{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 53 Barbara Esselborn School","outOfStateSupporters":22.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6082075,"projectId":9668312,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous support in funding our flexible floor seating project for the math classroom. Thanks to your commitment, our vision of creating a more dynamic and comfortable learning environment has become a reality. This new seating arrangement—including cushions, floor rockers, and flexible mats—is not just about comfort; it is a vital tool that fosters collaboration and student ownership in their mathematical journey. We have already observed a significant shift in the students' willingness to engage in group work, as the new setup allows them to naturally cluster together, share ideas, and tackle complex problems in a setting that feels less rigid and more conducive to creative thinking.\r\n\r\nThis flexible seating is particularly impact when students are given choice time to work on differentiated centers and engaging, computer-based math programs. Instead of being confined to traditional desks, students can now select a seating option—like a comfortable floor cushion or a wobble stool—that best suits their task, whether they are analyzing data on a device or mastering a concept at a hands-on station. By empowering students with this choice, we honor their individual learning needs, helping them maintain focus and motivation. The ability to easily move and arrange themselves also allows for quick transitions between whole-class instruction and small-group or independent activities, maximizing instructional time and ensuring that the math classroom is a comfortable, supportive space for every student.\r\n\r\nYour investment in this project is an investment directly in the success and well-being of our students. The positive energy and enhanced engagement we are seeing daily are the direct results of your kindness and belief in the importance of innovative educational spaces. From the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of the entire math class, thank you for providing the resources that will benefit current and future students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757423391678,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-seating/9668312/","projectTitle":"Comfy Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Foy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6082075"},{"teacherId":2093463,"projectId":9132658,"letterContent":"Words cannot express how incredibly thankful we are for all your support so far for our newest production of The Jungle Book. Our previous productions have been such a success and now thanks to you, this year's show was just as successful! We have an incredible cast that is so eager and enthusiastic. Your generosity has allowed us to buy the equipment necessary to bring our show to life. This laptop was necessary for us to run the whole show! Not only will our current cast benefit from these items, but future cast members to come! Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1741440502474,"projectUrl":"project/the-jungle-book/9132658/","projectTitle":"The Jungle Book!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2093463_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536832929285","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shannon-melendez"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1177","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":806,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":28,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":51,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.9,"schoolId":1177,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 53 Barbara Esselborn School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 53 Barbara Esselborn School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-53-bay-terrace/1177"}
Join the 280 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 53 Barbara Esselborn School is
an urban public school
in Staten Island, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 806 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.5:1.
Its teachers have had 51 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
44%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
PS 53 Barbara Esselborn School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 23, 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 53 Barbara Esselborn School
$36,876
raised using DonorsChoose
51
projects
funded
15
teachers
funded
280
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
PS 53 Barbara Esselborn School has received support from
218 individuals from New York and
62 individuals out-of-state.