{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Port Chester Head Start","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9209450,"letterContent":"The Small Hands Are the Future project has brought new life into our Head Start classroom by providing the tools children need to learn, create, and grow. These materials are more than just supplies; they are the building blocks that help children develop fine motor skills, confidence, and school readiness.\r\n\r\nThe art materials—such as Do-a-Dot Art Markers, Crayola washable paints, construction paper, and tissue paper—allow children to explore their creativity while practicing important hand movements. For example, when a child uses a Do-a-Dot marker to fill in a picture or paints with a brush, they are strengthening the same muscles they will later use for writing. Cutting, folding, and gluing with the craft kit, Elmer's glue sticks, and Colorations clear glue give students practice with precision, patience, and hand-eye coordination. These small actions build the foundation for holding a pencil, turning pages in a book, and becoming independent learners.\r\n\r\nThe writing materials have been especially impactful. The Preschool-Primary Journals, composition notebooks, and Smart Start writing paper encourage children to combine drawing with early writing. A child might draw their family and then try to write \"mom\" or \"dad\" underneath. The dry erase boards and write-and-wipe pockets have turned writing practice into an interactive and fun part of our routine. Children love erasing and trying again, which builds confidence and reduces frustration. Even tools like the Ticonderoga Laddie pencils are perfectly sized for little hands, making it easier for children to write neatly and comfortably.\r\n\r\nCollaboration has also grown because of these resources. With the 3,000-piece craft kit, children work together on group murals, share beads and sequins, and practice turn-taking as they create. Even simple supplies like paper plates become math manipulatives for sorting, counting, or pattern-making. These activities support both academic learning and social skills like teamwork and communication.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials give children the opportunity to feel proud of their accomplishments. One student, who struggled with grip strength at the start of the year, now eagerly picks up a marker and writes her name on her paper. Another child, who was shy about participating, now loves joining group art projects because he knows he has the tools to succeed. Parents have noticed their children coming home more eager to color, write, and share their creations, showing that the impact extends beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nThe Small Hands Are the Future project ensures that our students have daily opportunities to practice, create, and explore in ways that prepare them for kindergarten. Each marker, journal, glue stick, and notebook is helping children see that their little hands are capable of big things. By building strength, independence, and creativity, these resources are shaping not only how children learn today but also how they see themselves as learners in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1746786340098,"projectUrl":"project/small-hands-are-the-future/9209450/","projectTitle":"Small Hands Are the Future","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":9086560,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support of our project, Discovering Me, Discovering You. Because of your kindness, our classroom is now filled with meaningful learning opportunities that inspire children to grow, explore, and connect with one another.\r\n\r\nThe resources you provided are helping our young learners build self-awareness and discover the unique qualities that make each of them special. At the same time, they are learning to appreciate and respect the differences and strengths of their classmates. This project has created an environment where children feel seen, valued, and empowered to share who they are.\r\n\r\nAs a Head Start classroom, this support is especially powerful. Many of our students come from diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds, and the chance to celebrate themselves while learning about others gives them a strong foundation for confidence, empathy, and belonging. The activities from this project help close opportunity gaps by providing experiences that children may not otherwise have at home, ensuring they enter kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and succeed.\r\n\r\nAlready, we see the positive impact in our classroom. During group activities, children are engaging in conversations about themselves and showing genuine interest in their peers. They are beginning to recognize that everyone has something wonderful to contribute, which is helping to foster kindness, empathy, and collaboration. These are skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided materials—it has given my students the chance to better understand themselves and to build meaningful connections with others. Thank you for believing in the importance of early learning and for making a difference in the lives of Head Start children. We are truly thankful that you are part of our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs Saby C","fullyFundedDate":1746786368925,"projectUrl":"project/discovering-me-discovering-you/9086560/","projectTitle":"\"Discovering Me, Discovering You\"","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":9912167,"projectId":9092317,"letterContent":"With deep gratitude and sincere appreciation, we would like to express our warmest thanks for your generous support, which has been instrumental in carrying out our project for the holistic development of children.\r\nThanks to your valuable donation, we have not only been able to realize an initiative that seemed like a dream, but we have also seen significant progress in the emotional, cognitive, and social growth of the children who are part of our program. Your commitment to this cause has sown hope, inspiration, and real opportunities in their lives.\r\nEvery smile, every achievement, and every step toward a better future is also yours. You have made lasting change possible, and for that, we cannot but reiterate our most sincere gratitude.\r\nWe look forward to your company in future projects, and we invite you to continue being an active part of this transformation.","fullyFundedDate":1749139692237,"projectUrl":"project/i-grow-like-plants/9092317/","projectTitle":"I Grow Like Plants!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yireh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9912167_orig.jpg?crop=1297,1297,x0,y64&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740248754214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9912167"},{"teacherId":9768065,"projectId":9104749,"letterContent":"The DonorsChoose project Bringing Nature and a Pet to Our Classroom made a remarkable impact on our Pre-K Head Start program. Designed to introduce young learners to the wonders of living things, this initiative provided our children with a butterfly habitat, classroom plants, and a pet fish. For many students, this was their first time engaging daily with nature in such a hands-on way. These resources supported Head Start's mission of promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development while also sparking joy, curiosity, and responsibility in the children's daily routines.\r\n One of the most captivating parts of the project was raising butterflies. The children observed the life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, an experience that transformed the abstract concept of change into a vivid reality. Every morning, students would rush into the classroom to check on the caterpillars, asking questions like, \"Did they grow?\" or \"When will the butterfly come out?\" Their eagerness reflected authentic engagement, which is a key goal in early childhood education.\r\n When the butterflies finally emerged, the classroom filled with excitement and wonder. Children shared their observations—\"Its wings are wet!\" or \"It's trying to fly!\"—and developed language skills as they described what they saw. The day we released the butterflies was unforgettable. Students clapped and cheered as the butterflies took flight, proud of the role they played in nurturing them. This experience connected them to nature in a meaningful way while teaching science, responsibility, and patience.\r\n Caring for plants was another enriching part of the project. Children were responsible for watering and observing growth, developing both fine motor skills and a sense of stewardship. They loved noticing new leaves or flowers, often pointing them out to teachers and classmates. For instance, one child exclaimed, \"Look, it's taller than yesterday!\"—a sign of developing observation skills.\r\n This daily routine also created teachable moments about cause and effect. When plants received water and sunlight, they thrived; when they did not, they wilted. Students learned that living things depend on consistent care, reinforcing lessons about responsibility and empathy. For children in Head Start, many of whom may not have gardens or access to nature at home, these classroom plants offered a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world.\r\n The introduction of a pet fish brought additional joy and learning. Children loved watching the fish swim and took turns feeding it, which reinforced the concept of routine and care. They often spoke to the fish or drew pictures of it, showing how quickly it became part of their classroom community.\r\n Caring for a classroom pet helped children build empathy. They recognized that animals have needs just like people and learned the importance of gentle behavior and responsibility. For example, when one child suggested feeding the fish twice, another replied, \"No, we feed it one time, or it will get sick.\" This showed an understanding of balance and care, as well.\r\n This project aligned with Head Start's goals of supporting social-emotional development, language, and early science learning. Experiences with butterflies, plants, and the pet fish promoted curiosity and problem-solving, both of which are central to cognitive development. Children also practiced language skills as they described what they saw, asked questions, and shared observations with peers.\r\n\r\n Social-emotional growth was equally evident. The children practiced cooperation while taking turns to water plants or feed the fish. They demonstrated empathy as they cared for living things and celebrated together when butterflies were released. These shared experiences fostered a sense of classroom community, one of Head Start's essential pillars.\r\n\r\n Beyond academic and developmental outcomes, the project sparked joy. The children looked forward to their daily interactions with butterflies, plants, and the pet fish. These moments of excitement and wonder made learning feel alive, creating positive associations with school and science. For children who face challenges at home, this project provided a safe and nurturing space where they could feel connected, curious, and proud of their contributions.\r\n This project Bringing Nature and a Pet to Our Classroom enriched our Pre-K Head Start program in countless ways. Through hands-on experiences with butterflies, plants, and a classroom pet, children developed responsibility, empathy, language, and science skills. More importantly, they experienced the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of caring for living things. Thanks to the generosity of donors, our students gained lasting memories and lessons about growth, change, and compassion—lessons that will continue to shape their educational journey and their relationship with the natural world.","fullyFundedDate":1744209751347,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-nature-and-a-pet/9104749/","projectTitle":"Bringing Nature and a Pet!","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":9645023,"projectId":8939263,"letterContent":"Thanks to you 17 students had a blast with the items that we got! We explained where got the items from and they where all very excited to hear about the change Donors Choose and of course, you the donors have made not only in our classroom but everywhere! \r\nThanks so much once again, we are a headstart with families who are low income, these students really value everything we receive and are always very welcoming , we strive to let them feel included in every aspect. \r\nWe also where very excited to receive the cleaning essentials, that working with kids is very much needed. \r\n\r\nThanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1735693135336,"projectUrl":"project/help-create-a-better-learning-environmen/8939263/","projectTitle":"Help Create a Better Learning Environment for Our PreK Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fierro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-fflores"},{"teacherId":9689495,"projectId":8676755,"letterContent":"Children have used the sensory toys for meditation time. We have also done art projects using glue, scissors, paper, etc. We have had science projects using the material to carry out our \"walking rainbow\" project. And finally, we have done sensory time with playdough and writing with markers and whiteboards.\r\n\r\nPCHS Room 12 is immensely grateful for your generosity and noble heart in donating materials and projects for our children. You have drawn a huge smile and feelings of happiness and enthusiasm when using the materials and when creating new STEAM ideas and projects. Our children and teachers send many hugs to the people who made our dream of obtaining the necessary materials for activities, projects, and ideas come true.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our heart, thank you very much!","fullyFundedDate":1726685211013,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-steam-projectsocial-emotional/8676755/","projectTitle":"Preschool STEAM Project/Social Emotional Support","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"}],"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"}