{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Paula Hedbavny School","outOfStateSupporters":37.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7760885,"projectId":9752789,"letterContent":"Our new resources have already made a huge impact in our classroom. My students have been using them during our small groups for collaborative literacy and hands-on learning. One of my favorite moments was watching small groups gather around the materials to build story maps and explore new vocabulary with genuine excitement. These tools have helped my students stay engaged, work together more confidently, and deepen their understanding in ways that weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the materials, their faces lit up they were surprised, grateful, and eager to dive in right away. Thanks to your support, they've gained a sense of pride and motivation that carries into our daily lessons. Our next steps include expanding this project by having students create their own illustrated stories, applying the skills they've been practicing. Your generosity opened the door for richer learning, and we can't wait to show you how far our growing authors and creators go next.","fullyFundedDate":1758853964042,"projectUrl":"project/bright-supplies-for-bright-minds/9752789/","projectTitle":"Bright Supplies for Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paulino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7760885_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762519000543","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7760885"},{"teacherId":1014944,"projectId":9812083,"letterContent":"When the students at PS 278 first saw the new weighted stuffies, timers, floor mats, and texture tiles, they were beyond thrilled! Many of them immediately gravitated toward the items, exploring the textures and finding comfort in the weighted materials. \r\n\r\nFor students who need sensory input to stay calm and focused, these resources have been a game-changer. They now have more options to regulate their emotions and energy levels, which helps them engage more fully in learning.\r\n\r\nStudents are more relaxed, transitions are smoother, and those who previously struggled with overstimulation have strategies to feel grounded. Beyond improving focus, these tools have brought a sense of emotional security and confidence. Students feel cared for and supported, which makes a huge difference in their overall well-being.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this possible, and we are so grateful. These resources will continue to help students build self-regulation skills and confidence every day. Thank you for giving them the tools they need to thrive in both learning and social settings!","fullyFundedDate":1760963383766,"projectUrl":"project/wiggles-wonders-weighted-friends-sen/9812083/","projectTitle":"Wiggles, Wonders & Weighted Friends: Sensory Tools for Growing Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McManus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1014944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518882508798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emcmanus"},{"teacherId":1014944,"projectId":9637181,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement! They were curious and eager to try them out, and it was amazing to watch their confidence grow as they realized how much easier these tools were to use. For students who often struggle with fine motor tasks, the wider pencils, markers, and crayons made a big difference. They could now focus on expressing their ideas instead of worrying about grip or fatigue.\r\n\r\nSince introducing these resources, I've noticed a positive shift in engagement. Students are more willing to participate in writing and creative activities, and they take pride in their work. These tools have helped create an inclusive environment where every child feels capable and successful.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students now have what they need to keep building their skills and creativity. We're excited to continue exploring new ways to learn and grow together, and your support has truly made that possible. Thank you for helping us make our classroom a place where every student can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1756596103816,"projectUrl":"project/give-me-wide/9637181/","projectTitle":"Give Me Wide!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McManus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1014944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518882508798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emcmanus"},{"teacherId":4221282,"projectId":9648781,"letterContent":"The kids were so excited to receive these materials ! They are elated to have a print rich classroom and multiple resources that support their learning. For instance, the decades posters turned into a cool gallery walk for the kids where they compared prices of everyday items and were in complete disbelief that shows once cost $3. \r\nFurthermore, they have begun to use the anchor charts/posters to improve their writing and engagement in class. The figures of speech poster and other ways to say poster are a huge hit!","fullyFundedDate":1758899160343,"projectUrl":"project/humanities-in-the-classroom/9648781/","projectTitle":"Humanities in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4221282_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756116915490","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4221282"},{"teacherId":1014944,"projectId":9212748,"letterContent":"Thanks to your thoughtful donation, a wave of excitement has hit our school community! The 360 Machine will continue to add a dynamic and memorable element to our events for years to come. Whether it's a school dance, pep rally, or fundraiser, this interactive experience gives our community members a fun way to capture moments and build lasting memories.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond just the equipment. It reflects your commitment to enriching student life and helping us create engaging, joyful environments for our school community. We are truly grateful not only for your contribution but for believing in the value of bringing people together through creativity and connection. Thank you once again for making such a meaningful difference.","fullyFundedDate":1746487385586,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-spin/9212748/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Spin!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McManus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1014944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518882508798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emcmanus"},{"teacherId":8694566,"projectId":8792955,"letterContent":"The organizational tools have transformed our classroom environment—students now move independently between centers, confidently selecting materials and managing their own learning time.\r\nOne moment that stood out was during a literacy lesson: students used the art resources to create storyboards that illustrated key events from a text. This not only helped them better comprehend the story but also encouraged collaboration and creativity. The materials from Teachers Pay Teachers provided me with engaging lessons tailored to different learning styles, which allowed every student to participate meaningfully.\r\nThe impact has been remarkable—students are more focused, engaged, and enthusiastic about their work. They are developing stronger problem-solving skills, showing more responsibility, and expressing themselves with confidence. Our next step is to expand on these art-integrated projects by connecting them to science and social studies, giving students opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in creative and hands-on ways.\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are not just learning—they are thriving.","fullyFundedDate":1726698789862,"projectUrl":"project/centers-class-supplies/8792955/","projectTitle":"Centers Class Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8694566_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759245574660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elaynegonzalez"},{"teacherId":8694566,"projectId":8895514,"letterContent":"When the hydroponics and plants arrived, my students were beyond excited. Many had never seen a hydroponic system before, and their curiosity immediately took over—asking questions, touching the materials, and predicting what foods we might be able to grow together. We began by setting up the hydroponic garden as a class, assigning small groups to different responsibilities like filling the water, adding the seeds, and labeling the herbs and vegetables.\r\nThe impact has been amazing. Students check on the plants daily, track growth in their journals, and compare how edible plants differ from decorative ones. One of the most exciting moments was when we saw the first sprouts—it sparked conversations about healthy food choices and where our food comes from. These resources have transformed our classroom into a small, living lab where science, health, and responsibility all come together.\r\nThe next step for my students is harvesting our herbs and vegetables to use in simple classroom recipes, connecting what they grow to what they eat. Thanks to this project, they are developing a love for plants, a curiosity about science, and a deeper understanding of healthy food choices.","fullyFundedDate":1730399445361,"projectUrl":"project/farm-to-classroom/8895514/","projectTitle":"Farm to Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8694566_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759245574660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elaynegonzalez"},{"teacherId":8694566,"projectId":8917252,"letterContent":"When our new plants and calming tools arrived, the excitement was immediate—students rushed to help unpack, water, and carefully place each plant in its new spot. The smiles on their faces said it all: they felt proud to take ownership of something that would brighten and calm our classroom every day.\r\nThe plants quickly became a central part of our daily routines. Students check the soil, record observations in their notebooks, and even name some of the plants. One student who often struggles with focus now volunteers every morning to water and check on them, turning what was once a challenge into a moment of responsibility and pride. The greenery has transformed our classroom into a more peaceful space where students can redirect their energy and find calm when they feel anxious.\r\nWe've also been integrating the plants into our science lessons, using them to explore life cycles, environmental responsibility, and sustainability. During literacy, students wrote short reflections about how the plants make them feel—several described them as \"helpers\" or \"friends.\" These moments show us that the impact goes beyond academics: it is building empathy, responsibility, and confidence.\r\nOur next steps are to continue weaving plant care into cross-curricular learning. Students will design small experiments to test sunlight and water needs, connect their findings to math data collection, and write about their results in their journals. Thanks to your generosity, these simple but powerful resources are giving my students the chance to grow academically, socially, and emotionally—just like the plants they now proudly care for.","fullyFundedDate":1732737878943,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-more-plant-love/8917252/","projectTitle":"A Little More Plant Love","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8694566_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759245574660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elaynegonzalez"},{"teacherId":1774411,"projectId":9188580,"letterContent":"I want to thank you again for your generous donations. The project has been such a success in my classroom. The students have been enjoying the plants and watching them grow. \r\n\r\nThe materials have been used in many different ways in my classroom. The students have learned about the easy ways to grow veggies in the classroom. They've also learned about the best way to take care of house plants. I've seen kids flourish in this role. \r\n\r\nAgain, your donations and thoughtfulness made this all possible. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1743183768561,"projectUrl":"project/cultivating-young-minds-one-garden-at-a/9188580/","projectTitle":"Cultivating Young Minds, One Garden at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1774411_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472436943819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aconcepcion"},{"teacherId":109703,"projectId":8377508,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support with our REAL live caterpillars! I refer to my students as 'Caterpillars.' Of course it would only be fitting if they got their own REAL caterpillars! My 'Caterpillars'w, LOVED this activity! We all did! \r\n\r\nMy 'Caterpillars' enjoyed learning and watching the life cycle of a caterpillar. We did daily observations as we recorded and discussed what we saw happening. Having this hand on real life experience really helped my students learn and have fun! \r\n\r\nThank you for helping to bring this real life experience to my students! This is something that will be remembered for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1715018601846,"projectUrl":"project/real-live-caterpillars-for-the-caterpi/8377508/","projectTitle":"Real, Live Caterpillars for the \"Caterpillars\"!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jen Paynter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp109703_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534902940050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jenpaynter"},{"teacherId":132502,"projectId":7319567,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of this project! The children are so motivated to go above and beyond in their work to earn a ticket. Fridays became a day of joy and excitement as the students counted up their tickets and waited for a trip to the \"Prize Wall\". The prices added a buzz of excitement each Friday. \r\nThe children were able to use the pencils and erasers in the classroom. It was a real treat. These extra incentives would not be available without your support. I truly appreciate it.\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1700499491157,"projectUrl":"project/help-motivate-second-graders/7319567/","projectTitle":"Help Motivate Second Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp132502_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y125&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604006168885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/132502"},{"teacherId":132502,"projectId":8158277,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our study of pollinators. We learned about ladybugs, butterflies and bees. It was amazing to observe the life cycle of the ladybugs in the classroom.\r\nWe even went on a class trip to the Museum of Natural History to visit the pollinator exhibit. You can see that the children also made artwork and writing about all that they learned.\r\nWe appreciate your kindness. The class would not have such amazing experiences without you! Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1715117582839,"projectUrl":"project/2nd-graders-love-pollinators/8158277/","projectTitle":"2nd Graders Love Pollinators!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp132502_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y125&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604006168885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/132502"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2035","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":258,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":81,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"7.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.7,"schoolId":2035,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Paula Hedbavny School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Paula Hedbavny School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-is-278/2035"}
Join the 1,128 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Paula Hedbavny School is
an urban public school
in New York, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 258 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 7.8:1.
Its teachers have had 377 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
85%
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.
Paula Hedbavny School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
Paula Hedbavny School
$182,652
raised using DonorsChoose
377
projects
funded
41
teachers
funded
1,128
donors
26
projects
for
basic supplies
25
projects for
technology
43
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Paula Hedbavny School has received support from
707 individuals from New York and
421 individuals out-of-state.