{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8846714,"projectId":10025043,"letterContent":"When the new math games and hands‑on materials arrived, my students lit up in a way I wish every donor could have seen. One student asked, \"Are these really for us?\" while another immediately began sorting the manipulatives and explaining how they would use them to get better at multiplication. Their excitement was instant and genuine.\r\n\r\nThe pencils, erasers, and multiplication stickers were an unexpected hit. Students treated them like treasures. Several asked if they could save their stickers for when they mastered a new set of facts, and the special pencils quickly became the ones they wanted to use during math time. These small items created a sense of pride and ownership that carried into their work.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun using the materials during our small‑group math rotations. The multiplication games have become a class favorite. Students lean in, collaborate, and challenge each other in ways that were not happening before. One moment that stood out was watching a student who normally shuts down during math proudly explain a strategy to his partner using the new place value tools. He said, \"Wait, I actually get this now.\" That shift in confidence is exactly what this project was meant to spark.\r\n\r\nThe biggest surprise has been how motivated students became with the multiplication drill sheets. They started coming to me asking for more practice sheets on their own. When they leveled up to a higher set of multiplication facts, they celebrated like they had unlocked a new achievement. The sense of progress and accomplishment has been powerful. Your generosity did not just give us supplies. It gave my students a reason to believe they can grow as mathematicians.\r\n\r\nThank you for multiplying our motivation. You have made a real difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769403706944,"projectUrl":"project/multiply-our-motivation/10025043/","projectTitle":"Multiply Our Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8846714_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x0,y324&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698890784240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jessicacollins06"},{"teacherId":10432893,"projectId":10119814,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about the project our students have been working through this spring. When we started the project our goal was to come up with a way to incentivize students to read independently, with the purpose being to build that skill. However for many of the students that partook in the journey, it blossomed into genuine interest in mythological storytelling that has resulted in some seeking out similar content for their personal enjoyment outside of the classroom. What started off with students learning about key characters in Greek mythology turned into many students finding pleasure in learning about these sorts of stories from various cultures across the globe. The teachers on my team and I are ecstatic to see the interests of our students grow, however we couldn't have done it without the contributions from you - our donors, motivating our students to travel through their journey. While I'm sure donor's are accustomed to being thanked directly for the resources they contribute to the classrooms they fund, I want you all to know that your kindness has resulted in many of our students find a genuine interest that they can cherish on their own beyond the classroom and similar academic settings. Thank you all so much!","fullyFundedDate":1775056160230,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-heroes-on-their-journey-to-olymp/10119814/","projectTitle":"Fueling Heroes on Their Journey to Olympus","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Olivo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10432893"},{"teacherId":2490837,"projectId":10053999,"letterContent":"We are filled with gratitude for your donations! Our reading initiative has really taken off this year and students were starving for new books to read. They were thrilled to unpack the boxes of new books and to decide how to sort them in our classroom library. \r\n\r\nAfter reading each book, students have been writing book summaries and sharing them with the class. This has sparked book recommendations and students talking to each other about what interested them in each book they read. Students discuss character traits and whether they themselves possess these traits or aspire to in the future. \r\n\r\nStudents have also had rich conversations about themes and lesson learned in books. Our favorite so far was that a Captain Underpants book convinced them that \"you just can't change Christmas\" or in another text \"Never eat something if you don't know what it is.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for contributing to our growing culture of sharing joy in reading.","fullyFundedDate":1770231304330,"projectUrl":"project/relishing-reading/10053999/","projectTitle":"Relishing Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rolli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2490837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603730174216","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/danielle-rolli"},{"teacherId":1191504,"projectId":9680036,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Crew. This time during the school day is really important for my students—it's where they check in, build community, and have a moment to reset. The snacks were eaten quicker than I thought!\r\nThe snacks have made a noticeable difference. Something as simple as having a Pop-Tart or a protein snack helps students settle in, feel more comfortable, and actually engage in what we're doing. It shifts the energy in the room. Students who come in tired or distracted are more present, and it helps create a space that feels calm and supportive instead of just antoher period in the day.\r\n\r\nMore than anything, the snacks communicate care. Sharing food helps build trust and makes Crew feel like a place where students belong.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make our classroom a place where students feel both supported and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1757242591835,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-crew-nourishment-comfort-a/9680036/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Crew: Nourishment, Comfort, and Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1191504"},{"teacherId":130128,"projectId":9874307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Elkonin boxes to support our secondary students during reading and writing intervention. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in the way our students learn. These tools help students break words into sounds, strengthen their phonics skills, and build the confidence they need to become stronger readers and writers. Because of your support, our students now have hands-on resources that make learning clearer, more engaging, and more accessible.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your generosity and for your belief in our learners' potential. Acts of kindness like yours remind our students that there are people in the community who care about their success and are rooting for them. Your contribution is not just a classroom resource—it is an investment in our students' growth, confidence, and future opportunities. Thank you again for your thoughtful support and for helping us create brighter learning experiences for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1762537577600,"projectUrl":"project/jump-in-the-box-for-literacy/9874307/","projectTitle":"Jump in the Box for Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp130128_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472909275884","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/130128"},{"teacherId":1191504,"projectId":9975803,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom maps! The maps have arrived, but they are still in the box because our custodial team is helping us find the safest place to mount the roller in our AP history classroom. It's pretty heavy, so they want to make sure the wall can support it. That's why the photo I uploaded is just the box. We're excited to get it up soon!\r\n\r\nMy students were already excited just seeing the maps arrive. Many of them have family roots all over the world, so being able to actually see those places on a large classroom map makes geography feel much more real. Once it's installed, we'll be using it often as we study different regions and talk about how geography shapes culture and history.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping my students learn more about the world and the people in it.","fullyFundedDate":1767243441725,"projectUrl":"project/mapping-compassion-learning-so-we-can-t/9975803/","projectTitle":"Mapping Compassion: Learning So We Can Teach Others","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1191504"},{"teacherId":1191504,"projectId":10042734,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project possible. When the Nintendo Switch arrived, my students were really excited. We haven't had a lot of time to use it yet, but they're already talking about playing games like Mario Kart and It Takes Two together. They promise they will teach me!\r\n\r\nMany of my students are used to playing games alone at home, so the idea of playing face-to-face with classmates has been something they're really looking forward to. We're hoping to add a few more controllers so that more students can join in at the same time and enjoy it together.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create this small space where students can relax, connect, and have some positive time together.","fullyFundedDate":1769366973672,"projectUrl":"project/from-virtual-play-to-calmcooperative-co/10042734/","projectTitle":"From Virtual Play to Calm/Cooperative Connection: Creating In-Person Gaming Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1191504"},{"teacherId":325102,"projectId":9887832,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project to provide supplies for crew. My crew group started off the year with a lot of energy and some of the students could be thrown off task quickly by the slightest distraction. When students basic needs aren't met it is difficult for them to focus on learning. Providing snacks when they are hungry or as a reward has really helped to ground my group in our crew structure. The students calmly circle up, check in and discuss how their day is going and then ease into our class activities with a snack to tide them over before lunch. They don't have to wander the halls to go to the bathroom if they need tissues, these basic necessities make a huge difference for kids and teachers since I don't have to fund them from my own pocket. My students and I thank you for your generosity — it has truly made an impact in my crew.","fullyFundedDate":1762819559449,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-crew/9887832/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Crew","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Love","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp325102_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455113118917","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/slove"},{"teacherId":9819495,"projectId":9892034,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project, Food for Thought. Because of your kindness, my students have been able to enjoy snacks throughout the school day. They were genuinely excited and relieved to know that snacks were available whenever they felt hungry. Throughout the day, students stop by asking for a snack, and it brings me so much joy to tell them yes. Seeing their big smiles and hearing their gratitude truly melts my heart.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students no longer have to struggle through the day feeling hungry and distracted. The snacks help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. I am so thankful for generous donors like you who care about supporting students in meaningful ways. Your kindness has made a real difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1764595608977,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/9892034/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nieves","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9819495"},{"teacherId":8846714,"projectId":9820761,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our sixth graders are experiencing our PBIS system in a way that feels joyful, meaningful, and genuinely motivating. When the materials arrived, students immediately connected with them, not just because the prizes were fun, but because they understood that these tools were part of a system that recognizes who they are and how they show up for our community.\r\n\r\nNow, throughout the day, students earn tickets for demonstrating our Community Values and our Habits of Work and Learning. The raffle box has become a small but powerful moment of anticipation, and the classroom store is a place where students feel proud of the choices they've made. One student told me, \"I'm excited to use the tools and earn prizes for doing my best,\" and another wrote, \"This makes learning more fun.\" Their words say everything.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also made a real difference for students with Behavior Intervention Plans, too! The immediate reinforcement helps them stay focused on their goals, and the sensory tools give them concrete strategies to regulate and reset. I've watched students pause, take a breath, choose a fidget, and return to learning with confidence. Those moments, quiet, intentional, and full of growth, are exactly what this project was meant to support.\r\n\r\nNext, we're continuing to build routines that help students reflect on their choices, recognize their strengths, and take ownership of their learning. Your support didn't just fund a store; it helped us create a classroom culture where kindness, effort, and integrity are noticed and celebrated.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us build a community where they feel seen, valued, and proud of who they're becoming.","fullyFundedDate":1763827825745,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-focus-and-feel-good-wins/9820761/","projectTitle":"Fidgets, Focus, and Feel-Good Wins!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8846714_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x0,y324&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698890784240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jessicacollins06"},{"teacherId":1191504,"projectId":9674570,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us keep our classroom printer running. In AP World History, we've been studying imperialism—looking at how powerful countries expanded, how borders were drawn, and how those decisions still impact people today. A big part of this work has been analyzing and creating maps. Students are using map keys, color-coding regions, and tracking changes over time to understand how empires spread and controlled land.\r\n\r\nThis is where your support really matters. These maps only make sense in color. When students are trying to distinguish between different empires, trade routes, or spheres of influence, black and white printing just doesn't work. Without color ink, the map keys become meaningless and students lose access to the visual clarity they need to actually understand the content.\r\n\r\nWe've also been connecting this learning to our local community—thinking about migration, cultural identity, and how history shows up in Washington Heights today. Students are creating projects that reflect both global history and their own experiences, and being able to print and display their work makes it feel real and worth sharing.\r\n\r\nYour donation is what makes that possible. Thank you for helping my students see and share their learning in a way that actually works.","fullyFundedDate":1757008139829,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-student-voices-genuine-brother/9674570/","projectTitle":"Fueling Student Voices: Genuine Brother Toner for Justice Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1191504"},{"teacherId":1191504,"projectId":9667919,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting Scanning Justice, Printing Pride: Student Voices on Display. Because of you, my students now have access to a high-quality color printer and scanner that has transformed how they present their learning. In our AP for ALL World History classroom—including English Language Learners and students with disabilities—being able to print vibrant, professional projects has helped students take pride in their work and feel that their ideas deserve to be seen .\r\n\r\nThis technology has been especially powerful for equity-focused projects. Students use Project-Based Learning to challenge bias, uplift marginalized histories, and share their own perspectives through posters, infographics, and artwork. Seeing their work displayed in color around the school has boosted confidence, engagement, and participation—especially for students who are often underrepresented in AP spaces. Thank you for helping my students share their voices with pride","fullyFundedDate":1756844625463,"projectUrl":"project/scanning-justice-printing-pride-studen/9667919/","projectTitle":"Scanning Justice, Printing Pride: Student Voices on Display","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1191504"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18815","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":909,"numTeachers":64,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":91,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":18815,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ms-348-washington-hghts-exp/18815"}