{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Paula Hedbavny School","outOfStateSupporters":37.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1827872,"projectId":9664161,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom snacks project! The impact of your generosity was immediate. Once the snacks arrived, students eagerly made use of them, and within just two weeks, they were gone — a clear sign of how needed this resource was. Many of my students come to class hungry or without enough food to sustain them through the school day, and having healthy snacks readily available allowed them to stay nourished and focused during lessons instead of being distracted by hunger.\r\n\r\nDuring the weeks we had snacks available, I saw a noticeable difference in students' engagement and stamina. Students were able to concentrate longer during reading and writing tasks, participate more actively in discussions, and maintain energy through longer class periods. Instead of asking to leave class or becoming distracted due to hunger, they were able to quickly grab a snack and refocus on their work. Your donation directly supported both their physical needs and their academic success, and we are deeply grateful for the care and generosity you've shown our students.","fullyFundedDate":1763344248485,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-their-focus-healthy-snacks-for-hun/9664161/","projectTitle":"Fuel Their Focus: Healthy Snacks for Hungry Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1827872_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693196798110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msraisa"},{"teacherId":1827872,"projectId":9664227,"letterContent":"Your support of our hygiene supplies project has made an incredible difference, not only for my 8th graders but for students across the entire building. What started as a classroom resource quickly became a safe, trusted space for students from multiple grades who needed basic items like deodorant, chapstick, soap, floss, or sanitary products. Students now come in quietly, take what they need, and return to class without the embarrassment or discomfort that can distract them from learning.\r\n\r\nHaving access to these essentials helps students focus on their work instead of worrying about personal needs they may not be able to meet at home. It has created a classroom culture rooted in dignity and care. When students feel comfortable and confident, they participate more fully in learning. Your donation didn't just provide supplies — it helped create a safer and more compassionate school experience for many students.","fullyFundedDate":1758811091846,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-start-giving-students-dignity-thr/9664227/","projectTitle":"Fresh Start: Giving Students Dignity Through Hygiene","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1827872_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693196798110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msraisa"},{"teacherId":1827872,"projectId":9664326,"letterContent":"Your support helped us rebuild our classroom library with books students truly love — and once again, many of these books are disappearing because students are taking them home to keep reading. While it means we need to restock again, it's also a powerful sign that students are genuinely connecting with these stories. Independent reading time has become something students look forward to each week, and many now recommend books to one another, creating a community built around reading.\r\n\r\nWe were also able to use A Phoenix Must First Burn more intentionally in class, strengthening our study of magical realism while increasing the rigor of our module. Even though we only studied two stories together, several students continued reading the anthology independently. Graphic novels have also been incredibly successful, especially for students who previously struggled to find books they enjoyed. Your donation has helped build a reading culture where students feel excited, represented, and motivated to read.","fullyFundedDate":1758306387881,"projectUrl":"project/back-by-popular-demand-rebuilding-our-f/9664326/","projectTitle":"Back by Popular Demand: Rebuilding Our Favorite Reads","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1827872_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693196798110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msraisa"},{"teacherId":1827872,"projectId":9664274,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has the tools students need to become stronger, more independent readers and writers. With new post-its, highlighters, and erasable pens, students are now actively annotating our class novels — highlighting key moments, leaving questions in the margins, and tracking their thinking as they read. These small supplies have had a big impact on how deeply students engage with texts and how confidently they share their ideas. Reading in our classroom is no longer passive; students interact with texts in ways that build comprehension and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite new routines is our \"Learning Leaves\" wall, where students post reflections and exit tickets on colorful post-its after lessons. It has become a visual representation of student thinking growing over time. We also use post-it colors as check-ins so students can quietly communicate whether they feel comfortable working independently or need extra help. These systems help students feel supported while encouraging independence, and your support made these meaningful classroom routines possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758899021330,"projectUrl":"project/write-highlight-organize-tools-for-le/9664274/","projectTitle":"Write, Highlight, Organize: Tools for Learning that Last","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1827872_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693196798110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msraisa"},{"teacherId":10253038,"projectId":9704648,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom and for helping make learning more accessible for all of our students. Your donation has provided resources that truly meet the needs of our students with learning disabilities and different learning styles.\r\n\r\nThese materials have opened doors for students who often struggle with traditional texts. By offering engaging, accessible options, students are able to participate fully, build confidence, and experience success in ways that work best for them. Many students who once felt frustrated or left out now feel included, capable, and excited to learn alongside their peers.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is a more inclusive environment where every student has access to the tools they need to grow and succeed. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for believing in the importance of equity in education.","fullyFundedDate":1758899165892,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-for-small-group-reading-i/9704648/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels for Small Group Reading in Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10253038"},{"teacherId":1774411,"projectId":9539135,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donations. They provided our classroom with much‑needed supplies that truly made a difference in our daily routines. These materials helped ensure that students were prepared for busy days of learning, creating, and working together.\r\n\r\nWhat meant the most to me about receiving these donations was the peace of mind they brought. I didn't have to worry about students lacking the tools they needed to participate fully. Your support allowed my students to feel confident, prepared, and ready to engage in class, and it helped me focus on giving them the best learning experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1756075152884,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-basics-for-bright-young-l/9539135/","projectTitle":"Back-to-School Basics for Bright Young Learners!","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":1014944,"projectId":9812190,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom project. Because of you, our students at PS/MS 278 in Upper Manhattan are continuing to experience the joy of gardening even in the middle of winter.\r\n\r\nYour gift has allowed us to bring the garden indoors, creating a space where herbs, leafy greens, and small vegetables can thrive. For our students, this isn't just about plants, it's about responsibility, teamwork, and the pride that comes from seeing something they nurtured grow.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments was the day our students in a special class helped teachers set up the indoor garden kits. They worked side by side, carefully assembling planters, adjusting grow lights, and preparing seeds for planting. The room was filled with laughter and excitement as they realized how helpful they were being to our 278 community. Their sense of accomplishment was written all over their faces, and it reminded me how powerful these hands-on experiences can be.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, this project has become more than a science lesson. It's a calm, creative space where students feel connected and valued. And the best part? This indoor garden will pair perfectly with our upcoming student cooking workshops. Soon, they'll be harvesting what they've grown and using it to create healthy recipes, completing the full circle from seed to plate.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has planted more than seed. It's planted confidence, curiosity, and community. We are so grateful for your belief in our students and for helping us keep the garden growing all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1760963422580,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-garden-green-dreams-alive-al/9812190/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Garden Green Dreams Alive All Winter!","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":289074,"projectId":9620916,"letterContent":"This project has brought so much joy and purpose into our classroom. We are using the paper to print diagrams, tables, and learning tools that students add to their interactive notebooks. One of my favorite moments is watching students proudly glue in a new page, then flip back through earlier lessons and say, \"Oh, I remember this!\" Their notebooks have become something personal—a place where their learning grows and lives.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their faces lit up. They were excited to know that these supplies were for them and that they would be building their notebooks step by step. Even small moments, like seeing a page fit perfectly into a notebook, gave students a sense of accomplishment and ownership. They felt prepared, organized, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBy supporting this project, donors truly became part of our classroom family. The next steps for my students are to continue adding to their interactive notebooks as we move into new lessons, using them during discussions, partner work, and independent practice. These notebooks will travel with them throughout the year as a reminder of how much they've learned—and that there are people who believe in them and their success.\r\n\r\nThank you for opening the door to our classroom and for supporting my students in such a meaningful way. Your generosity is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758898770103,"projectUrl":"project/cut-paste-learn-building-interactive/9620916/","projectTitle":"Cut, Paste, Learn: Building Interactive Notebooks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Demiri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp289074_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478021130194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/demiri"},{"teacherId":10253038,"projectId":9704604,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, our students now have access to graphic novels they are truly excited to read.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love these books. Sometimes it's actually hard to get them to stop reading, which is an amazing problem to have! Even more exciting is seeing students who were once hesitant or reluctant readers now eagerly picking up books and asking for more time to read. The graphic novels have helped build their confidence, engagement, and love for reading.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a meaningful impact on our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you for helping inspire a new generation of readers.","fullyFundedDate":1758899222188,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-readers-through-graphic-novel/9704604/","projectTitle":"Empowering Readers Through Graphic Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alkis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10253038"},{"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"}],"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":62.6,"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 379 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
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 Feb 20, 2026
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
$185,247
raised using DonorsChoose
379
projects
funded
41
teachers
funded
1,128
donors
26
projects
for
basic supplies
26
projects for
technology
43
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Paula Hedbavny School has received support from
706 individuals from New York and
422 individuals out-of-state.