{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Middle School 61 Dr Gladstone H Atwell","outOfStateSupporters":38.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8058288,"projectId":9697566,"letterContent":"The new camera has already made a significant impact on our 8th-grade seniors by giving them the tools to capture school events, field trips, and special moments for our yearbook. Instead of relying on phones or lower-quality devices, students can now document experiences with clear, vibrant images that truly reflect the energy of our school community. This has elevated the quality of our yearbook and event coverage, and it has given students a sense of responsibility and pride. The technology empowers them to tell the story of our 6–8 middle school in a more professional and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the new camera is the feeling of using real, high-quality equipment that makes their work look polished and authentic. They love taking it on trips, capturing candid moments during assemblies, and experimenting with action shots during sports or school activities. For many, it's their first experience with a professional-grade device, and seeing their photos featured in the yearbook or shared with the school community is incredibly motivating. It turns everyday events into creative opportunities and gives them a chance to showcase their skills.\r\n\r\nSeveral 8th graders, in particular, have become especially invested in the new camera. Some who are usually quiet or reserved have found confidence behind the lens, taking initiative to cover events and volunteer for yearbook projects. Others who may not always feel successful in academic settings have discovered a talent for photography—paying attention to detail, experimenting with angles, and stepping into leadership roles as they help their peers use the equipment correctly. Watching these students flourish has been inspiring, and it's clear that the camera is opening up new avenues for them to express themselves and contribute meaningfully to our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1758899107033,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-graduation/9697566/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Graduation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8058288_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y470&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757351254394","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgomez72"},{"teacherId":2010423,"projectId":9689745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! Because of your support, we were able to fully restock our student pantry, giving kids access to breakfast bars and snacks whenever they need a boost. \r\n\r\nYour donation also provided us with tissues and Clorox wipes that students can use freely, which is especially helpful as we head into cold season. Keeping our classroom clean and healthy allows everyone to learn comfortably and safely.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness. You're helping create a classroom where students feel cared for, supported, and ready to succeed every day!","fullyFundedDate":1763995250347,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-happy-ready-to-learn/9689745/","projectTitle":"Healthy, Happy, Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pallas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2010423"},{"teacherId":2010423,"projectId":9518491,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and helping bring joy to our school community!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we're able to decorate our hallways and create a positive tone in our environment, as well as create meaningful traditions like our 8th grade Friendsgiving meal and holiday Pancake Breakfast. These simple, thoughtful touches make a big impact by building connection, celebrating our students, and turning everyday moments into lasting memories.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—thank you for bringing more joy to our school days!","fullyFundedDate":1758828894285,"projectUrl":"project/brighten-up-our-school-year/9518491/","projectTitle":"Brighten Up Our School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pallas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2010423"},{"teacherId":2010423,"projectId":9456617,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to nutritious snacks and treats that help them stay energized, focused, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nYour contribution goes far beyond food — it shows our students that there are people out there who believe in them and want to see them succeed. In our classroom, we work hard to create a space where students feel safe, supported, and celebrated, and your donation helps us continue to build that environment.","fullyFundedDate":1755521840524,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9456617/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pallas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2010423"},{"teacherId":2010423,"projectId":8891420,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Fueling ELA Fun! Your generosity brought more than just resources to our classroom—it brought joy, energy, and motivation to our daily routine.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we spend a lot of time reading, writing, and doing fun creative activities that keep everyone engaged. Thanks to you, we had the snacks we needed to stay energized and focused throughout the day. Whether it was a quick bite during a brainstorming session or a little pick-me-up in the afternoon, these snacks helped students stay sharp and ready to dive into whatever we're working on.\r\n\r\nEven more importantly, they added moments of enjoyment and helped create a positive, supportive classroom vibe—one where students felt cared for and ready to do their best. Your donation has made that possible, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1735334292265,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-ela-fun/8891420/","projectTitle":"Fueling ELA Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pallas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2010423"},{"teacherId":8058288,"projectId":6846627,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous support of our social-emotional learning (SEL) program. Because of your kindness, I've been able to provide meaningful, hands-on SEL activities and calming tools that are already helping students feel safer, more connected, and better equipped to manage their emotions.\r\n\r\nThe new materials have been a game changer in my small group and individual sessions. One standout moment was during an SEL circle, where students used new feelings cards and mindfulness tools to help express emotions they previously struggled to name. Using the sensory items, journaling prompts, and interactive games, students are learning to recognize their feelings, build empathy, and practice coping skills in real time.\r\n\r\nWhen I introduced the new materials, their faces lit up. One student held a calming glitter jar and said, \"This actually helps me breathe better.\" Another was thrilled to use a worry monster plush to \"feed\" anxious thoughts. These tools aren't just fun—they're giving students tangible ways to navigate some really tough emotions.\r\n\r\nWe're continuing to build on these skills with a schoolwide SEL initiative. The supplies you helped fund are supporting ongoing lessons on friendship, emotional regulation, and resilience. These resources allow me to reach more students and create a supportive space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in the importance of mental health and emotional wellness in schools. Your gift is creating ripples far beyond the classroom—and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1664460754861,"projectUrl":"project/sel-through-play-therapy/6846627/","projectTitle":"SEL through Play Therapy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8058288_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y470&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757351254394","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgomez72"},{"teacherId":2010423,"projectId":8912070,"letterContent":"We want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation of pancake batter and all the fun toppings for our pancake breakfast! The chocolate syrup, maple syrup, M&Ms, sprinkles, and chocolate chips added so much excitement and sweetness to the morning, making it an extra special treat for our students.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and support made it possible for our students to share a delicious meal together and create a fun memory before winter break. It's because of thoughtful contributions like yours that we can bring joy and warmth to our school community.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your generosity and commitment to our students. Thank you again for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1733271516621,"projectUrl":"project/stacks-of-smiles/8912070/","projectTitle":"Stacks of Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pallas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2010423"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_616","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":289,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":78,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"6.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.9,"schoolId":616,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Middle School 61 Dr Gladstone H Atwell on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Middle School 61 Dr Gladstone H Atwell","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ms-61-gladstone-h-atwell/616"}