{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Port Chester Head Start","outOfStateSupporters":28.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":10160784,"letterContent":"The \"From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Spring Journey of Growth and Release\" project had a meaningful impact on our preschool classroom. Children were highly engaged as they observed the daily changes in the caterpillars and eagerly shared their discoveries with classmates and teachers. This real-life experience sparked curiosity, encouraged questioning, and strengthened observation skills.\r\nStudents expanded their science knowledge by learning about the butterfly life cycle and the needs of living things. They developed language and literacy skills by discussing observations, learning new vocabulary, listening to related stories, and drawing and writing about their experiences. Math skills were supported as children counted caterpillars, compared sizes, and tracked growth over time.\r\nThe project also fostered social-emotional development. Children practiced patience while waiting for the transformation process, demonstrated responsibility when helping care for the caterpillars, and experienced a sense of pride and accomplishment during the butterfly release. The experience encouraged empathy and respect for nature.\r\nMost importantly, the project created lasting memories and inspired a love of learning. The hands-on nature of the activities allowed children to actively participate in the learning process, making concepts meaningful, memorable, and developmentally appropriate for young learners. Your support helped bring science to life and enriched the educational experiences of every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778615614953,"projectUrl":"project/from-caterpillar-to-butterfly-spring-j/10160784/","projectTitle":"From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Spring Journey of Growth and Release","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":10139720,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting \"Small Hands, Big Impact: The 3 Rs Project\"\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our \"Small Hands, Big Impact: The 3 Rs Project.\" Because of your kindness, our preschool students will have meaningful opportunities to learn about the importance of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle through hands-on experiences and creative exploration.\r\nYour donation helps us provide materials and resources that encourage children to become responsible environmental stewards from an early age. Through this project, our young learners will discover how small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet. They will explore ways to reduce waste, reuse everyday materials in creative ways, and understand the importance of recycling to care for the Earth.\r\nThe project also supports learning across all developmental areas. Children will strengthen their math skills by sorting, counting, and classifying recyclable items. They will build language and literacy skills through environmental books, discussions, and new vocabulary related to conservation. Science activities will help them investigate materials, observe changes, and develop curiosity about the world around them. Most importantly, students will learn valuable social-emotional skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and respect for their community and environment.\r\nAs Head Start preschoolers, our students learn best through hands-on experiences. Your generosity allows us to create engaging opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. The lessons they learn today will help shape the responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow.\r\nThank you for believing in our children and investing in their future. Your support is making a lasting impact in our classroom, our community, and our planet. Together, we are empowering small hands to create a big impact.","fullyFundedDate":1778290510536,"projectUrl":"project/small-hands-big-impact-the-3-rs-projec/10139720/","projectTitle":"Small Hands, Big Impact: The 3 Rs 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":9871440,"projectId":10045478,"letterContent":"Dear generous donors, we are writing to express our deepest gratitude for your thoughtful donation to our pre-kindergarten class. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom environment and has provided our young learners with invaluable resources that enhance their educational experience. We are incredibly thankful for your support and belief in our students' potential.\r\nThe Double-Sided ABC Magnetic Tiles and Magnetic People Figures have been an absolute hit with our students. We are using the magnetic tiles to reinforce letter recognition and phonics skills. Children are enthusiastically building words, practicing spelling, and creating their own magnetic alphabet displays on our whiteboard. The magnetic people figures are being used to explore concepts of diversity, community, and social roles. Students are creating stories, acting out scenarios, and learning about different professions and family structures, fostering both their imaginative play and social-emotional development.\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, the classroom erupted with excitement! The children's eyes lit up with wonder and curiosity. There was an immediate rush to explore the new toys, with many exclaiming, \"Wow!\" and \"Look at this!\" The vibrant colors of the magnetic tiles and the diverse representations in the magnetic people figures captured their attention instantly. This initial reaction set a positive tone for their engagement, and they have been eager to learn and play with these wonderful new resources ever since.","fullyFundedDate":1772042273068,"projectUrl":"project/unleash-creativity-the-magnetic-tile-ad/10045478/","projectTitle":"Unleash Creativity: The Magnetic Tile Advantage","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":9871440,"projectId":10046845,"letterContent":"I extend our sincerest gratitude to our generous donors for their thoughtful contributions to our pre-K class. The donation of a wooden play kitchen, shaving kit, play phone, doll clothes, and baby doll feeding kit has profoundly enriched our dramatic play area. These items have not only sparked immense joy but have also significantly enhanced the children's ability to engage in imaginative and role-playing scenarios, fostering crucial social and cognitive development.\r\n\r\nThe new toys have dramatically transformed our dramatic play area into a hub of creativity and learning. The wooden play kitchen allows children to explore roles of chefs and family members, practicing skills like sharing, cooperation, and pretend cooking. The shaving kit and play phone encourage role-playing as adults, developing communication skills and understanding of everyday routines. Furthermore, the doll clothes and baby doll feeding kit foster nurturing behaviors and empathy as children care for their \"babies,\" promoting emotional intelligence and imaginative storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe children's reaction upon discovering the new toys was one of pure delight and excitement. Their eyes lit up, and a chorus of \"Wow!\" and \"Can I play with this?\" filled the room. This immediate enthusiasm translated into extended periods of engaged playtime, with children eagerly taking turns and collaborating on elaborate scenarios. The impact on their playtime has been remarkable, with the dramatic play area now being the most sought-after center, demonstrating the powerful influence these donations have had on their learning and social interactions.","fullyFundedDate":1771030932070,"projectUrl":"project/imagination-station/10046845/","projectTitle":"Imagination Station","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":10046378,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project, \"Building Bright Readers: Inclusive Early Literacy for Pre-K Learners.\" Because of your kindness, our classroom is now filled with engaging, diverse, and meaningful literacy materials that inspire a love of reading in every child.\r\n\r\nYour contributions are helping our young learners develop essential early literacy skills—such as recognizing letters, exploring books, building vocabulary, and expressing themselves with confidence. Even more importantly, you are supporting an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of learning.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, our students are excited to explore stories, participate in interactive reading activities, and grow as confident, curious readers. You have made a lasting impact on their educational journey and their future success.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their bright futures. Your support truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1772550471431,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-readers-inclusive-early/10046378/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Readers: Inclusive Early Literacy for Pre-K Learners Early Literacy","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":10030488,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project \"Bright Lights & Caring Hearts: Exploring Light and Pets.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our preschool classroom.\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students now have access to materials that help them explore light, shadows, and the wonderful world of caring for animals. Through hands-on activities, children are discovering how light works, experimenting with reflections and shadows, and learning empathy and responsibility by discussing how to care for pets.\r\nThese experiences are especially important for our young learners. At this age, children learn best through exploration and play. The materials you helped provide allow them to ask questions, investigate, and build important early skills in science, language, and social-emotional development.\r\nYour support helps create a warm and engaging learning environment where curiosity and kindness grow every day. Our students are excited, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to learn in new and meaningful ways.\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and in the power of early childhood education. Your generosity truly lights up our learning!\r\nWith appreciation,\r\nThe Preschool Classroom","fullyFundedDate":1768768633175,"projectUrl":"project/bright-lights-caring-hearts-exploring/10030488/","projectTitle":"Bright Lights & Caring Hearts: Exploring Light and Pets","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":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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":71.9,"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"}