{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 291","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8047536,"projectId":9530117,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the essential classroom supplies that have made learning more interactive, colorful, and engaging for students. With new markers and chart paper, we are able to create bright, eye-catching anchor charts that support daily lessons and help students visualize key concepts. These colorful charts have become meaningful reference tools that students regularly use to reinforce their understanding and independence.\r\n\r\nThe addition of math manipulatives, including pattern blocks and fraction tiles, has allowed students to explore concepts hands-on and deepen their mathematical thinking. Students are more engaged when they can build, compare, and problem-solve using tangible materials. Pencils and laminating sheets have also been invaluable, making it possible to create durable center activities that can be reused throughout the year. Overall, these supplies have enhanced instruction, increased student participation, and created a more dynamic and supportive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1758898762664,"projectUrl":"project/a-bright-start-by-bringing-learning-to-l/9530117/","projectTitle":"A Bright Start by Bringing Learning to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8047536_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630863214783","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8047536"},{"teacherId":4565955,"projectId":9767236,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our \"Building Strong Readers with the Science of Reading\" project. Your support has made a powerful difference for my 3rd and 4th grade intervention students who are working hard to strengthen their foundational reading skills.\r\n\r\nThese materials have been an incredible supplement to our SPIRE curriculum. The Lakeshore phonics skill-building book sets give students access to decodable texts that align directly with the phonics patterns they are learning, allowing them to immediately apply new skills to real reading experiences. The Pete the Cat phonics mini-books have been especially motivating, helping students practice short and long vowel sounds with confidence and excitement. Phonics Bingo has turned skill practice into an engaging, hands-on activity that students genuinely look forward to.\r\n\r\nBecause of these resources, students are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to take risks as readers. I've seen growth not only in decoding and fluency, but also in students' belief in themselves. Reading is beginning to feel achievable—and even fun—for students who once found it frustrating.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create meaningful, science-of-reading–aligned instruction that meets students where they are and helps them move forward. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their journey to become successful, lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1768227546650,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-with-science-of/9767236/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers with Science of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4565955_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768260217281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4565955"},{"teacherId":4565955,"projectId":9767171,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in fully funding our classroom supplies project. Because of your support, my 3rd and 4th grade students in an ICT setting now have the tools they need to learn, create, and stay engaged every day.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Highlighters, crayons, paper, and dry erase supplies allow students to actively participate in lessons, annotate texts, and show their thinking in ways that work best for them. Laminating sheets, dry erase pockets, and pocket charts have helped make our activities reusable, interactive, and accessible for all learners, especially during small-group instruction and independent practice.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful additions has been the flexible seating floor cushions. These have created a more comfortable and welcoming environment for small group work, reading, and collaboration. Students are more focused, motivated, and excited to participate when they feel physically comfortable and supported.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a classroom space where students feel organized, encouraged, and ready to succeed. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their learning experience. Your support truly makes a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1768454490071,"projectUrl":"project/from-crayons-to-cushions-building-a-bri/9767171/","projectTitle":"From Crayons to Cushions: Building a Brighter Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4565955_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768260217281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4565955"},{"teacherId":4565955,"projectId":9905780,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom soccer book project. Because of you, my students now have access to high-interest, inspiring books centered around the sport they love most—soccer—and the players they admire, especially Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Your support has had an immediate and meaningful impact on their motivation, engagement, and love of reading.\r\n\r\nThis project has been especially powerful as a supplement to our HMH Into Reading Module 5, which focuses on the theme of teamwork in sports. As students explored texts about collaboration, perseverance, and shared goals within the HMH curriculum, these soccer books provided authentic, real-world connections that brought the theme to life. Reading about famous athletes working with teammates, overcoming challenges, and striving together toward success helped students deeply understand what teamwork truly means—both on and off the field.\r\n\r\nThe excitement these books generated was incredible. Students who were previously hesitant readers eagerly reached for these titles during independent reading time. Many students asked to read longer, reread favorite pages, or share facts they learned with classmates. Discussions about Messi's determination, Ronaldo's work ethic, and the importance of teamwork naturally spilled into our reading lessons, writing activities, and even classroom conversations. Reading no longer felt like a task—it felt personal, exciting, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThese books also supported essential literacy skills. Students practiced decoding unfamiliar words, building fluency through repeated readings, and strengthening comprehension by making connections between texts and our HMH lessons. The familiar topic of soccer helped students focus more confidently on reading strategies while staying fully engaged in the content. For many students, this was a turning point in how they view themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project fostered a sense of belonging and pride. Many of my students come from diverse backgrounds and low-income households, and seeing their interests reflected in our classroom library made them feel valued and seen. The joy on their faces as they debated who the greatest soccer player of all time is or shared favorite moments from the books was truly priceless.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are discovering that reading can be just as thrilling as the sport they love. Thank you for believing in my students, supporting their literacy journey, and helping us build a classroom where passion and learning go hand in hand. Your generosity will continue to inspire my students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1768227513426,"projectUrl":"project/goal-getters-building-readers-through-s/9905780/","projectTitle":"Goal Getters: Building Readers Through Soccer Heroes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4565955_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768260217281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4565955"},{"teacherId":4565955,"projectId":9434198,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, I am able to create a welcoming, organized learning space for my 2nd and 3rd grade students—one where they feel proud of their work and excited to learn. The frame boxes will allow us to proudly display student writing and artwork, helping children see their efforts valued and celebrated each day.\r\n\r\nThe organizational tools you provided, including the paper trays, calendar, and pocket charts, are already making a meaningful difference in our small group instruction. These materials help keep lessons structured and accessible, allowing students to focus, stay engaged, and build independence during learning time. A well-organized environment supports confidence, responsibility, and academic growth, especially for students who benefit from clear routines and visual supports.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly impacts my students' daily experiences in the classroom. Thank you for investing in their success and helping to create a space where learning feels joyful, purposeful, and empowering. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1760380870159,"projectUrl":"project/a-welcoming-and-organized-space-for-smal/9434198/","projectTitle":"A Welcoming and Organized Space for Small Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4565955_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768260217281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4565955"},{"teacherId":8899785,"projectId":9456320,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of student headphones. My students were absolutely thrilled when they saw them, and their excitement filled our classroom. The bright, fun colors instantly caught their attention, and the large, comfortable ear pads were a huge hit—many students commented on how \"official\" they felt while using them. Your kindness has truly brought joy and a sense of pride to our learning space.\r\n\r\n These headphones are already making a meaningful impact on our daily instruction. With clearer sound and better noise isolation, my students can focus more deeply during their online reading and math programs and interactive platforms. The improved audio quality helps them follow directions more accurately, hear phonics and vocabulary clearly, and stay engaged during independent work. For some students who struggle with distractions, the larger ear surface area helps them stay calm and centered, giving them the quiet space they need to succeed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this wonderful addition to our classroom technology.","fullyFundedDate":1758898766933,"projectUrl":"project/tune-into-learning-headphones-for-our-c/9456320/","projectTitle":"Tune Into Learning: Headphones for Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. P. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8899785_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y99&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674776212368","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8899785"},{"teacherId":8047536,"projectId":9507230,"letterContent":"Thanks to this funded project, our classroom library has been transformed with high-interest graphic novels and soccer-themed books that students are genuinely excited to read. From the moment the books arrived, students eagerly flipped through the pages, shared favorites with classmates, and asked for extra time to read. Many students who were previously reluctant readers are now choosing books on their own and staying engaged for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nThe combination of visual storytelling in graphic novels and the fast-paced, relatable topics in soccer books has made reading feel fun and accessible. Students are more motivated to talk about what they're reading, recommend books to friends, and even re-read titles they love. This project didn't just add new books to our shelves—it sparked enthusiasm, confidence, and a stronger reading culture in our classroom. I'm incredibly grateful to our donors for helping make reading an exciting and meaningful experience for students. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758898999166,"projectUrl":"project/kickin-off-reading-graphic-novels-go/9507230/","projectTitle":"Kickin' Off Reading: Graphic Novels & Goals!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8047536_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630863214783","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8047536"},{"teacherId":1241225,"projectId":9216794,"letterContent":"I just wanted to thank you so much for helping my project get funded. These books mean so much to my students and myself. With your help, I was able to brand new high interest books into the hands of all my students. \r\n\r\nI wish I could have taken a picture of all my student's faces when I opened the box of books. They were so excited and with each new series that I pulled out of the box they kept on getting more excited. The smiles on their faces were priceless. \r\n\r\nSince I opened the box of books, all my students have been asking me when is reading time which is a huge turn around from the moans and groans I would hear when I told them it was reading time. You have helped me create live long readers and I can't thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1749681870437,"projectUrl":"project/readers-wanted/9216794/","projectTitle":"Readers Wanted!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Malley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1241225_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y101&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743780399299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1241225"},{"teacherId":4565955,"projectId":9237012,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing my 2nd and 3rd grade students with the incredible experience of observing caterpillars grow into beautiful butterflies. The students were absolutely amazed and excited as they watched each stage of the metamorphosis — from caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally to butterfly. It was truly a magical process to witness.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the live butterfly kits, the informative book and hands-on modeling kit were invaluable resources. They helped students better understand the butterfly life cycle through both reading and visual representation. These materials reinforced their learning in multiple ways and ensured that every student could engage with the content meaningfully.\r\n\r\nOnce the butterflies had developed strong wings, we released them together in our schoolyard. The students waved goodbye as their butterflies fluttered into the world — a moment filled with joy, wonder, and a deep appreciation for nature.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this unforgettable learning experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1744032948259,"projectUrl":"project/butterfly-journeys-transforming-curiosi/9237012/","projectTitle":"Butterfly Journeys: Transforming Curiosity into Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4565955_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768260217281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4565955"},{"teacherId":10003449,"projectId":9264299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations!\r\n My students are using the soccer balls, goal nets, and pinnies to learn how to play soccer during our outdoor time. We've started practicing basic skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting. It's been so exciting to see them working together and having fun while learning something new.\r\n Their faces lit up the moment they saw the soccer balls and nets. Many of them had never played with real soccer equipment before, and they couldn't wait to get started.\r\n The next step is for students to learn the rules of the game and start playing matches against each other. They're really looking forward to putting their new skills into action!","fullyFundedDate":1751571440045,"projectUrl":"project/goal-future-soccer-stars/9264299/","projectTitle":"Goal! Future Soccer Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gately","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10003449_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745683013325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003449"},{"teacherId":10003449,"projectId":9264357,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! My students were so excited when the materials arrived—especially the smooth rocks and colorful paint markers. They dove right into creating inspirational artwork for the rock garden planted in front of our school. As they worked, they shared thoughtful conversations about how their words might impact someone walking by. One student said, \"What if someone is having a hard day and my rock helps them smile?\" It was such a powerful reminder of how much they care about spreading kindness. \r\n\r\nWe then placed the finished rocks in the garden for all the community to see. We want to make this a yearly tradition with our second graders. Thanks to you, our students are learning that even small gestures can make a big difference!","fullyFundedDate":1747532042178,"projectUrl":"project/rockin-inspirational-art-paint-decora/9264357/","projectTitle":"Rockin’ Inspirational Art: Paint, Decorate and Create!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gately","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10003449_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745683013325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003449"},{"teacherId":8798843,"projectId":9009592,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation. Your support has made a positive impact on my students, particularly with their exploration of \"Harry Potter\". \r\n\r\nThe students are currently engaged in book clubs where they are participating in discussions based on the books themes, and characters. They are also creating art inspired by the illustrations found in the book, which has sparked their creativity and enthusiasm for reading. \r\n\r\nThank you once again for your invaluable contribution.","fullyFundedDate":1736778605436,"projectUrl":"project/the-story-that-changed-the-world/9009592/","projectTitle":"The Story That Changed the World!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Massaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8798843_orig.jpg?crop=645,645,x163,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665682054856","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8798843"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_385","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":466,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":89,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.8,"schoolId":385,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 291 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 291","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-291/385"}