{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 396","outOfStateSupporters":51.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10511746,"projectId":10290920,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our students receive The Wild Robot Escapes as their end-of-year gift. We can't express how much this means to them and to us.\r\n\r\nReading is a big part of our classroom, and students spend time reading independently, in partnerships, and as a whole class. While our chapter book read-alouds are just one small part of our reading lives, they are the part most connected to this project. Throughout the year, we choose read-alouds that connect to the themes of our reading modules. One of our modules focused on the marvels of nature, and what better book than The Wild Robot, a story about a robot who must adapt to survive in the natural world?\r\n\r\nWe had never seen our students more engaged and excited by a read-aloud. They fell in love with Roz, Brightbill, and all of the animals on the island. Through the book, they learned about character motivations and relationships, discussed themes such as overcoming challenges and family, and noticed how authors use descriptive language and dialogue to bring stories to life. They eagerly made predictions, supported their thinking with evidence from the text, and connected the story to their own lives.\r\n\r\nThe conversations this book sparked were incredible. Students had heated debates about what would happen to Roz and Brightbill, especially when the bears appeared and later when the RECOs came to the island. They were constantly making predictions and trying to convince each other whose ideas were most likely to come true. They celebrated when they were right and were shocked when the story took an unexpected turn.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular stands out. He usually complains when it's time for a read-aloud and often struggles to stay engaged with longer texts. With *The Wild Robot*, that completely changed. Instead of complaining about reading, he complained when our chapters for the day were over because he wanted us to keep going. Every day he wanted to know what would happen next and was genuinely excited for read-aloud time. Seeing a student who is usually reluctant about reading become so invested in a book was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.\r\n\r\nWhen we finished the book, our students were so disappointed to learn that we wouldn't have time to read the second book together. We thought it would be really special to give them The Wild Robot Escapes as an end-of-year gift and encourage them to continue the story on their own over the summer.\r\n\r\nWe work in a school where many students do not have books at home or opportunities to access reading during the summer months. Many of our students are reluctant readers, and helping them discover books they truly enjoy is one of our biggest goals. The Wild Robot did that in a way few books have. Your generosity is giving our students not only a book to read this summer, but also the chance to continue a story they already love. We are hopeful that for many of them, this will be the book that keeps them reading long after the school year ends.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1779370963543,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-4th-graders-read-wildly-this-su/10290920/","projectTitle":"Help Our 4th Graders Read Wildly This Summer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahearn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10511746"},{"teacherId":1824390,"projectId":9870725,"letterContent":"I know I already thanked you personally, but I wanted to take the time to say again how helpful it has been to use this iPad with different AAC apps added, both while waiting for my students' DOE-issued devices to arrive and to trial which programs work better for different students. Not only was I not looking forward to AAC at first, but I actively fought myself against learning! But now, I have completed AAC certification courses, and I am being proactive about learning more. I very much enjoy seeing kids' communication abilities grow while using it. THANK YOU.","fullyFundedDate":1762473749378,"projectUrl":"project/helping-our-students-communicate/9870725/","projectTitle":"Helping Our Students Communicate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1824390_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1481574256024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-taylor396"},{"teacherId":9288356,"projectId":9677173,"letterContent":"When my co facilitator and I first learned about Girls Inc., we were eager to incorporate it in to our school community. We are a small elementary school in the Bronx, that serves a population of predominately black and brown children. Over the past few years, especially coming out of the pandemic, we noticed a significant decline in the overall self esteem, and ability to build and maintain friendships, especially amongst our young girls. Girls Inc., is a program that seeks to empower young girls and women and cultivate a sense of community and team building amongst women and girls.\r\n\r\nFor the 3rd school year in a row we are able to continue our work with Girls Inc. and bring a curriculum to our 4th and 5th that supports their mental health and self esteem. Similar to last year, Girls Inc. takes place during the lunch period, and many of our students appreciate having a snack to go along with their lunch. This was only made possible through your generous donations. We are eternally grateful to have your support and collaboration.","fullyFundedDate":1758798120114,"projectUrl":"project/girls-inc-inspiring-girls-to-be-strong/9677173/","projectTitle":"Girls Inc. Inspiring Girls to Be Strong, Smart and Bold","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. CHERRY","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9288356_orig.jpg?crop=1823,1823,x455,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725549531688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9288356"},{"teacherId":9226940,"projectId":9439850,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution towards purchasing floor cushions and storage for my classroom. My coteacher and I are very grateful.\r\n\r\nOur students have been using the cushions when we are sitting as a whole group or to do their work and independent reading spread out around the classroom. They are able to take out and put away the cushions independently thanks to the storage rack. \r\n\r\nThese cushions have helped make our classroom more cozy, comfortable and flexible for our students. Thank you again for helping to make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1753112161056,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-seating-for-kindergarteners/9439850/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Seating for Kindergarteners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gorski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9226940"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_394","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":214,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":71,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"3.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.1,"schoolId":394,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 396 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 396","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-396/394"}

PS 396

Join the 239 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

PS 396 is an urban public school in Bronx, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed. It serves 214 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 3.8:1. Its teachers have had 71 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

214 Students

57 Teachers

1930 Andrews Ave

Bronx, NY 10453 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at PS 396 to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

PS 396 Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

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PS 396 Demographics

93%

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 396 Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Jul 9, 2026

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 396

$27,497

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

239

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

PS 396 has received support from 115 individuals from New York and 124 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 396

About this school

PS 396 Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share and help support PS 396

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

PS 396 Demographics

PS 396 Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Jul 9, 2026

PS 396

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