{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 7 Louis Simeone","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":10034975,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and helping provide snacks for my students. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to snacks like Grandma's cookies, fruit snacks, Nutri-Grain bars, and Pirate's Booty that help keep their energy up throughout the school day. I work hard to keep my students physically active through Physical Education, recess, and movement breaks in the classroom, and these snacks help them refuel so they can stay focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, my students were incredibly excited and grateful. Many of them immediately recognized their favorite treats and were thrilled to know they would have something to keep them going during busy school days. One moment that stood out was after a particularly active PE session—students were able to grab a snack, recharge, and then return to class ready to participate in our lessons. Having these snacks available helps prevent students from feeling tired or distracted by hunger, allowing them to stay engaged with their classmates and their work.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these snacks will continue to support our daily routine of learning and movement. My students will be able to stay energized as we work on classroom lessons, group activities, and physical exercises that keep their minds and bodies active. Your generosity is helping ensure that my students have the fuel they need for \"powerful brains\" and strong bodies. Thank you for helping make sure my students can focus on learning and not on being hungry.","fullyFundedDate":1772550321139,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-fuel-our-bodies-and-minds/10034975/","projectTitle":"Snacks Fuel Our Bodies and Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":10122803,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to soft facial tissues that make a real difference in their comfort and ability to focus throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWhen the tissues first arrived, my students were genuinely excited. It may seem like a small thing, but after being used to the rough school-issued tissues and even harsher paper towels, they immediately noticed the difference. A few students even commented on how \"soft\" they were and how much better they felt using them when they had runny noses or allergies. It was a simple moment, but it showed just how much thoughtful supplies like these matter to them.\r\n\r\nWe are using the tissues every day in our classroom, especially during cold and allergy season. Instead of students worrying about their noses becoming raw or uncomfortable, they can quickly grab a tissue, take care of themselves, and return to their work. This has helped keep our classroom healthier and more focused, allowing students to stay engaged in lessons, group activities, and independent projects.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was during a recent class activity when several students were working together on a collaborative assignment. In the past, students who weren't feeling well might have struggled to stay focused because they were uncomfortable using rough paper towels. Now they can easily take a tissue and continue participating without disruption. Small comforts like this help create a classroom environment where students feel cared for and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students will continue using these tissues as we move forward with our current lessons and projects. By keeping our classroom comfortable and healthier, students can focus on what matters most—being curious, asking questions, and pursuing their eagerness to learn.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Thank you for helping support my students' well-being and their ability to learn every day!","fullyFundedDate":1772550258999,"projectUrl":"project/tissues-for-the-winter/10122803/","projectTitle":"Tissues for the Winter!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9800042,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, our students now have the opportunity to use new technology that is making a meaningful difference in how they learn and how we share their progress with families.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology in their daily lives, but technology in schools can serve a very different purpose. In our physical education program, technology helps us document and track student growth in ways that were difficult to do before. My students are children with varying emotional, physical, and intellectual disabilities, as well as autism spectrum disorders. Physical education is an important part of their day because it helps them regulate their bodies, improve coordination, and develop healthy habits. Using an Insta360 camera allows us to digitally capture their activities and progress over time. This gives parents a clearer window into the work their children are doing in class and the skills they are developing.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students the most about this new technology is the interactive experience. The camera allows them to see their movements and participation in a new way. Many students are naturally curious about the device and enjoy being part of the recording process. It motivates them to participate more actively in activities like movement games, balance exercises, and cooperative play. Seeing themselves engaged in these activities can boost their confidence and encourage them to keep trying.\r\n\r\nSome students who are typically hesitant in new situations have especially warmed up to the technology. For example, a few students who struggle with communication or social interaction have shown increased engagement when they know their accomplishments can be shared with their families. The camera helps capture moments of success—whether it's completing a movement activity, working with peers, or trying something new—and these moments can be celebrated both in class and at home.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this technology helps make our physical education class more transparent and connected with families. Parents are able to better understand what their children are learning and how they are progressing, which strengthens the partnership between home and school.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking about my students and for helping upgrade our gymnasium with this technology. Your support is helping create a more engaging, inclusive, and connected learning environment for every child in our class.","fullyFundedDate":1766473146970,"projectUrl":"project/capturing-physical-fitness/9800042/","projectTitle":"Capturing Physical Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9963023,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring our Chinese New Year celebration to life! Because of your support, our students were able to experience a vibrant and joyful event that celebrated culture, community, and fun.\r\n\r\nWe used the decorations, supplies, and materials to transform our space into a festive Lunar New Year celebration filled with bright colors, lanterns, music, and cultural activities. One of the most memorable moments was when the students gathered together to celebrate and take turns enjoying the piñata. The excitement and laughter filled the room as students cheered each other on. It became a wonderful opportunity for them to practice teamwork, patience, and encouragement while celebrating together.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials and decorations, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them were curious about the traditions of the Lunar New Year and asked thoughtful questions about the holiday, the meaning of the colors, and why families celebrate it. They loved learning about dragon dances, lanterns, and the importance of family gatherings during this special time of year. The piñata added a playful twist that made the celebration even more memorable and engaging for everyone.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, our students were able to experience a meaningful cultural celebration in a hands-on way. They not only had fun but also learned about traditions, unity, and the importance of celebrating different cultures within our community.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue learning about cultures and traditions from around the world. We will build on this experience by discussing the themes of renewal, kindness, and community that are part of the Lunar New Year. They are already excited to share what they learned with their families and classmates.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for giving our students such a joyful and meaningful experience. Your support helped create memories that our students will carry with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1766067760017,"projectUrl":"project/pinatas-a-chinese-new-year-celebration/9963023/","projectTitle":"Pinatas: A Chinese New Year Celebration!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":7065435,"projectId":9988202,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my latest classroom project. I am always so grateful to all of my family and friends who donate to my class projects! This project included all the classroom essentials such as tissue boxes, paper towels, baby wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray and wipes, to just name a few!! \r\nThese products are used up so quickly in my special education classroom. They are used on the daily. But as always, thank you again for all the generosity and kindness of all my classroom supporters!","fullyFundedDate":1768765762209,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supply-restock/9988202/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supply Restock!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gurecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7065435_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1578880861404","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7065435"},{"teacherId":2381435,"projectId":9930711,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project. Because of your generosity, our afterschool photography club for ESL students now has a photo printer and printer paper to bring their work to life.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, photography is a powerful way to express themselves while building confidence in their English language skills. Being able to print their photos allows them to proudly share their creativity, tell their stories, and see their hard work displayed and celebrated.\r\n\r\nMy students have been able to use the printer to print their photos for projects, create visual stories, and share their work while practicing their English skills.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is giving our students the opportunity to explore art, practice language, and feel proud of their accomplishments. We are truly grateful for your support and for believing in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764689707058,"projectUrl":"project/building-language-one-photo-at-a-time/9930711/","projectTitle":"Building Language-One Photo at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alicea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2381435_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503687489520","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsalicea"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9985097,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Physical Education program. Your kindness and generosity have made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and I am truly grateful.\r\nAs a Physical Education teacher in a Title I school, I am always looking for ways to provide innovative and life-changing experiences for my students. Thanks to you, we are now using the stickers, Play-Doh, and prizes you provided as part of our daily motivation and character-building system in the gym. Students earn rewards for demonstrating teamwork, perseverance, good sportsmanship, and positive choices during activities.\r\nOne special moment that stands out happened during a cooperative team challenge. Students were working together to complete a relay that required communication and encouragement. I awarded stickers to students who were cheering on their teammates and demonstrating leadership. The smiles on their faces were priceless! Even students who are usually shy were eager to participate and show their best effort. When they first saw the new materials, their eyes lit up with excitement. They were amazed that something as simple as a sticker or small prize could celebrate their hard work. The giggles, high-fives, and proud smiles filled our gymnasium.\r\nThese rewards have become more than just prizes—they are symbols of effort, growth, and achievement. My students are curious, creative, and full of joy. They thrive on encouragement, and your donation has given me another powerful tool to spark their motivation and reinforce positive behavior.\r\nAs we move forward, we are focusing on goal-setting and personal growth during our fitness and skill-building units. Students are tracking their progress, setting individual improvement goals, and learning how consistent effort leads to success. The reward system you helped fund will continue to play a key role in celebrating milestones along the way. We are also beginning a teamwork and leadership unit where students will earn recognition for demonstrating kindness, responsibility, and encouragement toward others.\r\nYour contribution has given my students more than materials—it has given them confidence, motivation, and the reminder that their hard work matters. Thank you for investing in their growth and helping me remind them every day how special and capable they truly are.","fullyFundedDate":1768883672825,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-my-students/9985097/","projectTitle":"Rewards for My Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":8724014,"projectId":9845417,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing so much joy and comfort into our classroom! Because of your generosity, our students were able to enjoy Squishmallows—both large and small—that quickly became favorite comfort items and positive behavior rewards. These soft companions helped students feel calm, supported, and ready to learn, while also encouraging kindness as they shared and cared for them together. The toy cars sparked excitement, creativity, and collaboration, giving students opportunities to build stories, practice turn-taking, and connect with one another through imaginative play. Along with the playdough and creative materials, your donation helped create a classroom environment where students could create, connect, and celebrate kindness through fun winter learning experiences. Your support made a lasting impact, and our students are so grateful for the happiness you brought into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1763576745103,"projectUrl":"project/create-connect-and-celebrate-kindness/9845417/","projectTitle":"Create, Connect, and Celebrate Kindness Through Winter Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8724014_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x66,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739037870845","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8724014"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9501891,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Stop, Watch, How Long Can I...?\" Because of you, my students now have access to new stopwatches that have already made a meaningful difference in our Physical Education classes and beyond.\r\n\r\nWe are using the stopwatches daily during activities such as hula hooping, jump roping, walking challenges, and timed races. One of the most exciting moments was when the students first saw the new stopwatches—they were thrilled and eager to start using them right away. Many students immediately partnered up, taking turns timing one another and cheering each other on. Their excitement was contagious, and the energy in the gym was incredible.\r\n\r\nOne memorable classroom moment involved a partner challenge where students timed each other jump roping. They carefully recorded their times, switched roles, and then compared results. The pride on their faces when they realized they had improved—even by a few seconds—was priceless. These activities have helped students develop teamwork, patience, and responsibility, while also building confidence and motivation.\r\n\r\nBeyond physical fitness, the stopwatches have allowed us to integrate academic skills into PE. Students practice telling time, addition, subtraction, writing, and recording data, all in a fun and engaging way. Several students have even shared that they are using stopwatches at home, timing themselves running, walking, or exercising with family members. Knowing that they are incorporating physical fitness into their everyday lives shows just how impactful your support has been.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include continuing to track personal fitness goals and using recorded times to set new challenges. Students are currently working on improving their endurance and learning how to \"beat their own time,\" reinforcing the idea that progress is personal and achievable.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving us the tools to make learning active, meaningful, and fun. Your generosity has truly given our students an incentive to grow—both physically and academically—and has allowed you to become a special part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1760195901864,"projectUrl":"project/stop-watch-how-long-can-i-/9501891/","projectTitle":"Stop Watch, How Long Can I .....?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9501864,"letterContent":"I want to extend a big thank you for your generous donations to our DonorsChoose project called Kick Out the Germs to Kick-Start the School Year! Because of your kindness, our classroom is cleaner, healthier, and happier than ever.\r\n\r\nMy students love to learn—and they also love to share (especially germs!). Thanks to your support, we can now keep our classroom environment clean and germ-free with essentials like Clorox wipes, Lysol spray, and Bounty paper towels. These supplies help us clean and sanitize our equipment daily, which means fewer germs and fewer sick days!\r\n\r\nBy keeping our classroom healthy, you're helping students stay in school and continue learning without interruptions. Every day they spend in class is a chance to grow, explore, and succeed—and your generosity has made that possible.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly kick-started a safe and exciting school year for all of us. My students and I are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and for believing in the importance of a healthy learning environment.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a real difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1760533321481,"projectUrl":"project/kick-out-the-germs-to-kick-start-the-sch/9501864/","projectTitle":"Kick Out the Germs to Kick-Start the School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9622914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our Hula-Hoops To Stay Active project! My students were so excited when they saw the brand-new hula-hoops — they couldn't wait to start spinning, dancing, and playing. The laughter and smiles filled the gym right away!\r\n\r\nWe've been using the hula-hoops in so many fun ways — for balance challenges, dance routines, jumping activities, and even throwing games. The students are learning how to stay active while improving their coordination and balance. It's been amazing to see them encouraging one another and gaining confidence with each new skill.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be adding the hula-hoops into more movement circuits and creative games to keep hearts pumping and minds engaged. Because of your generosity, my students are learning that exercise can be joyful and exciting.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students the chance to move, learn, and grow through play!","fullyFundedDate":1758841506482,"projectUrl":"project/hula-hoops-to-stay-active/9622914/","projectTitle":"Hula Hoops to Stay Active","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"},{"teacherId":2306746,"projectId":9519944,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our We Like to Move IT project. Your support has made an incredible impact on our students and our classroom community.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the Volleyballs, hockey pucks, baseballs and monkey string balls our students have eagerly embraced a more active and engaging learning environment. We've incorporated the resources into daily warm-ups, team-building games, and structured skill-building activities. One of the most memorable moments was the very first day the equipment arrived—students' faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many of them immediately began brainstorming different games and ways to use the materials. It was truly inspiring to witness their enthusiasm and sense of ownership.\r\n\r\nPhysical education plays a vital role in our classroom. By encouraging daily movement, students are not only improving their motor skills and physical fitness but also developing teamwork, confidence, and communication. These new resources have helped create an even more positive and inclusive space where students support one another and build lasting relationships.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include integrating the equipment into a structured fitness and cooperative games unit. Students will be working in small teams to design and lead their own physical activities, which fosters leadership, problem-solving, and creativity. This project will continue to give them the tools and confidence to live active, healthy lifestyles for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for believing in our students and investing in their growth. Your generosity goes far beyond equipment—it's helping us build a foundation for lifelong health, teamwork, and success.","fullyFundedDate":1760105050656,"projectUrl":"project/we-like-to-move-it/9519944/","projectTitle":"We Like To Move It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brinken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2306746_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588984447916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-brinken"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_896","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1187,"numTeachers":68,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":57,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"schoolId":896,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 7 Louis Simeone on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 7 Louis Simeone","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-7-louis-simeone/896"}