{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes","outOfStateSupporters":27.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":548887,"projectId":9497748,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of our pickleball project. The new paddles, nets, and equipment have completely transformed our physical education unit and created an exciting buzz throughout the gym. My middle school students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the new gear — many had never played pickleball before, and their excitement was contagious. The moment we set up the nets for the first time, students were eager to grab paddles, learn the rules, and jump right into rallies. It was amazing to see students who don't always love traditional sports light up with confidence and enthusiasm as they discovered a new activity they could enjoy and succeed in.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, my students have been learning the fundamentals of serving, volleying, and teamwork through a two-week pickleball unit. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of sixth graders celebrate their first long rally — the entire class cheered! Beyond skill-building, the game has also encouraged sportsmanship, communication, and strategic thinking in ways that truly engage every learner.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students are preparing for a friendly \"Pickleball Mini Tournament,\" where they'll apply everything they've learned about scoring, strategy, and fair play. We're also brainstorming ways to include pickleball in our after-school program so more students can stay active and connected. Your generosity has helped spark a lifelong love for a sport that keeps kids moving, smiling, and working together — and for that, we are grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758899219903,"projectUrl":"project/pickleball-pandemonium/9497748/","projectTitle":"Pickleball Pandemonium","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. AVAGNANO","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp548887_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474458021489","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsavagnano"},{"teacherId":3958175,"projectId":9355305,"letterContent":"Our classroom has truly benefited from the supplies we received through this project. The snacks have been such a helpful addition, especially for students who come to class hungry or need a little boost to stay focused throughout the day. Having this small but important resource has helped create a calm and caring environment where students know their needs are supported. The paper towels have also been a daily essential, making it easy to keep our classroom clean and organized so everyone can learn in a comfortable space.\r\n\r\nThe Teachers Pay Teachers gift card allowed me to purchase engaging, adapted materials that meet my students' diverse learning needs. These resources have enriched our lessons and provided students with interactive and accessible activities that boost both participation and understanding. Together, these items have supported not only academic growth but also a sense of care and community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for making this project possible. Your generosity has helped create a clean, calm, and nurturing environment where my students feel cared for and ready to thrive every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757423377715,"projectUrl":"project/clean-calm-and-cared-for-essentials-f/9355305/","projectTitle":"Clean, Calm, and Cared For: Essentials for a Thriving Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3958175_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537834538959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3958175"},{"teacherId":3958175,"projectId":9309696,"letterContent":"Our class has been so excited to use our new digital subscription to Scholastic Science World! The articles, visuals, and interactive features have given my students access to high-interest science content that connects directly to what we are learning in class. Many of my students are struggling readers, so having adapted, engaging texts has made a huge difference. They are eager to log in, explore the current issue, and talk about the real-world science connections they see. The subscription has helped them build background knowledge, strengthen their vocabulary, and practice comprehension skills in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWe have also put the Sharpie markers to great use in our classroom. Students have used them to make posters, label diagrams, and create bold visuals during hands-on activities and group projects. The markers have allowed them to showcase their creativity and proudly display their work in the classroom. These materials have made lessons more interactive, encouraged collaboration, and given my students tools to express their ideas with confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting this project. Your generosity has brought excitement, creativity, and meaningful learning opportunities into our classroom. My students feel proud of their work and more motivated to engage in science every day!","fullyFundedDate":1746676899554,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-the-wonders-of-scienceone-mag/9309696/","projectTitle":"Unlocking the Wonders of Science—One Magazine at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3958175_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537834538959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3958175"},{"teacherId":426570,"projectId":9048869,"letterContent":"The new printer donated to MS 137's school library will be an invaluable resource for students, enhancing their research capabilities and improving their academic productivity. Students will be able to print research materials, essays, and project drafts directly from the library. This will be particularly helpful for students working on group projects, allowing them to print collaborative documents and share physical copies of their work with ease. With the availability of a reliable printer, students will no longer have to worry about delays or access issues when needing printed materials for class presentations or assignments.\r\n\r\nIn addition to research purposes, the printer will foster creativity and support a wide range of academic activities. Students will have the opportunity to print visual aids, posters, and other creative projects that require high-quality output, enhancing their learning experience. For instance, students working on science or history projects can print charts, graphs, and images that complement their written work, making their presentations more engaging and informative. Overall, the new printer will provide essential tools for both academic and creative growth, ensuring that students at MS 137 have the resources they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1742935395990,"projectUrl":"project/use-color-to-enhance-the-research-proces/9048869/","projectTitle":"Use Color To Enhance The Research Process","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sitaram-Bhika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp426570_orig.jpg?crop=867,867,x80,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592850215310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/426570"},{"teacherId":321845,"projectId":7826475,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to my classroom. Thanks to your support, I have been able to purchase essential materials that have already begun making a meaningful difference in my students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nAs part of my teaching approach, I've shifted away from traditional worksheets to more dynamic, hands-on group projects that allow my students to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another. I've seen firsthand how much more engaged and excited they are when working together on tasks that allow them to apply their knowledge in creative ways. However, one of the key challenges I've noticed is helping my students stay organized as they work.\r\n\r\nYour donation has enabled me to purchase several critical supplies that have already had a significant impact:\r\n\r\nDigital Kitchen Timers: These timers help students manage their project time efficiently, ensuring that everyone stays on task without unnecessary distractions.\r\nLaminating Pouches: Allowing students to create lasting project materials that can be reused and preserved, adding value to their work.\r\nPlastic Storage Bins: These bins are perfect for organizing materials, preventing clutter, and saving precious time during group activities.\r\nLabel Maker: This has been an incredible tool for helping students label and organize their materials, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility for their work.\r\nBetter Than Paper Roll: This versatile material helps create flexible, reusable bulletin board displays that enhance classroom organization and communication.\r\nThese supplies are not only helping my students stay organized but also teaching them the value of being intentional and efficient with their time and materials. As I watch them engage in their projects, I'm reminded of how important it is to equip them with the skills that will serve them both in the classroom and beyond.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and commitment to supporting education. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on my students' learning experience, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1694560848949,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-supplies-into-our-room/7826475/","projectTitle":"Bringing Supplies Into Our Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Furr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp321845_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588985603143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/321845"},{"teacherId":321845,"projectId":8773414,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and I cannot thank you enough for your kindness.\r\n\r\nAs you know, when students take tests, it's essential that they feel both focused and comfortable in their environment. Your donation of privacy boards, pencil sharpeners, and colored pencils will help create a space where my students can work without distraction, stay organized, and truly do their best.\r\n\r\nFor my students, privacy during testing is not just about preventing cheating; it's about creating a secure and calm environment where they can concentrate fully on their work. The privacy boards are particularly valuable for students with special needs, as they provide the extra focus and calm that helps them succeed. Whether it's blocking out distractions or offering a quiet space of their own, these tools are crucial to their success.\r\n\r\nThe pencil sharpeners and colored pencils will also play a significant role in supporting my students. Whether they're preparing for a test or working on assignments, these resources ensure they have everything they need to stay organized and perform at their best.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students will have the tools to help them thrive in their academic journey. I'm incredibly grateful for your support, and I can assure you that every item will be put to great use in creating a positive and productive testing environment.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you so much for your kindness. You are making a direct impact on the education and success of my students, and I'm deeply appreciative of your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1731516795298,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-kids-take-tests-with-ease/8773414/","projectTitle":"Help My Kids Take Tests with Ease","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Furr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp321845_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588985603143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/321845"},{"teacherId":321845,"projectId":6395265,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your incredibly generous donation to my classroom. Your contribution has made a significant impact, and I am so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWith your donation, I am able to purchase gift cards for Teachers Pay Teachers, a wonderful resource where I can access a wide range of high-quality materials, activities, and tasks specifically designed to engage students in math. These resources will allow me to create even more exciting and effective lessons, and ultimately help my students deepen their understanding of key math concepts in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only benefits my classroom, but it also directly impacts the educational experiences of the students I teach. I am excited to use these materials to enrich their learning and make math an even more engaging subject for them.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support. It truly means the world to me and my students. Please know that your donation is making a lasting difference!","fullyFundedDate":1660095672676,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-fun-with-teacher-created-act/6395265/","projectTitle":"Making Math Fun with Teacher Created Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Furr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp321845_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588985603143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/321845"},{"teacherId":3958175,"projectId":8447901,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to the Scholastic Science World magazine, which has brought a new level of engagement and curiosity to our middle school science classroom. This resource is more than just a magazine—it is an interactive learning tool that breaks down complex scientific ideas into accessible and visually appealing content. For my special needs students, many of whom require adapted materials, the clear graphics, relatable articles, and hands-on activities have been transformative. By connecting real-world science to their everyday lives, Science World has made abstract topics like the human microbiome and environmental sustainability easier to grasp, sparking meaningful discussions in class.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is the connection between science and the world around them. Each issue introduces timely topics, from space exploration to animal adaptations, that they can't wait to dive into. For students who struggle with traditional textbooks, the multimedia elements of Science World—including videos and online resources—help them visualize concepts in ways that traditional instruction cannot. One student, Tiana, who often feels overwhelmed by long texts, has shown noticeable progress in her comprehension and participation because of the magazine's digestible format and engaging visuals. Another student, Jayden, enjoys the short science videos and uses the magazine to connect facts to experiments we conduct in class.\r\n\r\nThis subscription has empowered my students to see themselves as budding scientists, building both their confidence and their understanding of the world. Thank you for making such a significant impact on their education and for helping to make science not just a subject they study but something they truly enjoy!","fullyFundedDate":1724620373544,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-curiosity-with-science-magazines/8447901/","projectTitle":"Fueling Curiosity with Science Magazines and Organized Learning Spaces!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3958175_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537834538959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3958175"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2131","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1610,"numTeachers":117,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":38,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":5,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.1,"schoolId":2131,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ms-137-americas-school-of-hero/2131"}
Join the 491 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes is
an urban public school
in Ozone Park, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 1,610 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.8:1.
Its teachers have had 188 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes Demographics
83%
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
93%
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.
Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
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Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes
$103,642
raised using DonorsChoose
188
projects
funded
65
teachers
funded
491
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
40
projects for
technology
11
projects for
books
Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes has received support from
354 individuals from New York and
137 individuals out-of-state.