{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 63 the Star Academy","outOfStateSupporters":38.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7086389,"projectId":9960264,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our fourth-grade Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom. Your kindness has provided our students with dictionaries, pencils, and sensory and occupational therapy tools such as wiggle feet for chairs and a bean bag chair for our calm corner. These resources may seem simple on their own, but together they have made a meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nOur classroom serves a diverse group of learners with a wide range of academic strengths and needs. Every day, students work hard to build confidence in reading, writing, math, and social-emotional skills. Because of your donation, they now have access to tools that help them focus, feel supported, and engage more fully in instruction.\r\n\r\nThe dictionaries have empowered students to become more independent writers and readers. Instead of waiting for teacher assistance, they eagerly look up unfamiliar words, explore definitions, and strengthen their vocabulary. This independence has fostered curiosity and confidence, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThe new pencils may seem like a small supply item, but they have removed a common barrier to learning. Every student now has the materials needed to participate in class activities, complete assignments, and express their ideas without interruption. Something as basic as having a sharpened pencil available helps ensure that valuable instructional time is spent learning rather than searching for supplies.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most transformative additions have been the occupational therapy supports. The wiggle feet allow students who benefit from movement to channel their energy in a productive way while remaining engaged in lessons. Rather than becoming distracted or leaving their seats, they can self-regulate and maintain focus on classroom tasks.\r\n\r\nThe bean bag chair in our calm corner has also become a cherished space for students who need a moment to reset. Whether they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need a quiet place to regroup, this welcoming area provides a safe environment where they can practice emotional regulation strategies before returning ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity has helped create a classroom where every child feels included and valued. By supporting both academic resources and sensory tools, you have acknowledged that successful learning happens when students' educational and emotional needs are met together.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students, families, and teaching team, thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our future. Your gift has provided more than supplies—it has created opportunities for confidence, independence, comfort, and growth that our students will carry with them throughout the school year and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1772116108945,"projectUrl":"project/give-fourth-grade-a-fresh-learning-space/9960264/","projectTitle":"Give Fourth Grade a Fresh Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faust","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7086389_orig.jpg?crop=2250,2250,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579787921350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-faust4thgrade"},{"teacherId":7316523,"projectId":9895477,"letterContent":"Thank you for thinking of us! Our students have been loving having their tablets for their devices for adapted access to expressive speech. These battery packs have also impacted in a serendipitous way! When we have tablet time we have been able to keep going with our math work and practice sound work through phonemic awareness games. The consistency has helped bridge our communication between peers and increase our target vocabulary. We even have had a few of our students increase in their verbal approximations in attempts to use their spoken voice after having their device model for them! Thank you for investing in our continued growth.","fullyFundedDate":1773336295975,"projectUrl":"project/voice-output-access/9895477/","projectTitle":"Voice Output Access","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7316523_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598457405329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7316523"},{"teacherId":987353,"projectId":9729890,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for your generous support to our first grade classroom! We were absolutely thrilled to receive all of the fun incentives to celebrate their positive behavior and teamwork. Because of you, our classroom is full of even more joy and motivation. The bubbles, chalk, sunglasses, coloring books, crayons and sand buckets have made our marble jar celebrations extra special — helping students see that kindness, cooperation, and hard work truly pay off. Your generosity goes far beyond these items. You've shown my students that people believe in them and want to see them succeed. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1771002934584,"projectUrl":"project/positive-vibes-only-encouraging-great-b/9729890/","projectTitle":"Positive Vibes Only: Encouraging Great Behavior in First Grade!","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":10022859,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for providing our classroom with essential cleaning and air‑freshening supplies. The Clorox EcoClean wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray, and Air Wick plug‑in refills have made a meaningful difference in our learning environment. Because of you, we are able to keep our classroom clean, sanitized, and smelling fresh every day. This helps keep students healthy, comfortable, and focused on learning, especially during a busy school year when maintaining a safe space is so important. Your kindness and generosity truly support both students and teachers, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in our classroom! \r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming place where students can learn and thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1773595572253,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-spaces-engaged-minds/10022859/","projectTitle":"Healthy Spaces, Engaged Minds","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":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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.3,"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"}