{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Middle School 137 America's School of Heroes","outOfStateSupporters":27.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":321845,"projectId":7405949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation, which provided our classroom with gift cards to Teachers Pay Teachers. This support has allowed me to bring highly engaging, interactive math activities directly to our students, transforming the way they experience and understand mathematics every day.\r\n Many of you utilize technology daily at home, but its application in a modern classroom looks a bit different. In our school, this technology is not just for consuming information; it is a tool for active learning. By using the digital and printable resources funded by your donation, students are able to manipulate math concepts visually, receive instant feedback on their work, and collaborate with their peers. It turns abstract formulas into concrete, hands-on challenges that make sense to them.\r\n The most exciting aspect of these new resources for the students is the element of gamification and interactivity. Instead of traditional, repetitive worksheets, they are now solving math mysteries, escaping digital rooms, and participating in pixel-art activities where correct answers reveal a hidden picture. They view these lessons as puzzles and games rather than \"work,\" which has dramatically boosted their enthusiasm and focus.\r\n We have seen remarkable growth across the room, but it has been especially impactful for our students who previously struggled with math anxiety. One particular student, who used to shut down or hide their paper during math blocks, completely transformed during our first interactive activity. The engaging format lowered their fear of making a mistake, allowing them to jump right in. They not only completed the assignment but eagerly raised their hand to explain their logic to the rest of the class—a massive milestone for their confidence.\r\nYour generosity has directly enriched our daily curriculum and given my students a newfound excitement for learning. We are deeply grateful for your investment in their education and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1700462949003,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-fun-with-teacher-created-act/7405949/","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":321845,"projectId":10438885,"letterContent":"The large dry-erase posters have been a wonderful addition to our math classroom! My students are using them during i-Ready lessons and other math activities to work collaboratively to solve problems. Instead of working only on their own, students can gather around the posters, show their work, compare strategies, and explain their thinking to one another.\r\n\r\nThe students were very excited when they first saw the posters and immediately wanted to use them. One of my favorite things to see is students discussing a challenging problem, writing out different approaches, and helping one another figure out where they may have made a mistake. The posters have helped make math more interactive while encouraging teamwork and meaningful mathematical conversations.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using these posters during i-Ready lessons, small-group instruction, and problem-solving activities. My goal is for students to become more confident explaining their mathematical thinking and learning from their classmates. Thank you so much for providing my students with resources that allow them to collaborate, communicate, and grow as mathematicians!","fullyFundedDate":1787251081150,"projectUrl":"project/the-right-way-to-write-is-on-whiteboards/10438885/","projectTitle":"The Right Way to Write Is on Whiteboards","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":10431746,"projectId":10091255,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our project, \"Fun While Learning: Escape Rooms & Puzzles for Multilingual Learners\"! Thanks to your support, my ENL students now have access to interactive escape room activities and puzzles that make learning meaningful, engaging, and low-risk. \r\n\r\nThe classroom has transformed routine practice in our classroom into exciting learning adventures. My multilingual students are actively collaborating, solving problems together, and using academic language naturally as they work through clues, strengthening their content knowledge, building critical thinking skills, and gaining confidence without the pressure of traditional drills. Seeing them build persistence, support their peers, and feel truly successful while learning has been deeply rewarding. Thank you for believing in my students and making a lasting difference in their academic and emotional growth!","fullyFundedDate":1776446449202,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-to-build-math-joy-for-every-lea/10091255/","projectTitle":"Engaging to Build Math Joy for Every Learner!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Montaine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10431746_orig.png?crop=350,349,x0,y45&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790967210270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10431746"},{"teacherId":428604,"projectId":9966878,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the school supplies that were generous donated. My students come from low income families and something as little as being able to supply a student with a pencil makes me and them happy.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have help enable my students to practice math and fix their silly mistakes. The copy paper has come in very handy as it has given me the opportunity to make multiple copies of practice problems for my students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity and support is what has help my students feel more succeed their mathematical abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1776109037528,"projectUrl":"project/working-through-math-problems-using-penc/9966878/","projectTitle":"Working Through Math Problems Using Pencil and Paper","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zisman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/428604"},{"teacherId":321845,"projectId":9983364,"letterContent":"The resources from this project have made a meaningful difference in our students' motivation and behavior. Students earn PBIS points for making positive choices, showing respect, demonstrating responsibility, putting forth effort, and contributing to a positive school environment. They can save their points and redeem them for prizes such as soccer balls, basketballs, headphones, AirPods, stuffed animals, and other items that are meaningful to them. Having a variety of exciting rewards has made our PBIS program something students truly look forward to.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new prizes, their excitement was contagious! They immediately began talking about which rewards they wanted to work toward and how they could earn enough PBIS points to redeem them. It was especially rewarding to see students who may have struggled with behavior become more motivated to make positive choices. The rewards provide a tangible way to recognize their accomplishments and remind students that their hard work, good decisions, and positive actions are noticed and valued.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using the PBIS rewards throughout the school year to reinforce positive behavior and encourage students to set goals for themselves. My hope is that students will begin to recognize that the greatest reward is becoming responsible, respectful, and successful members of our school community. Thank you for helping us create a positive classroom and school environment where students feel encouraged, celebrated, and motivated to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1778023273715,"projectUrl":"project/positive-rewards-for-positive-behavior/9983364/","projectTitle":"Positive Rewards for Positive Behavior","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":9790015,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this project and our students. The basketballs and soccer balls are giving students more opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and positive social interaction during recess and school activities. These items help students stay active, manage stress, and build healthy habits.\r\n\r\nThe Apple AirPods, JBL headphones, and wired headphones are being used as rewards in our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program. Students earn points by demonstrating positive behaviors such as respect, responsibility, and effort, and can redeem those points for prizes they truly value.\r\n\r\nStudents are especially excited about these rewards, which has increased motivation and positive behavior across the school. We've seen strong engagement from students who previously struggled, as the PBIS system gives them clear goals and a positive way to be recognized. Your generosity is helping create a more active, encouraging, and supportive school environment.","fullyFundedDate":1765331252849,"projectUrl":"project/positive-prizes-for-positive-behavior/9790015/","projectTitle":"Positive Prizes for Positive Behavior","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":449677,"projectId":9833525,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, we were able to purchase much-needed copy paper, laminating supplies, and cleaning materials that make a real difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper allows us to create lessons, activities, and resources that support student learning every day. The laminating supplies help us preserve instructional materials so they can be reused and enjoyed by students throughout the year. The cleaning supplies ensure that our classroom remains a safe, organized, and welcoming space for all students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly impacts our students by giving them a well-prepared and well-maintained classroom where they can focus, learn, and grow. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom and in the success of our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and for making a positive difference in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1767218416400,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun-in-a-clean-environment/9833525/","projectTitle":"Learning is fun in a Clean Environment!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rajkumar-Singh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp449677_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597877583085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/449677"},{"teacherId":428604,"projectId":9722677,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for funding this amazing donors choose project.\r\n\r\nAs this school year is well on its way, with your amazing generosity, my students are working diligently to master the math skills that they need to pass their Algebra 1 Regents exam.\r\n\r\nIt is people like you that help make Title 1 students successful. It is people like you that have given my Algebra 1 students the supplies that they need to have the confidence that they need to pass the New York State Algebra 1 Regents while they are only 8th grade students","fullyFundedDate":1758898892301,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-students-in-math/9722677/","projectTitle":"Engaging Students in Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zisman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/428604"},{"teacherId":428604,"projectId":9671916,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. With your donation my students have been able to have math taught to them in a visual and colorful way.\r\n\r\nBeing able to teach math and incorporate details on a board with color is an important part of my students being successful on their upcoming algebra 1 regents exam.\r\n\r\nAgain, your generous donations have really helped and my students really appreciate the visual, colorful notes and examples that are able to be written on the front of the classrooms board.","fullyFundedDate":1758898712828,"projectUrl":"project/diverse-learning-environment/9671916/","projectTitle":"Diverse Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zisman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/428604"},{"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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2131","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1523,"numTeachers":117,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":35,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":7,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.8,"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"}