{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 199 Frederick Wachtel","outOfStateSupporters":44.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9076405,"projectId":9419236,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. The moment the boxes arrived, my kindergarten and first-grade students lit up with excitement. Even though many of them are nonverbal, their reactions spoke louder than words—wide smiles, eager hands, and joyful bouncing as we opened each item together. It was clear right away that these materials would become something truly special for them.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the sensory toys and kinetic sand, we've already seen a calming, grounding effect throughout the day. Students who often struggle with transitions are settling more quickly, and several of our quieter learners are engaging longer and with more focus. The tactile materials help them feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. These resources have truly transformed parts of our routine, giving my students a way to express themselves, explore comfortably, and find calm when their bodies and minds need it most.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and giving them tools that meet their unique needs. Your kindness is felt here every single day","fullyFundedDate":1755998554938,"projectUrl":"project/big-feelings-small-tools-sensory-toys/9419236/","projectTitle":"Big Feelings, Small Tools: Sensory Toys for Emotional Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Friedman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076405_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754093416754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9076405"},{"teacherId":8827570,"projectId":9765113,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generosity in funding our Sensory Output Project. Your support has brought meaningful, developmentally responsive tools into our ICT classroom, creating a space where every learner can regulate, engage, and participate with confidence. For many of our students, school is not just a place to learn academics; it is where they practice navigating the world, building independence, and understanding their own bodies and emotions. Your contribution has made these journeys smoother, calmer, and more joyful.\r\n\r\nOur new sensory materials have already begun transforming daily routines into moments of success and empowerment. The textured sensory strips on our tables offer students grounding input right at their fingertips. What may look like a small detail is, in truth, a quiet anchor. During lessons, students gently run their fingers along the strips, helping them stay attentive and regulated without disruption. In a classroom that blends diverse sensory needs, small tools like these have an enormous impact on engagement, comfort, and dignity.\r\n\r\nThe sensory-textured bags have been a calming treasure. These hand-held tools give students a safe outlet to release energy and reduce anxiety. Some students knead them when words are hard to find. Others use them as part of emotional regulation: a squeezable bridge back to calm. They encourage focus, offer comfort, and help children participate fully in learning without becoming overwhelmed. Watching a student reach for a sensory bag instead of shutting down is watching empowerment in real time.\r\n\r\nStacking stones have introduced mindfulness into our space in a playful, hands-on way. Students explore balance, patience, and creativity while practicing fine-motor control. For some, the gentle challenge of aligning rocks offers quiet concentration. For others, it is a moment of grounding after stimulation. What looks like simple play is actually deep learning: problem-solving, turn-taking, persistence, and self-calming.\r\n\r\nAnd then there is the kinetic sand, a fan-favorite that taps into wonder and regulation simultaneously. Students mold, pat, slice, and explore textures that provide a soothing sensory release. Kinetic sand invites language, imagination, and cooperative play, all while meeting sensory needs. It is both a therapeutic tool and a joyful one. In our classroom, it is a place where students feel safe to explore, collaborate, and express themselves.\r\n\r\nThese materials do more than support sensory regulation. They create access. They help children stay in the room, stay part of the lesson, and stay connected to their peers. They reinforce curiosity, confidence, and emotional growth. Most importantly, they allow each student to feel capable and understood. That is a gift not easily measured by data but deeply felt in the rhythm of our classroom each day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in inclusive education and supporting students whose learning journeys require flexibility, creativity, and compassion. Your kindness has helped us build a classroom where sensory needs are respected, where students have choices and tools, and where every learner is set up to thrive. We are profoundly grateful for your investment in our students' success, well-being, and future.","fullyFundedDate":1760928424797,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-output/9765113/","projectTitle":"Sensory Output","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flashner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8827570_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754676065385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8827570"},{"teacherId":8827570,"projectId":9560768,"letterContent":"Thank you, from the very bottom of our hearts, for helping bring our \"Back to School Tools\" project to life. Your generosity has turned the first days of kindergarten into a season of excitement, confidence, and possibility. With your support, we were able to outfit our room with essential tools that help little learners feel ready, capable, and proud of themselves each time they step into school.\r\n\r\nThis project was more than just supplies. It was a foundation for learning and belonging. Our new pencil dispenser, for example, is already a classroom star. To adults it may seem like a simple device, but to five-year-olds, it is pure magic. Each time a student presses the lever to receive a pencil, there is an unmistakable spark: \"I can do it myself.\" In kindergarten, independence is not a small milestone; it is a mountain peak. This tool has turned pencil-getting into a moment of agency, routine, and responsibility. What could have been chaos has become a joyful ritual, and students beam with pride each time they prepare themselves for learning.\r\n\r\nAlongside this, our collection of kindergarten-friendly books has opened doors into reading worlds bursting with curiosity and comprehension. Stories introduce language, empathy, imagination, and routine. On our carpet, you can see children leaning in with wide eyes, whispering predictions, and connecting new vocabulary to their lives. Already we have seen students flip through pages during quiet time and eagerly choose books to take home and share with their families. These early moments matter, and your gift helped create them.\r\n\r\nThis project also equipped us with back-to-school essentials that build structure and comfort. Labels, writing tools, visual supports, and organizational materials may not always be glamorous, but they are the silent backbone of a calm, successful kindergarten classroom. Our students feel secure because everything has a place, every routine has a tool, and every child has access to what they need. You helped create that environment.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you sent a powerful message to our young learners: people believe in you. Many of our students are just beginning their school journey, and to know that someone they have never met cares about their learning changes how they feel walking into school each day. It tells them they are worth investing in. It teaches them that kindness exists in the world and that education matters.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of their story. Thank you for choosing to support children at the very start of their academic path, when wonder is fresh and confidence is still growing. Your empathy, your generosity, and your belief in our mission have made a genuine difference in our classroom. We are incredibly grateful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1758898800615,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-tools/9560768/","projectTitle":"Back to school tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flashner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8827570_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754676065385","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8827570"},{"teacherId":5015706,"projectId":9743225,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to this project. Draco is enjoying his new home and is super grateful for your generosity. The students have been learning so much about how to care for him. They have been feeding him everyday and watching him roam around his new large space. Having this opportunity to care for a pet is very important to myself and my students. Many of these students do not have pets of their own and consider Draco to be their pet. I love when I see students in the hall and they ask me how he is doing. The students that I do not have on my schedule will also ask and come visit. Thanks to your donation not only have you helped my classes but the entire school .","fullyFundedDate":1758906726320,"projectUrl":"project/its-alive-part-2/9743225/","projectTitle":"It's Alive! (Part 2)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Esposito","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5015706_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519322116789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5015706"},{"teacherId":10245456,"projectId":9691712,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity and kindness in supporting my kindergarten classroom. Because of your donations, our learning environment has become even more joyful, creative, and nurturing.\r\n\r\nThe beanbag chair has quickly become a favorite spot in our classroom. My students love curling up there to read or take a quiet moment when they need to refocus. It's amazing to see how this simple, cozy space helps them regulate their emotions and feel safe and cared for.\r\n\r\nThe construction toys have inspired endless imagination and teamwork! Every day, students work together to build towers, bridges, and entire \"cities.\" As they play, they're also learning to problem-solve, share ideas, and strengthen fine motor and spatial reasoning skills.\r\n\r\nThe play dough and craft supplies have brought out their inner artists. These materials allow my students to express themselves creatively, practice hand strength, and develop coordination—\r\nall while having fun. It's heartwarming to watch them beam with pride as they create something unique and meaningful.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done so much more than provide materials—it has helped create moments of connection, confidence, and discovery. You've turned our classroom into a space where learning feels like an adventure, and every child feels seen and valued.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—thank you for believing in our little learners and helping them grow in such a loving, playful way.","fullyFundedDate":1757686447536,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-big-dreams/9691712/","projectTitle":"Little Builders Big Dreams.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10245456_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757283755565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10245456"},{"teacherId":10052996,"projectId":9428268,"letterContent":"Thank you does not seem enough to say to show our appreciation for your extreme kindness.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has brought wonderful resources into our classroom. Because of your support, my students now have new tools that open up a world of learning and discovery. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in their education.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your single act of kindness will not only impact my students this year, but will continue to benefit future students in my classroom for years to come. Your generosity has created a lasting legacy of learning and opportunity.","fullyFundedDate":1754357274413,"projectUrl":"project/you-have-feelings-just-like-me-sp/9428268/","projectTitle":"You Have Feelings, Just Like Me?! Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10052996_orig.jpg?crop=2365,2365,x120,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750640101605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10052996"},{"teacherId":10052996,"projectId":9414487,"letterContent":"Thank you does not seem enough to say to show our appreciation for your extreme kindness.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has brought wonderful resources into our classroom. Because of your support, my students now have new tools that open up a world of learning and discovery. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in their education.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your single act of kindness will not only impact my students this year, but will continue to benefit future students in my classroom for years to come. Your generosity has created a lasting legacy of learning and opportunity.","fullyFundedDate":1750256119132,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-express-their-needs-sp/9414487/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Express Their Needs Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10052996_orig.jpg?crop=2365,2365,x120,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750640101605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10052996"},{"teacherId":2395937,"projectId":9150190,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous contribution to our Dance Program! \r\n\r\nThe Dance shoes you provided were used by a third grade class in learning and performing Irish Step Dance in a recent school wide concert. The shoes are very versatile and will be used again & again in the upcoming school years.\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled about receiving and wearing these special shoes and grateful that they no longer were dancing in \"Non Slip\" socks! The shoes gave the children an added boost of confidence and pride as they took to the stage. Families were also excited and happy to see their children perform in full costume (provided by the fulfillment of a previous Donors Choose grant proposal).\r\n\r\nI am looking forward to working again with the children on learning Dance techniques and styles in the coming 2025/2026 school year! Thanks Again!","fullyFundedDate":1745879765044,"projectUrl":"project/international-dance-goes-viral-in-brookl/9150190/","projectTitle":"International Dance Goes Viral in Brooklyn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2395937"},{"teacherId":4752636,"projectId":9180638,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our school have a class set of quality ukuleles. These ukuleles will be our students introduction to string instruments. It will teach them how to properly handle and care for instruments. They will learn about string names, tuning, the parts of the instrument. The students will learn to read tablature and play chords. This will be their first introduction to playing in an ensemble. They will learn the focus and perseverance as they practice songs to become skilled enough to perform for others. These are all skills that will translate in to other aspects in their life. Your donation of these instruments will help to form fundamental skills that these children will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1747645876019,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-ukuleles/9180638/","projectTitle":"Fun With Ukuleles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Seigle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4752636"},{"teacherId":4752636,"projectId":9010940,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to our school. In 5 short week's our students are going to put on a production of Into the Woods. This is the first time ever that our students will all have their own wireless lavaliers and will not be holding and passing around hand held microphones. This allows for the students to all feel equally special since we don't have to decide which few students will receive their own mics, it also means they can act more freely and not be encumbered by holding a microphone. This allows for us to have better quality productions each year. They are so excited and we begin practicing with the microphones next week. I can not post photos for photo release reasons. \r\n\r\nThank you SO much!","fullyFundedDate":1736985868624,"projectUrl":"project/microphones-for-musical-theater/9010940/","projectTitle":"Microphones for Musical Theater","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Seigle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4752636"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_715","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":507,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":22,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.0,"schoolId":715,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 199 Frederick Wachtel on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 199 Frederick Wachtel","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-199-frederick-wachtel/715"}