{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior","outOfStateSupporters":46.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9905609,"projectId":9076948,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our afterschool crochet club, Stitching Together Wellness. Thanks to your donation, we were able to bring this vision to life—and the impact it has had on our students, our school, and our surrounding community has been truly remarkable.\r\n\r\nThe club provided a much-needed safe haven where students could come after school to create, connect, and heal. For many, it was the first time they had a space where they could express themselves freely, bond with teachers and peers in a meaningful way, and learn a new skill that empowered them. Week after week, we watched shy students come out of their shells, friends form over yarn and color patterns, and creativity bloom in ways we never imagined.\r\n\r\nOne of our 8th-grade students was even inspired to begin designing her own crochet pieces and is now exploring the idea of launching her own small business in high school. This kind of spark—this kind of confidence—was made possible because someone believed in them enough to invest in their joy, growth, and mental wellness.\r\n\r\nBeyond the yarn and hooks, what you helped create was community. A space filled with laughter, music, creativity, and genuine care. Even parents expressed interest in joining, which has inspired conversations around potentially expanding the program in the future to include evening classes for adults. 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Their reactions were full of smiles, laughter, and lots of questions, showing how eager they were to explore the options.\r\n\r\nSince implementing these tools, we've seen a positive shift in focus, self-regulation, and overall classroom behavior. Students who previously struggled to stay seated or attentive are now more engaged and comfortable during lessons. 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Some students said, \"Wow, this is so soft\"...\"Mrs. Turner, this is so beautiful!\" I was truly amazed at their reaction. \r\n\r\nThe rug helps me create routines. I have assigned seating on the rug. The squares and colors help the students remember where they sit during lessons. During \"free time\" my students have used the rug for our hopping game. My paraprofessionals use the rug as a tool to recite the alphabet or numbers as the children jump from square to square. Students use the rug to take a nap when needed. The rug also provides an extra space/place for small group instruction or one to one tutoring for students. \r\n\r\nI am looking forward to using this rug next year. It is a really good quality rug. 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PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior

Join the 331 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior is an urban public school in Bronx, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed. It serves 637 students in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.3:1. Its teachers have had 112 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 8

637 Students

77 Teachers

2100 Walton Ave

Bronx, NY 10453 View local requests

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/schools/X279

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior Teachers on DonorsChoose

See more teachers from PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior

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PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

97%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior

$55,427

raised using DonorsChoose

112

projects funded

teachers funded

331

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior has received support from 178 individuals from New York and 153 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior

About this school

Equity Focus School

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior Demographics

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.