{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Port Chester Head Start","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9782105,"letterContent":"Our classroom is incredibly grateful to DonorsChoose and our generous supporters for making this project possible. The new resources have quickly become an important part of our daily learning. Students are using the materials during small-group centers to practice hands-on math and early literacy skills, such as matching letters, counting objects, sorting by colors and shapes, and building simple words. One special moment happened during center time when a group of children worked together using the new learning games to match numbers with quantities. They were excited to help each other count, and I could see their confidence growing as they proudly shouted, \"I did it!\"\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many immediately gathered around, asking if they could touch and explore the new games. Some children who are usually shy were especially eager to participate, showing big smiles and jumping with joy. The colorful, hands-on resources motivated them to stay engaged longer, work cooperatively with peers, and practice important early learning skills in a fun way. Thanks to these new materials, our classroom is now filled with more collaboration, enthusiasm, and meaningful learning every day.\r\nFrom all of the teachers, thank you for believing in our students and supporting their learning. Your generosity is helping us create joyful, engaging experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and a love of learning that will last for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1763513642876,"projectUrl":"project/strong-bodies-strong-buildings-a-steam/9782105/","projectTitle":"Strong Bodies, Strong Buildings: A STEAM + Movement Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9768065_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757462120308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saby-room6"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9785342,"letterContent":"The funding of our project, \"Building Teamwork and Healthy Bodies,\" has made a powerful and lasting impact on our Head Start Pre-K classroom. Because of this generous support, our children now have access to materials and activities that promote physical health, cooperation, and social-emotional growth in meaningful and engaging ways.\r\nWith the new equipment and resources, our students are participating in structured movement games, team-building activities, and healthy habit lessons that encourage active lifestyles. Children are learning the importance of exercise, nutrition, and working together. They are developing gross motor skills through obstacle courses, balance activities, group games, and outdoor play. These experiences are strengthening their coordination, balance, and overall physical development.\r\nBeyond physical growth, we have seen tremendous progress in teamwork and social skills. Children are practicing taking turns, encouraging peers, following directions, and solving problems together. During group activities, they celebrate each other's successes and learn how to manage frustration when challenges arise. These moments are building resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging in our classroom community.\r\nMany of our students come from families with limited access to safe play spaces or structured physical activities. This project has provided opportunities they may not otherwise experience. The excitement on their faces as they participate in cooperative games shows how meaningful this support truly is.\r\nBecause of this funding, our classroom has become a place where children are not only learning academics but also building healthy bodies, strong friendships, and lifelong habits. We are deeply grateful for the generosity that made this possible and for the positive impact it continues to have on our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1763058540472,"projectUrl":"project/building-teamwork-and-healthy-bodies/9785342/","projectTitle":"Building Teamwork and Healthy Bodies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9768065_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757462120308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saby-room6"},{"teacherId":9650675,"projectId":9556526,"letterContent":"The impact of our new carpet has been very great on our children. I am happy to see how they participate in circle time in an orderly manner. \r\n\r\nThis carpet is very educational and the peaceful colors keep my children attention and improve their cognitive skills, your donation is very helpful in our classroom, makes look my classroom more neat and organized. We compromised to give good care to your donation and hopefully you can help another classrooms. \r\n\r\nThank you very much for your generosity, for my little ones and God bless your big heart","fullyFundedDate":1760725791105,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-place/9556526/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Place","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jessica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9650675"},{"teacherId":9830859,"projectId":9560510,"letterContent":"thank you for your generosity, our classroom now has the wonderful dry erase boards! The impact has been amazing. My students are thrilled to have the opportunity to trace and draw on them, which has been a game changer for their fine motor skills. Just seeing their faces light up when they first picked up their markers was priceless!\r\nOne of our favorite activities has been practicing tracing letters and numbers, and even getting creative with simple drawings. It's helping the kids build confidence in their writing and drawing abilities, and they're having so much fun in the process!\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited to continue using the boards for even more activities, like creating their own little stories and developing their imagination through drawings. These new resources are already making such a positive difference in their learning journey, and we can't wait to see what they'll create next!\r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1754934556115,"projectUrl":"project/a-dry-erase-board-for-better-learning/9560510/","projectTitle":"A Dry-Erase Board for Better Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sisi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9830859"},{"teacherId":10258935,"projectId":9711156,"letterContent":"The impact in our classroom has been truly wonderful. The children are very happy and excited to learn each day. They feel motivated, confident, and proud when they participate, especially with the smiley system and the fun activities we use to support their learning.\r\n\r\nWe are extremely grateful for the support we received. The donated materials made a big difference, giving children access to colorful paper, names, shapes, and numbers that help them learn better. These tools support recognition, understanding, and participation, helping each child feel included and successful.\r\n\r\nOur classroom has changed in a very positive way. It is now more engaging, hands-on, and visually rich. The children are learning, interacting, and connecting more with their environment and each other. We truly appreciate the kindness and generosity that helped make this big change possible. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1758212262263,"projectUrl":"project/small-tools-big-impact-for-little-learn/9711156/","projectTitle":"Small Tools, Big Impact for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chauca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10258935_orig.jpg?crop=1293,1293,x13,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757724663758","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258935"},{"teacherId":9871440,"projectId":9659189,"letterContent":"Our pre-k class is incredibly grateful for the generous donation of a brand-new carpet. This gift has transformed our learning environment, creating a more comfortable, inviting, and functional space for our young students. The impact of this donation is felt every day, as it has significantly enhanced the overall experience for both the children and the teachers.\r\n\r\nThe new carpet has immediately improved the comfort of our classroom. The soft texture is perfect for circle time, story time, and even quiet moments of individual play. The children love sitting, lying, and rolling on the carpet, which provides a cozy and safe space for them to explore and learn. Moreover, the new carpet is much easier to clean than our old one, which is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for our young learners. Spills and messes are now quickly and efficiently taken care of, ensuring that our classroom remains a clean and hygienic space.\r\n\r\nThe vibrant colors of the new carpet have brightened up our classroom, making it a more stimulating and engaging environment. The children are excited to come to school each day and eagerly gather on the carpet for various activities. The carpet has also helped to define different areas within the classroom, creating designated spaces for reading, playing, and group work. This has improved the organization and flow of our classroom, making it easier for the children to focus and learn.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply thankful for this wonderful gift, which has made a significant difference in the lives of our students. The new carpet has not only enhanced the comfort and cleanliness of our classroom but has also created a more stimulating and engaging learning environment. We appreciate the generosity and support of our community, which allows us to provide the best possible education for our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1760725791504,"projectUrl":"project/learning-space/9659189/","projectTitle":"Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871440_orig.jpg?crop=1186,1186,x0,y363&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756347880740","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871440"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9702525,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our preschool classroom has become a healthier, safer, and more joyful learning environment. Your support for Healthy Hands, Happy Hearts: Keeping Preschoolers Safe This Season has made a meaningful difference in our children's daily routines and overall well-being.\r\nWith the materials you helped provide, children are now actively learning proper handwashing and hygiene practices in developmentally appropriate ways. They are excited to wash their hands, use soap correctly, and understand why keeping germs away helps them stay healthy. What once felt like a routine task has turned into a learning experience that builds independence, responsibility, and self-care skills.\r\nThe impact goes beyond physical health. When children feel safe and cared for, they are more confident, engaged, and ready to learn. Fewer illnesses mean more consistent attendance, stronger relationships with peers, and uninterrupted learning opportunities. Our classroom community feels calmer and happier knowing we are taking proactive steps to protect one another.\r\nYour donation also supports social-emotional development. Children are learning empathy and community care as they remind one another to wash hands and keep shared spaces clean. These small moments are building lifelong habits and reinforcing the idea that their actions matter.\r\nMost importantly, you have shown our children that people outside their classroom believe in them. Your kindness sends a powerful message that their health, safety, and education are important. On behalf of our students and families, thank you for helping us create a classroom where healthy hands truly lead to happy hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1760725791246,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-hands-happy-hearts-keeping-pre/9702525/","projectTitle":"Healthy Hands, Happy Hearts: Keeping Preschoolers Safe This Season","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9768065_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757462120308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saby-room6"},{"teacherId":9689495,"projectId":9062196,"letterContent":"Thanks to our donors, we have created, for the first time, a \"calm area.\" The children in our classroom have a comfortable place with sensory materials, comfortable sits, and a variety of books about emotions. We know that at the beginning of the school year our students experience different emotions. Therefore, our calm area is available when the children need a moment to relax and at the same time enjoy a book. \r\n\r\nThe children were surprised and delighted by our new area in the classroom. We have new plans and sensory activities for our \"calm area.\" They will also have the opportunity to use their imagination with puppets and stuffed animals. We will add a mini library with more books of their interest, puzzles, etc.","fullyFundedDate":1746786292483,"projectUrl":"project/today-a-reader-tomorrow-a-leadercozy/9062196/","projectTitle":"\"Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader\"/Cozy and Calming Literature Area","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yoselyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9689495_orig.jpg?crop=1736,1737,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736995823182","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9689495"},{"teacherId":9551818,"projectId":9181949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our preschool classroom! Because of you, our students now have the opportunity to explore, create, and learn with the quality art materials they deserve.\r\n\r\nWhen the new crayons, pencils, glue, and paints arrived, the children's excitement was contagious. Their eyes lit up, and many eagerly asked, \"Can we use them right now?\" The very first day, the students gathered at the art table and immediately began drawing colorful pictures of their families, pets, and favorite things. It was inspiring to watch them share ideas, proudly hold up their creations, and encourage one another with words like, \"Look at mine!\" and \"This is my family.\"\r\n\r\nThese resources are already having a powerful impact in our classroom. With the new crayons and pencils, the children are strengthening their fine motor skills, practicing hand-eye coordination, and building the foundation for early writing. Painting projects are helping them learn about color mixing, textures, and self-expression. While also boosting their confidence and creativity. Every art activity has become an opportunity for growth, discovery, and joy.\r\n\r\nOur next steps will include using these materials for collaborative projects, where students can work together to create murals and themed artwork that connect with our classroom lessons. This will not only deepen their creativity but also foster teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our students now feel more motivated, capable, and excited to learn every day. You have given them the tools to imagine, create, and succeed. For that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785830955,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-futures-help-us-restock-school/9181949/","projectTitle":"Coloring Futures: Help Us Restock School Supplies for Our Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9551818"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9254816,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project, Animal Adventures: Learning Through Play!. Your donation has already begun to make a lasting impact on my preschoolers, giving them new opportunities to learn, explore, and grow through play.\r\n\r\nFor young children, play is more than fun—it is the foundation of learning. The animal-themed materials you provided are helping my students develop important skills in every area of early childhood education. For example, when children pretend to take care of toy animals, they are practicing empathy, responsibility, and nurturing behaviors. When they build animal habitats with blocks or sort animals by type, they are strengthening their problem-solving, math, and science skills.\r\n\r\nThese materials also spark rich language development. During circle time, students use animal puppets to retell stories, practice new vocabulary, and build confidence in speaking. One group of children recently acted out a \"trip to the zoo,\" where they took turns being zookeepers and animals. In doing so, they learned cooperation, turn-taking, and expressive language—all while laughing and having fun.\r\n\r\nThe donation also supports social-emotional growth. Many of my preschoolers come to school learning how to share, take turns, and manage big feelings. By engaging in pretend play with animals, they work together to solve problems—like deciding who will feed the giraffe or who will build the lion's den. These experiences give them the tools to build friendships and become part of a caring classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a classroom where every child can thrive. You have given my students the chance to explore the animal world while strengthening their cognitive, social, emotional, and language skills. Because of you, they are building a love for learning that will carry them forward into kindergarten and beyond.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of play and for investing in our preschoolers' bright futures.","fullyFundedDate":1746786393359,"projectUrl":"project/animal-adventures-learning-through-pla/9254816/","projectTitle":"\"Animal Adventures: Learning Through Play!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9768065_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757462120308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saby-room6"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9209449,"letterContent":"The \"Building Brains with Puzzles\" project has brought an incredible transformation to our classroom. Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to a wide variety of puzzles that not only spark joy but also strengthen essential developmental skills. What may seem like a simple classroom activity is truly a powerful tool for learning.\r\n\r\nPuzzles encourage children to think critically, problem-solve, and persevere. As they manipulate shapes, colors, and patterns, they are developing fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. These skills directly support early math and literacy readiness, laying the foundation for success in future academic learning. Each time a child completes a puzzle, they are not only celebrating achievement but also strengthening their brain's ability to reason and process information.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, puzzles nurture social-emotional growth. Students often work together on puzzles, learning to share, communicate, and collaborate. The experience teaches patience, resilience, and the value of teamwork—qualities that are just as important as academic knowledge. For many of our children, these puzzles also serve as calming activities that help them regulate their emotions and focus their energy in positive ways.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a difference far greater than the materials themselves. You have given our students the chance to grow, explore, and discover the joy of learning through play. Every puzzle completed represents not only a learning milestone but also the belief that our students are capable and supported by a community that cares.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for building stronger brains, brighter futures, and more confident learners.","fullyFundedDate":1746786288239,"projectUrl":"project/building-brains-with-puzzles/9209449/","projectTitle":"Building Brains with Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9768065_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757462120308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saby-room6"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9063968,"letterContent":"The children in our Head Start classroom make an incredible impact every single day. For many of them, this is their very first school experience, and the growth we see is nothing short of inspiring. From the moment they walk through the door, they bring energy, curiosity, and joy that fills our classroom with life and learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful impacts our Head Start kids have is on the classroom community itself. They remind us of the importance of patience, kindness, and encouragement. Watching a child learn how to share toys, build friendships, or greet a teacher with a smile shows how much they are growing socially and emotionally. These small but meaningful steps ripple outward, creating a warm and supportive environment where every child feels they belong.\r\n\r\nHead Start children also impact their families. Many parents tell us how proud they are to see their child coming home excited about new songs, books, or routines learned at school. Parents often feel reassured knowing their child is safe, supported, and thriving. This builds stronger family-school partnerships and gives families confidence that their child is ready for the future.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the greatest impact is the confidence and joy that the children themselves develop. Children who once felt shy begin to raise their hands and share ideas. Others who were hesitant at first now eagerly join circle time, sing along, and help friends. Their excitement about learning shows us that with love, support, and opportunity, every child can succeed.\r\n\r\nHead Start kids impact everyone around them—teachers, peers, families, and the larger community—by showing what is possible when we invest in children early. They are not only learning skills for today but are building the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.","fullyFundedDate":1746786465642,"projectUrl":"project/pre-schoolers-first-time-at-school/9063968/","projectTitle":"Pre-Schoolers First Time at School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9768065_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757462120308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saby-room6"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_118072","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":79,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":50,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":71.0,"schoolId":118072,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Port Chester Head Start on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Port Chester Head Start","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/office-of-head-start/port-chester-head-start/118072"}