{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 63 the Star Academy","outOfStateSupporters":38.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":10238303,"projectId":9675580,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a printer that is already making a big difference in how my first graders learn each day. Before, we had to wait to print materials from the office or rely on black-and-white copies. Now, students can see their work come to life in color, whether it's a story they've written, a piece of artwork they've created, or a learning game we've designed together. Having this technology in our classroom makes learning more immediate and personal.\r\n\r\nThe students are especially excited to print their own writing and take it home to share with their families. It gives them a sense of pride and ownership over their learning. They also love using the printer for our literacy and math centers, where they can rotate through colorful, hands-on activities that keep them engaged and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThe printer's scanner function has also elevated the decor of our classroom. It is so much easier for my classroom team to scan student work of their choice and decorate the room and outside billboard in full color. Your gift has truly empowered my students to see themselves as creators and learners. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of classroom technology.","fullyFundedDate":1758898762414,"projectUrl":"project/if-you-give-a-class-a-printer/9675580/","projectTitle":"If You Give a Class a Printer...","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ayala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10238303_orig.jpg?crop=2195,2195,x510,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756854197942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10238303"},{"teacherId":9500282,"projectId":9143787,"letterContent":"With the addition of tablets, my students will be able to move beyond worksheets and rigid programs into open-ended learning experiences where their creativity can thrive. Tablets will give them access to interactive tools for drawing, designing, coding, and storytelling, allowing every child to explore ideas in their own unique way. Instead of being passive users of technology, they will become creators by experimenting, problem-solving, and sharing their work with pride. This project will help build confidence, encourage self-expression, and give students the chance to see learning as something joyful and limitless.","fullyFundedDate":1746796780570,"projectUrl":"project/unleashing-creativity-tablets-for-open-/9143787/","projectTitle":"Unleashing Creativity: Tablets for Open-Ended Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9500282_orig.jpg?crop=608,608,x280,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712063132011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9500282"},{"teacherId":9500282,"projectId":9113315,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting \"Fostering Curiosity: Engaging Computer Science Resources for Young Innovators!\" Your generosity provides my students with the tools they need to dive into computer science in creative and meaningful ways. These resources will give them hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, spark innovation, and build confidence as they explore coding and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will not only gain new skills, but also discover the joy of creating with technology. Your support is helping them grow into innovators who see themselves as capable of shaping the future.","fullyFundedDate":1740501232834,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-curiosity-engaging-computer-s/9113315/","projectTitle":"Fostering Curiosity: Engaging Computer Science Resources for Young Innovators!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9500282_orig.jpg?crop=608,608,x280,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712063132011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9500282"},{"teacherId":9500282,"projectId":8402211,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Bridge the Gap Between Conventional Play & The Algorithmic Process\" project. Your generosity allows my students to experience the best of both worlds: traditional, hands-on play combined with the exploration of coding, robotics, and the algorithmic processes that shape their future.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will be able to build, tinker, and imagine in new ways that connect creativity to technology. You are helping them see that learning is not only fun, but also empowering.","fullyFundedDate":1715611353405,"projectUrl":"project/bridge-the-gap-between-conventional-play/8402211/","projectTitle":"Bridge The Gap Between Conventional Play & The Algorithmic Process","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9500282_orig.jpg?crop=608,608,x280,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712063132011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9500282"},{"teacherId":9500282,"projectId":8396294,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Bring STEM to School projects. Your generosity will make it possible for my students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on way that they rarely get to experience. With your help, they will have the tools to build, design, and problem-solve like real engineers, sparking curiosity and confidence that can last a lifetime.\r\n\r\nYour support means more than new materials, it means opportunities, equity, and inspiration for children who deserve access to the world of STEM. We are deeply grateful that you chose to invest in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1715489092117,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-stem-to-our-school-part-3/8396294/","projectTitle":"Help Bring STEM to Our School: Part 3!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9500282_orig.jpg?crop=608,608,x280,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712063132011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9500282"}],"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":61.7,"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"}
Join the 812 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 63 the Star Academy is
an urban public school
in New York, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 189 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.5:1.
Its teachers have had 281 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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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.
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
84%
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 63 the Star Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 25, 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 63 the Star Academy
$137,173
raised using DonorsChoose
281
projects
funded
55
teachers
funded
812
donors
24
projects
for
basic supplies
41
projects for
technology
45
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
PS 63 the Star Academy has received support from
501 individuals from New York and
311 individuals out-of-state.