{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 63 the Star Academy","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2002353,"projectId":9964942,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project transformed daily instruction by putting interactive learning tools directly into the hands of every student. With a full class set of double-sided whiteboards, dry erase pockets, and an ample supply of markers and erasers, students were able to actively participate in lessons, practice skills in real time, and receive immediate feedback. The colorful paper trays helped keep materials organized and accessible, maximizing instructional time and fostering independence. These reusable resources supported engagement across subjects like reading, writing, and math, while also promoting a more collaborative and low-stakes learning environment where students felt comfortable taking risks. \r\n\r\nOverall, this donation created a more dynamic, organized, and student-centered classroom that enhanced both participation and achievement.","fullyFundedDate":1767467441446,"projectUrl":"project/wipe-away-worries-build-math-confidence/9964942/","projectTitle":"Wipe Away Worries, Build Math Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2002353_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604781447686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mimistein"},{"teacherId":9791419,"projectId":9712642,"letterContent":"When the materials arrived, my students were immediately excited — especially about the calming sea lamp and the weighted plush. One student shared, \"This makes our room feel safe and relax ,\" which truly showed how meaningful these resources are. We now use the sensory lamp and noise-reducing headphones during independent work and reset moments to help students manage overwhelming feelings and refocus.\r\n\r\nThroughout the day students use the Emotions Matching Cards and Big Feelings Pineapple to practice identifying emotions and choosing healthy coping strategies. They are learning to recognize their feelings, communicate their needs, and independently choose tools that help them stay calm and ready to learn. Thank you for providing these resources — they are strengthening both our students' confidence and self-regulation skills each day.","fullyFundedDate":1768333884186,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-students-with-tools-to-thrive/9712642/","projectTitle":"Equipping Students With Tools to Thrive, Not Just Cope.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sabrina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9791419_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759367009781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9791419"},{"teacherId":6727440,"projectId":9892814,"letterContent":"We are so thankful for your generous donation to our classroom! The snacks, bowls, and ice packs for boo‑boos are already being put to great use and help make each day run a little more smoothly. These thoughtful donations help us take care of our students in both big and small moments, from providing snacks for celebrations to comforting a quick bump or scrape. Your kindness helps create a caring, supportive classroom where our students can focus on learning and having fun. Thank you for thinking of our classroom and for being such a wonderful part of our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1772041934367,"projectUrl":"project/making-every-milestone-delicious/9892814/","projectTitle":"Making Every Milestone Delicious","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G (Blumenthal)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6727440_orig.jpg?crop=2023,2023,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716155880775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsroom23"},{"teacherId":6727440,"projectId":9830603,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a color printer for our classroom! Your support allows us to create vibrant, engaging visuals that make learning more accessible for every student, including our multilingual learners. With colorful charts, graphic organizers, and student-made projects, all learners can better understand concepts, follow lessons, and feel included. The printer also supports student independence, as learners can create, print, and share their own work, building confidence and ownership of their learning. Your generosity is helping make our classroom a welcoming, interactive, and inclusive space where every student can thrive. We are truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1768333914518,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-success-with-colorful-visual/9830603/","projectTitle":"Engineering Success with Colorful Visuals","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G (Blumenthal)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6727440_orig.jpg?crop=2023,2023,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716155880775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsroom23"},{"teacherId":6727440,"projectId":9798273,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The worry stones, fidgets, star beads, and air fresheners are already helping our students feel calm, focused, and supported throughout the day. Because of your kindness, our class has a more positive, nurturing environment where students can practice self-regulation, manage their emotions, and build confidence. Your support is making a real difference in their social-emotional growth, and we are so grateful. Each day, we see students using these tools to handle challenges more independently, and they are learning valuable skills that will help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Your generosity shows our students that their well-being matters and that people care about their learning and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1762653038980,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-focus-and-feelings-building-s/9798273/","projectTitle":"Fidgets, Focus, and Feelings: Building Self-Awareness in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G (Blumenthal)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6727440_orig.jpg?crop=2023,2023,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716155880775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsroom23"},{"teacherId":2002353,"projectId":9796900,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the Digging into STEM with Fossil Exploration Kits. Our students were beyond excited to become paleontologists for the day! These hands-on kits sparked curiosity, encouraged critical thinking, and made science come alive in such a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, students were able to explore fossils, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of the natural world through real STEM experiences. This learning opportunity truly made an impact and will be remembered by our class for a long time.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support and for helping inspire a love of science and discovery in our students. 🦴🔍","fullyFundedDate":1760293301390,"projectUrl":"project/digging-into-stem-with-fossil-exploratio/9796900/","projectTitle":"Digging into STEM with Fossil Exploration Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2002353_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604781447686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mimistein"},{"teacherId":2002353,"projectId":9717222,"letterContent":"In our second-grade classroom, floor desks have been a game-changer for student focus and comfort. Many of my students learn best when they have flexible seating options, and floor desks allow them to work in a calm, grounded space where they can spread out, collaborate, and stay engaged. These desks support all types of learners—especially those who need movement or prefer working closer to the floor—while still giving them a sturdy surface for writing and completing assignments. Having these tools in our room helps every child do their best work and feel confident while learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758833974769,"projectUrl":"project/workspaces-that-fit-every-learner/9717222/","projectTitle":"Workspaces That Fit Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2002353_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604781447686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mimistein"},{"teacherId":464939,"projectId":9554704,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation; it is already making a big impact in our classroom community in a variety of ways.\r\n With your support to buy this color printer we have been able to create:\r\n--classroom materials, such as a matching/memory game for our Trees Study and a waste/recycling sorting game that helps students become familiar with how to better sort and dispose of the trash we create each day for our Recycling Study; \r\n--visual supports for new vocabulary (for example, new and different kinds of fruits); \r\n--picture documentation of our activities and learning for parents (and other visitors) that we can display in our hallway and classroom; and\r\n--individualized/differentiated help for students who may need extra support. For example, I created a sequencing activity with visuals around potty-training steps to send home to a parent whose child was struggling both at home and at school with these steps. By having the same visuals to refer to at home and at school, the student has begun to internalize some of the important steps and is making progress in this area.\r\n In short, having this printer readily available has enabled me to support and respond to the needs of my students and their families more rapidly and more effectively. We truly appreciate it.","fullyFundedDate":1758898978276,"projectUrl":"project/pictures-worth-thousands-of-words-and-s/9554704/","projectTitle":"Pictures Worth Thousands of Words, and Smiles Too!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schneider","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp464939_orig.jpg?crop=325,325,x7,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711998133663","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/464939"},{"teacherId":6727440,"projectId":9806280,"letterContent":"Your donation of the LapGear Compact Lap Desk means more than you know! Having a personal workspace helps my students feel calm, capable, and ready to learn, and the organized space for their supplies makes transitions smoother and keeps them on track. These lap desks are being used daily during math, phonics, writing, STEM projects, and small-group work. Your generosity brings flexibility, structure, and joy into our classroom, and we are truly grateful. Thank you for investing in my students and giving them a tool that will make a meaningful difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762357423143,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-with-portable-lap-de/9806280/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning with Portable Lap Desks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G (Blumenthal)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6727440_orig.jpg?crop=2023,2023,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716155880775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsroom23"},{"teacherId":987353,"projectId":9419657,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of the new materials! All of our first graders are benefitting from having a rubber band on their chairs to bounce their feet on to get their wiggles out while sitting in their seats. With so many new focus tools my students are able to choose a focus tool that works for them. The new timer is perfect for our small group table to give students a visual for how much time is left. The number line is complete and goes up to 120, perfect for our math lessons counting on, counting back and skip counting. The step ladder has been so helpful allowing us to get materials down from on top of our closet or up on top of the shelves. We are so grateful for your help and it's making a big difference for our first graders! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1759943838923,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-here-we-come/9419657/","projectTitle":"First Grade, Here We Come!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Agnes Laird","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp987353_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565221228645","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/agnes-laird"},{"teacherId":6727440,"projectId":9401507,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and thoughtfulness! Because of your donations, our class is heading into our trip feeling fully prepared and cared for. The snacks, wipes, sanitizer, and vomit bags you provided may seem like small items, but they make a big difference in keeping everyone healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout the day. Your support allows me to focus on helping students enjoy and learn from this experience without worrying about the little things. The snacks will help keep energy and spirits high, while the sanitizer and wipes help us stay clean and safe. Even the vomit bags bring comfort and reassurance to students who sometimes struggle with motion sickness, thank you for thinking of every detail! Your kindness and generosity reminds my students that there are caring people who believe in them and want to see them thrive. You've helped make this trip smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable for all of us.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your support !","fullyFundedDate":1759890832755,"projectUrl":"project/field-trip-care-kits/9401507/","projectTitle":"Field Trip Care Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G (Blumenthal)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6727440_orig.jpg?crop=2023,2023,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716155880775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsroom23"},{"teacherId":6727440,"projectId":9676000,"letterContent":"Wow, I can't thank you enough for your generosity and kindness in supporting our classroom with these delicious snacks! Your donation truly means so much to both me and my students and it doesn't just fill a snack bin, it fills hearts! It teaches my students about kindness, generosity, and gratitude. They're always amazed to learn that people outside of our classroom care enough to help make their school experience better. These moments help them see that they are valued and supported by a larger community. That lesson is just as important as anything we teach in the classroom. Thank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1760533322184,"projectUrl":"project/bites-that-boost-brains/9676000/","projectTitle":"Bites That Boost Brains","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G (Blumenthal)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6727440_orig.jpg?crop=2023,2023,x0,y299&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716155880775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgsroom23"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_22","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":189,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":22,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 63 the Star Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 63 the Star Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-63-william-mckinley/22"}