacherId":9991472,"projectId":10126474,"letterContent":"We are so appreciative for this donation of books. You have helped us create such excitement about reading. For many of the students this is the first time completing a novel and to be able to read books in a series has been so rewarding. When one student finishes a book, they grab the next one in the series and someone else borrows the first book. They meet in book circles and talk about the series. Students are constantly asking when books will be available and it is so rewarding to see. They have grown so much as readers. They have enjoyed reading Percy Jackson and now we have the whole set to cherish. This impact will be felt for years to come. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1773352012759,"projectUrl":"project/read-and-read-some-more/10126474/","projectTitle":"Read and Read Some More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991472"},{"teacherId":4508586,"projectId":10155660,"letterContent":"The impact of the Spark Your Imagination with Fantasy Novels DonorsChoose project reaches far beyond simply adding books to a classroom library—it creates an entirely new reading experience for students who may not yet see themselves as readers. Fantasy novels have a unique power to pull students into reading because they offer adventure, mystery, and worlds that feel limitless. For many middle school students, especially those who may struggle with engagement or confidence in reading, these books serve as an entry point into literacy. When students pick up a novel like Hatchet or a fast-paced mystery from a beloved series, they are not just decoding words—they are visualizing, predicting, questioning, and connecting. Donor support makes it possible to place high-interest, student-loved books directly into their hands, eliminating barriers such as limited access, outdated classroom libraries, or lack of variety. With these new fantasy and adventure texts available, students are more likely to read independently, talk about books with peers, and build stamina—all critical components of becoming stronger readers. Over time, this increased engagement translates into improved comprehension, richer vocabulary, and greater confidence when approaching complex texts in the curriculum.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, the emotional and motivational impact of these books is just as powerful. Fantasy novels invite students to imagine themselves as heroes, problem-solvers, and thinkers, which is especially important during the middle school years when identity and confidence are still developing. These stories provide safe spaces for students to explore themes like resilience, courage, and decision-making, often mirroring challenges they face in their own lives. With the support of DonorsChoose, the classroom becomes a place where reading feels exciting rather than assigned, and where students begin to associate books with enjoyment instead of obligation. This shift in mindset can be transformative. Students who previously avoided reading may begin to ask for the next book in a series, recommend titles to friends, or even stay engaged during independent reading time without redirection. Additionally, these books foster a sense of community within the classroom, as students bond over shared stories and discussions. Donor contributions are not just funding materials—they are fueling curiosity, building lifelong reading habits, and helping students discover the joy and power of literature in a way that traditional resources alone often cannot achieve.","fullyFundedDate":1773858103371,"projectUrl":"project/spark-imagination-with-fantasy-novels/10155660/","projectTitle":"Spark Imagination with Fantasy Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4508586_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506001991563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-mcmahon"},{"teacherId":4508586,"projectId":10067476,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Calming with Creativity\" project. Because of your generosity, our classroom now has books, origami bookmarks, and pencils that help students slow down, focus, and enjoy the creative side of learning. Middle school students often need small moments to reset during a busy school day, and these materials give them positive ways to do just that. Whether they are folding an origami bookmark, quietly reading, or simply using a fresh pencil to start writing again, these simple tools help students refocus and return to learning with a calmer mindset.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project special is how it supports both creativity and well-being. Students love choosing a bookmark they created themselves and using it with a book from our classroom. These small moments build confidence, encourage reading, and create a classroom environment that feels welcoming and supportive. Your generosity is helping my students learn that creativity can be a powerful way to relax, think, and grow as learners. Thank you for making our classroom a calmer and more inspiring place.","fullyFundedDate":1772454325761,"projectUrl":"project/calming-with-creativity/10067476/","projectTitle":"Calming with Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4508586_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506001991563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-mcmahon"},{"teacherId":4508586,"projectId":10050056,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping our students stay warm this winter. Because of your generosity, our classroom received hats and gloves that are making a real difference for many of my sixth graders.\r\n\r\nFor some students, winter can be uncomfortable and distracting when they arrive at school without proper cold-weather clothing. Having access to warm hats and gloves means they can walk to school, go outside for arrival, recess, and dismissal without worrying about the cold. Something as simple as warm hands can make a big difference in a student's day.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most about this project is that it provides students with comfort and dignity. When a student needs a hat or pair of gloves, they can quietly take one and know that someone cared enough to make sure they are warm and supported.\r\n\r\nYour kindness goes beyond providing clothing—you are helping create an environment where students feel cared for and ready to focus on learning. When students feel safe, comfortable, and supported, they are able to bring their full attention to the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for making sure our students are warm, comfortable, and ready to learn this winter. Your generosity means more than you know.","fullyFundedDate":1769542493787,"projectUrl":"project/keep-us-warm/10050056/","projectTitle":"Keep Us Warm","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4508586_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506001991563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-mcmahon"},{"teacherId":4508586,"projectId":9868750,"letterContent":"cause of your generosity, our classroom library is growing in a way that truly changes the experience of reading for my students. Many of my sixth graders are just beginning to discover that reading can be something they enjoy—not just something they are required to do. When students can choose books that interest them, everything changes.\r\n\r\nWith the books you helped provide, students now have access to exciting titles that match their interests and reading levels. Some of my students immediately gravitated toward adventure stories like Hatchet, while others were thrilled to see classic mysteries like The Hardy Boys on the shelves. These are the kinds of books that keep students turning pages.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this donation so powerful is that it creates opportunity. When students see books they actually want to read, they read more. When they read more, their confidence grows. They begin to see themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nAlready, I have seen students eagerly browsing the shelves, recommending books to friends, and asking if they can borrow one to take home. Moments like these are exactly why classroom libraries matter so much.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping build a culture of reading in our classroom—one where students feel excited, capable, and curious.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping us fill our library with stories that will inspire them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1772222241073,"projectUrl":"project/fill-the-library/9868750/","projectTitle":"Fill the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4508586_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506001991563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-mcmahon"},{"teacherId":4958917,"projectId":10073371,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations and helping us create a beautiful and comfortable cozy corner in our classroom. As soon as the students saw the new space, they were so excited to use it! They have been using the space to read independently, or work collaboratively with their peers in groups. Many students have used it as a space for a break in between classes, and help regulate themselves throughout the day. Your donations have helped create a beautiful space for students, and we appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1770426273752,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-classroom-corner/10073371/","projectTitle":"Cozy Classroom Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bono","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4958917"},{"teacherId":9991472,"projectId":10050616,"letterContent":"The student were so excited and appreciative to receive these winter clothing items. We set up a table with hats and gloves and everyone got to come up and pick a set. They were showing them off all day. That weekend the temperatures dropped to below zero with a wind chill and real feel of -15. We were so happy that each kid has some winter clothing items to keep them warm. We also asked if anyone could use new socks or undershirts and students who needed them took them gratefully. The classes will always remember this. Your impact will be felt for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1769445324463,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-wishes/10050616/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Wishes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991472"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1185","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1531,"numTeachers":98,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":30,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.6,"schoolId":1185,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Intermediate School 72 Rocco Laurie on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Intermediate School 72 Rocco Laurie","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/is-72-rocco-laurie/1185"}