{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Red Hook Neighborhood School","outOfStateSupporters":23.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9929047,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom, yet again! This project was a sort of \"Part II\" of another project to build a classroom growing environment for oyster mushrooms. \r\n\r\nMushrooms of all types have incredibly specific ideal growth conditions, making them a perfect candidate for science learning and controlled experimentation. Once we had the growing environment, it became clear that learning would be so much more fruitful (pun unintended) if we could control and visualize the exact environmental conditions of our grow tent.\r\n\r\nMy students have already had so much fun setting up the sensors and systems, navigating the spider farmer app, and developing experimental questions to drive our learning forward. \r\n\r\nAll this is to say, THANK YOU for supporting my students by giving them access to the most engaging, fun learning experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1765520978556,"projectUrl":"project/automating-our-classroom-oyster-mushroom/9929047/","projectTitle":"Automating our Classroom Oyster Mushroom Farm!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9921385,"letterContent":"After a decade and a half in the classroom, I've come to be a big believer in two truths about learning:\r\n\r\n1) Learning should be fun. (That's when the best things happen.)\r\n2) Learning should address the very real issues facing our communities, from the city block to the global perspective. \r\n\r\nThis project, an automated growing environment for conducting experiments oyster mushroom, might sound crazy (and it is!) but it gets to the core of both of those truths. There are few things more fun than learning to grow your own food, and at a time where global food waste soars, many communities still lack sufficient access to healthy food. Homegrown (er, classroom grown?) oyster mushrooms are a prime example of how nutritious food can be produced sustainably with a minimal use of resources.\r\n\r\nAll of this to say - Thank you for supporting sustainability education through my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764714779154,"projectUrl":"project/saving-the-world-with-oyster-mushrooms/9921385/","projectTitle":"Saving the World with Oyster Mushrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9833504,"letterContent":"In the field of education, we often speak of the hierarchy of needs - In simple terms, it's the idea that learning can take place only once the most fundamental needs are met. In classrooms across the world, appropriate, comfortable seating is one of those foundational needs. We might have the best lesson, the most exciting project, the coolest thing we want our students to learn about, discuss, do, or engage with, but if they don't have a place to sit, all bets are off!\r\n\r\nThis year we've been building an \"Aquaponics Lab\" to support student research in aquaculture and hydroponics. After writing numerous grants and purchasing all manner of laboratory supplies, we realized, quite simply, we did not have sufficient seating. I share all this to say that it is projects like this, which address our most fundamental needs, that are often the most impactful.\r\n\r\nYour donations came through at a critical time, giving us a set of high-top stools that made sure each student group had a place to sit that made sense for the learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1761845371799,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-in-the-aquaponics-lab/9833504/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating in the Aquaponics Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":9886346,"projectId":9901515,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to making book clubs possible for our 7th graders! The book clubs have been a great success so far. Students are passionately discussing their books--arguing over whether Piggy is annoying or heroic, sharing funny moments--both during class and outside of class. The goal of these book clubs was to get students excited about reading more challenging books than they might otherwise choose, and we've definitely seen that students are more engaged in their reading when they read the same book as their peers. \r\n\r\nIt's been a joy to introduce students to new texts and see them engage with them with enthusiasm. Even though not all students love their book club book, every student has expanded their reading catalog and developed the ability to reflect on their own preferences as a reader. Book clubs have helped them further connect to and build their identities as readers, which is one of our most important goals of the year. Thank you again for being a part of that.","fullyFundedDate":1763848339869,"projectUrl":"project/book-clubs-for-our-reading-community/9901515/","projectTitle":"Book Clubs for Our Reading Community!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yarinsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9886346_orig.jpg?crop=250,250,x0,y42&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763742915150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886346"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9679948,"letterContent":"It's the holiday season, when the spirit of giving is in the spotlight. With this in mind, I want to extend my sincerest thanks for your generosity in making this project possible. With your donations, we were able to purchase lighting for our classroom seedling cart. At the time of writing this, these lights have supported the growth of over 200 plants from seed to sprout to seedling to fully mature plant. This is turns supports the growth of our students who eagerly await the next opportunity to nurture the plants in their classroom garden.","fullyFundedDate":1757591215646,"projectUrl":"project/spotlight-on-growth-lighting-for-our-c/9679948/","projectTitle":"Spotlight on Growth - Lighting for Our Classroom Seedling Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9756187,"letterContent":"Thank you! There is no better feeling as a teacher than having exactly what you need to make an exciting project happen. Our new aquaponics lights are firing on all cylinders, growing all kinds of exciting plants: herbs, flowers, greens, and more!\r\n\r\nNow that we have lights on all of our aquaponics systems, we can move fully into the real and exciting process of student-led research. Through the spring, our 8th graders will develop research questions, design experiments, and test how different variables affect plant growth in a living aquaponics system. They're not just learning about science, they're doing it. Thank you for helping make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759783542558,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-with-aquaponics/9756187/","projectTitle":"Lighting the way with Aquaponics!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9644658,"letterContent":"What makes water quality testing in NYC's waterways fun? When you're doing it with a group of 25 7th graders! \r\n\r\nSeriously, there is nothing better than a field trip, and for Harbor Middle School's 7th graders, that means to the waterfront to gather real, meaningful data about the health of our waterways. This project allows us to go one level deeper, not just figuratively but in actuality; Measuring water quality at different depths requires specialized equipment, which allows us to get a more detailed picture of whats going on from the surface to deeper below in the water column.\r\n\r\nJust know that your donation made it possible for students to not just learn about science, but to really DO science, and that is a great and valuable thing.\r\n\r\nMany thank you's from me, of course, but also from the wonderful students of Harbor Middle!","fullyFundedDate":1756601523056,"projectUrl":"project/sampling-the-depths-tools-for-advanced/9644658/","projectTitle":"Sampling the Depths - Tools for Advanced Water Quality","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9516122,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project - peculiar as it may have sounded -possible. Our rain barrel aquaponics system is now officially active and fully functioning! You'll also be glad to be the first to know: Our 8th grade experts selected crayfish as the species we will be using to grow edible plants this year, and for years to come!\r\n\r\nIn just a week or two, we'll be adding crayfish into the reservoir, and the cycle will be complete. This system is the 6th system we've incorporated into the lab, where we now grow plants in companionship with aquatic species in systems representing six real ecosystems.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this system on our learning this year will be immense. Students are so excited to see the project complete! \r\n\r\nThank you so much, on behalf of me and my wonderful students.","fullyFundedDate":1754244334755,"projectUrl":"project/up-cycled-rain-barrel-aquaponics/9516122/","projectTitle":"Up-cycled Rain Barrel Aquaponics!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":9281674,"letterContent":"As always, I'm amazed at the generosity of the Donorschoose community. From friends I've met over the years, to anonymous cheerleaders, to corporate donors looking make a difference, it all comes together to make a big impact on what's most important: enriching the learning that takes place in our public school classrooms. I'm so thankful you chose to support mine.\r\n\r\nThe Aquaponics Lab at Harbor Middle School is an experiment, but it's a well tested one - It's a hand-on, interactive space, that leaves open the door for students to conduct their own research, and gives them the tools to do so. Without these donations, I'm certain that the space would be well on it's way back to being a glorified supply closet. This particular project feels like a synthesis of everything I aim to achieve as a teacher, and we're a few steps closer to achieving it with your help. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1746648635350,"projectUrl":"project/kickstarting-our-aquaponics-lab/9281674/","projectTitle":"Kickstarting Our Aquaponics Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":568627,"projectId":5839500,"letterContent":"I apologize for the very late thank you note. I want to thank you so much for the binoculars, nature identification guides, cooking equipment, and mushroom growing kits. We went on 24 outdoor learning trips that school year (2021-2022), including many trips to the waterfront and throughout our community to identify native plants and birds. That school year culminated in building a native garden in our school yard to attract pollinators and migrating birds. \r\n\r\nWe also cooked 10 vegan dishes, and turned many mushroom skeptics into mushroom lovers. We even ended the year camping overnight in the Pennsylvania forest. This was an incredible experience for our students, as many of them have never left Brooklyn, much less the small nook of Red Hook. It has been 4 years, but we still use those binoculars for our field expectations to Governors Island for our annual Bioblitz, and have incorporated mushroom cultivation into our sustainable cooking course.\r\n\r\nIt is actually incredible to reflect back on how these resources were a root for so many of our thriving programs. Thank you again for your generous contributions; they have had a lasting impact on our students for many years.","fullyFundedDate":1633395671248,"projectUrl":"project/young-naturalists/5839500/","projectTitle":"Young Naturalists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp568627_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543579724235","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shonscience"},{"teacherId":2037080,"projectId":8980385,"letterContent":"What drives me as a teacher is a vision for my classroom that facilitates curiosity and creativity, using a broad range of materials and tools. We learn best by building, by generating ideas with physical materials, by having opportunities to show our learning in a multitude of ways.\r\n\r\nThe donations you made to my classroom earlier this year have, frankly, enabled my students to take their learning to the next level. These materials enabled one of my students to design a water level monitoring sensor system (that plays the Harry Potter theme song, of course...) and an air quality sensor that she programmed herself. They enabled our entire 6th grade class to laser cut architectural models they designed themselves to construct proposals for a shipping container we are redesigning as an outdoor field station. Things are humming along, and the next generation of makers, of engineers, architects, and environmental activists can be found right here in Brooklyn. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this vision.","fullyFundedDate":1733324316056,"projectUrl":"project/from-vision-to-execution-in-our-steam-ma/8980385/","projectTitle":"From Vision to Execution in our STEAM MAKERSPACE","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zimmermann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2037080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548603644871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zimmermann"},{"teacherId":7226932,"projectId":8714544,"letterContent":"Our \"Beating After Lunch Hunger\" snack pantry is a blessing and a great asset to the PS 676/Harbor Middle School community. We want to send a huge \"Thank You\" to all the donors kind enough to donate the snacks needed to keep our students engaged in achieving academic success without focusing on being hungry. \r\nThe snack pantry is open for business everyday from 1:10 pm to about 4:00pm. During the school day, students getting snacks get a chance to sit in the Counseling office, eat a snack, and engage in meaningful conversation about school life with a Wellness Team member. We set up buckets with donated items such as fruit cups, goldfish, fruit snacks, fruit roll ups, pirate booty puffs, pop chips, utz potato chips, nutri grain bars, and the list goes on. Students come in, get a snack, and write down what they picked. Based on the data, the mandarin orange fruit cups and other fruit cup choices are a huge success. We are happy to see our students making healthier choices by choosing fruit. \r\nThe donations have also allowed our school wellness team to interact with students who may not have the opportunity to engage in academic or social emotional conversations on a daily basis. Students don't seem as frustrated because they are focused on hunger. Students recognize the snack pantry as a place to get their hunger needs met so they can focus on academic achievement. \r\nAs we focus on the next school year of 2025-2026, we plan to make the snack pantry a permanent part of our school goals and culture.","fullyFundedDate":1734375379959,"projectUrl":"project/snack-pantry-beating-after-lunch-hunger/8714544/","projectTitle":"Snack Pantry BEATING After lunch HUNGER Odds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7226932"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97630","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":120,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"2 - 7","studentTeacherRatio":"8.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.8,"schoolId":97630,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Red Hook Neighborhood School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Red Hook Neighborhood School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/red-hook-neighborhood-school/97630"}