{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 188 the Island School","outOfStateSupporters":28.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6757209,"projectId":9627629,"letterContent":"The books in our Counting On: A Math Library for All Learners collection introduce students to the beauty and accessibility of mathematics through storytelling. Each text helps students build essential math literacy skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and pattern recognition, while also fostering reading comprehension and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active and joyful process. Students read math-focused picture books and short stories in small groups, during independent reading time, and as part of math centers. We pair each text with hands-on math activities, reflective journal prompts, and class discussions that connect literacy to mathematical reasoning.\r\n\r\nYes! Our reluctant and struggling learners have especially connected with these new math stories. For many of them, traditional math practice can feel intimidating—but reading stories where characters think, make mistakes, and persevere helps them build confidence.\r\n\r\nOne student who often said \"I'm just not good at math\" lit up after reading The Girl with a Mind for Math. She proudly shared, \"She didn't give up—and I won't either.\" Others enjoy the humor and creativity in books like Sir Cumference and Stone Age Geometry Spheres, which turn problem-solving into an adventure.\r\n\r\nThese books have made math feel human, relatable, and fun—exactly what our students need to stay motivated and believe in their own potential.","fullyFundedDate":1756223003192,"projectUrl":"project/counting-on-books-a-math-library-for-al/9627629/","projectTitle":"Counting on Books: a Math Library for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daliz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6757209_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755627629211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6757209"},{"teacherId":6757209,"projectId":9625656,"letterContent":"My students are using the new materials to design and build their own math board games, combining creativity, teamwork, and academic rigor. Each group selected a math topic and created question cards using real problems from the state test. Then, they used the donated materials to construct 3D game boards, tokens, and spinners that bring their ideas to life. One of my favorite classroom moments was watching a group debate the best way to design their game path so players would encounter harder math questions near the \"finish line.\" They were measuring, testing, and problem-solving—all while having fun and taking ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was instant! Students couldn't believe that the boxes of colorful materials—foam boards, dice, markers, and building tools—were all for their math projects. They immediately started brainstorming ideas and sketching out designs. Many students who are usually quiet during math lessons became leaders during the building phase, confidently sharing creative ideas and helping their teams bring their visions to life.\r\n\r\nNext, students will present and play-test their board games with other classes. They'll reflect on how math is used in game design, discuss what strategies worked best, and make revisions based on peer feedback. Eventually, we'll host a \"Math Game Expo\" where students showcase their games and explain the math concepts behind them. This project has transformed how my students see math—it's no longer just numbers on a page, but something they can build, play, and share with pride.","fullyFundedDate":1756052277463,"projectUrl":"project/intergrating-hands-on-model-building-in/9625656/","projectTitle":"Intergrating Hands-on Model Building in Math While Developing Spatial Reasoning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daliz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6757209_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755627629211","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6757209"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":9296304,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of you, our class was able to get a Cricut machine — and we've already put it to work. My students have been busy creating posters, stickers, and reminders that encourage our school to protect our planet by reducing waste, reusing materials, and making earth-friendly choices.\r\nYour donation didn't just purchase a tool — it sparked excitement and gave my students a real voice in helping our Earth. They are so proud to see their designs displayed around the school, inspiring others to take care of our planet.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our mission. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one project at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1746547965399,"projectUrl":"project/protecting-the-planet-with-a-cricut-mach/9296304/","projectTitle":"Protecting the Planet with a Cricut Machine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":1562804,"projectId":9362211,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been buzzing with creativity and purpose! With the Cricut machine and heat press you helped provide, my students dove right into our project of protecting the planet by creating reusable tote bags. The moment they saw the new materials, their eyes lit up and excitement filled the room as they imagined all the things they could create.\r\n\r\nOur first project was designing and making personalized reusable totes to encourage sustainable habits and reduce plastic waste. Each student was able to express their creativity while learning about environmental responsibility. Students proudly carry their totes, a daily reminder of the impact they can make.\r\n\r\nThis project has given my students a hands-on way to connect art, technology, and environmental awareness. They've learned how to use the Cricut software, design responsibly, and work as a team. And the best part? We're just getting started! In the coming months, we plan to use the tools for more eco-focused projects such as creating t-shirt designs.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom. Your donation didn't just fund supplies, it sparked creativity, inspired confidence, and helped shape a new generation of changemakers.","fullyFundedDate":1747949785450,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-to-protect-the-plane/9362211/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students to Protect the Planet Through Creative Crafting","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tschinkel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1562804"},{"teacherId":10009080,"projectId":9298261,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project. Thanks to your kindness, my students had the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable experience that combined academics, entrepreneurship skills, and compassion in the most inspiring way.\r\n\r\nWith the help of the espresso maker, coffee pods, cake pop stand, sticks, and treat bags you provided, we hosted a cafe bake sale to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—and it was a huge success! I'm thrilled to share that our students raised $800 for this amazing cause. The pride they felt in making a real-world impact was truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nStudents did so much for this project from creating the menu, setting prices, packaging and selling a wide array of cake pops, to preparing and serving coffee, students took full ownership of the entire event. They used a wide range of math skills—adding totals, making change, tracking sales—and practiced essential life skills like communication, customer service, teamwork, and responsibility. One student said, \"I feel like I'm really working at Starbucks!\" It was such a joyful and empowering experience for them.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, students were beyond excited. They couldn't believe they would get to use a real espresso machine and sell tons of tasty treats. Their enthusiasm was contagious—from planning to execution, they stayed engaged every step of the way.\r\n\r\nThis project was more than just a classroom activity—it became a powerful lesson in giving back, problem-solving, and working toward a common goal. It also gave students a chance to see what they're capable of when they work hard and believe in themselves.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue using these tools for future projects and definitely will host more events where students can apply their learning in real-world ways. We are already planning our next reopening! Your support has given us not just supplies, but opportunities—opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students this unforgettable experience. You truly made an impact on their hearts and minds.","fullyFundedDate":1746551990514,"projectUrl":"project/giving-back-through-cafe-bake-sale-succe/9298261/","projectTitle":"Giving Back through Cafe Bake Sale Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009080"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":9394195,"letterContent":"Over the years, I've come to believe in the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in skill-building activities that can lead directly to rewarding careers. Woodworking and carpentry fit the bill. \r\n\r\nWith the help of the drills you've donated, students have created birdhouses, built puppet stages, and custom mountings for clay masks. Using these tools and materials is, of course, atypical for middle school, and the students feel this specialness-- they are deeply absorbed in the act of construction.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping to provide this opportunity for them.","fullyFundedDate":1749143344374,"projectUrl":"project/makerspace-power-tools/9394195/","projectTitle":"Makerspace Power Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Lahana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3814941_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472328029728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/techcafe"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":8916657,"letterContent":"The instant picture machine, Harry Potter prop kit, and photo booth stand brought so much magic to our end-of-year celebration! Students worked together to set up the booth, take turns, and encourage each other—building teamwork, confidence, and creativity while making memories they'll treasure.\r\n\r\nThey couldn't get enough of dressing up as witches and wizards and instantly seeing their photos printed! Holding the picture right away made it feel like the magic was real.\r\n\r\nSome of my shyest students lit up in front of the camera, striking fun poses and showing their photos to friends. Others stepped up to help run the machine, proudly taking on leadership roles.\r\n\r\nThank you for making our celebration unforgettable—you truly made magic happen!","fullyFundedDate":1733279830080,"projectUrl":"project/a-magical-year-end-celebration-help-us/8916657/","projectTitle":"A Magical Year-End Celebration: Help Us Celebrate Like Wizards!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":9143557,"letterContent":"Once again, you have delivered for us. Our laser cutter is at the foundation of many of our projects, and it's impossible to use without this filter. This semester, one 8th grader created a divided market—on one side were shelves of healthy food, and on the other, shelves of junk. During our healthy eating celebration, elementary schoolers could choose an item using a mini computer (Microbit) and would receive health information. Thanks to the laser cutter, the shelves looked realistic, which made the message even more powerful.\r\n\r\nAnother student used the cutter to create game pieces for their healthy eating board game. The polished, professional look of the pieces made the game feel real and important to the young players who used them. There were many more examples this year, including how the laser cutter created templates for symbols and lettering that students used in their artwork.\r\n\r\nAll this to say: thank you so much for helping us keep this amazing tool in action. You rock!","fullyFundedDate":1741358391527,"projectUrl":"project/laser-cutting-filter-for-our-craftivism/9143557/","projectTitle":"Laser Cutting Filter for Our Craftivism","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Lahana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3814941_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472328029728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/techcafe"},{"teacherId":3814941,"projectId":8873155,"letterContent":"The kitchen tools you provided for this culinary adventure were instrumental in its success. Thanks to your support, students gained valuable knowledge and skills in creating healthy, delicious meals using fresh ingredients and basic materials. From simple dishes like whole wheat mac and cheese to more complex recipes like chicken quesadillas and arepas, students discovered that making nutritious meals could be both fun and accessible. Even more exciting, many students found a passion for cooking and are now considering careers as chefs!","fullyFundedDate":1730993077627,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-food-chefs/8873155/","projectTitle":"Healthy Food Chefs","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Lahana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3814941_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472328029728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/techcafe"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":8791333,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation that allowed my students to receive such a meaningful and thoughtful holiday gift. Thanks to your kindness, each student received a positive affirmation crochet vegetable or fruit, along with a candy cane. These gifts not only brightened their holiday season but also had a lasting impact on their learning and sense of community.\r\n\r\nThe unique crochet vegetables and fruits were more than just a fun surprise—they served as powerful symbols of positivity and self-worth. In our classroom, we've emphasized the importance of self-affirmation and encouragement, and these thoughtful gifts became a tangible reminder of that. For many of my students, receiving a gift that celebrated their uniqueness boosted their confidence, helping them approach challenges with a more positive mindset. This shift in attitude has translated into their work and interactions with others, making them more eager to engage, ask questions, and collaborate. Thank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1726675624985,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-holiday-cheer-with-positive-af/8791333/","projectTitle":"Spreading Holiday Cheer with Positive Affirmation Gifts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"},{"teacherId":8844701,"projectId":8791255,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your support, we are able to provide our classroom with a wonderful collection of graphic novels and books that my students will truly enjoy.\r\n\r\nAs an educator, I know the importance of fostering a love for reading, and your contribution will help make that a reality for my students. These new books will not only engage them but will also open doors to new worlds, inspire creativity, and encourage them to develop a lifelong passion for reading.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your incredible support. It means the world to us!","fullyFundedDate":1726672453440,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-stories-to-life-graphic-novels/8791255/","projectTitle":"Bringing Stories to Life: Graphic Novels for Engaged Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scheel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844701_orig.png?crop=1136,1137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680620396959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844701"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_31","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":337,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.1,"schoolId":31,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 188 the Island School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 188 the Island School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-188-the-island-school/31"}