{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33","outOfStateSupporters":25.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3673583,"projectId":10234429,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding a hydroponic growing tower for our 6th-grade classroom! Your support has brought a dynamic, hands-on learning experience to our students, transforming the way they interact with science, sustainability, and agriculture.\r\n\r\nOur new hydroponic tower has quickly become the focal point of our life science unit. Students are actively responsible for maintaining the system—measuring water pH, monitoring nutrient levels, checking light schedules, and tracking plant growth.\r\n\r\nRecently, we launched a comparative study project where students paired up to track plant development in traditional soil versus the hydroponic tower. A standout moment occurred during our first harvest of fresh basil and butterhead lettuce. One student, who normally struggled to stay engaged during standard biology readings, was completely fascinated by how clean and fast the roots grew without any soil. Seeing his eyes light up while using digital calipers to measure root length and carefully pruning leaves for our classroom sample tasting was an unforgettable experience that proved just how impactful hands-on learning can be.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived and we unboxed the components, the room was filled with immediate excitement and curiosity. Many of my 6th graders had never seen a hydroponic system before, and they immediately started asking rapid-fire questions: \"How do plants grow in just water?\", \"Where does the dirt go?\", and \"Is this how astronauts grow food in space?\" As soon as we plugged in the lights and started the water pump, a wave of oohs and aahs swept through the room. They felt like real scientists in a high-tech lab!\r\n\r\nNow that our first crop has been harvested and enjoyed, our students are moving on to the next phase of their environmental science project. Here is what lies ahead:\r\n\r\nNutrient & pH Variable Experiments: Students will form small research teams to test how subtle adjustments in nutrient concentration and lighting duration affect plant growth rates and yield.\r\n\r\nSeed-to-Table Community Connection: Our class plans to cultivate a larger batch of leafy greens and herbs to donate to our school's cafeteria and local community center, allowing students to experience the rewarding process of sustainable food production and community service.\r\n\r\nData Analysis & Presentations: Students will compile their collected growth data into digital charts and infographics to present their findings on water conservation and modern agricultural technology to younger grade levels.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for opening up a world of discovery for our classroom. Your contribution is making a lasting difference in their education every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1778018298309,"projectUrl":"project/stem-the-living-labratory/10234429/","projectTitle":"STEM: The Living Labratory","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3673583_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468351826255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3673583"},{"teacherId":3673583,"projectId":10024964,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing our 6th-grade math classroom with LCD writing tablets!\r\n\r\nIn 6th grade, the transition to middle school math brings more complex multi-step equations, ratios, and geometry. One of the biggest challenges students face is the \"fear of the blank page\" or the frustration of erasing through paper when they make a mistake. These tablets have completely changed that dynamic.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, my students now have a \"risk-free\" space to sketch out their thinking. Whether they are sitting at their desks, working in small groups on the floor, or participating in \"math-on-the-move\" activities, they can solve problems wherever they go. The ability to instantly clear the screen and try again has boosted their confidence and encouraged them to show every step of their work—a crucial habit for mathematical success.\r\n\r\nYour support hasn't just provided us with tools; it has provided us with a more mobile, engaging, and eco-friendly way to learn. My students were so excited to unbox these, and they are already putting them to great use!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for helping these young mathematicians grow.","fullyFundedDate":1776434508463,"projectUrl":"project/mobile-math/10024964/","projectTitle":"Mobile Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3673583_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468351826255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3673583"},{"teacherId":9750109,"projectId":9463638,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has truly transformed into an organized, student-centered space where independence and responsibility are growing every single day. As I looped up with my students into third grade and began departmentalizing for the first time, your support made that transition smooth and empowering. The binders and pencil pouches are now part of our daily routine —students confidently organize their math materials, flashcards and weekly data on their own. The cube shelves have created a system where students take pride in caring for shared materials and keeping our space neat.\r\n\r\nThe clear book pouches have made a huge difference in supporting independent reading. Students are now able to safely store and keep track of books they've checked out from our school library, and they finally have a secure way to transport books home for daily reading. This has strengthened our home–school connection and reinforced the importance of reading outside the classroom. The classroom calendar has become a daily anchor as well. Students are tracking important dates, and building time-management skills that are essential in third grade.\r\n\r\nNext, we're diving deeper into collaborative math problem-solving and hands-on science and social studies projects that require organization, accountability, and teamwork. Because our systems are strong, students are able to focus more fully on learning and less on managing materials. Your generosity didn't just provide supplies, it helped create structure, ownership, and confidence for my students. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. We are so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1763148626712,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-independence-a-well-equipped/9463638/","projectTitle":"Tools for Independence: a Well-Equipped Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9750109_orig.png?crop=1179,1179,x0,y624&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755736827472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9750109"},{"teacherId":9750109,"projectId":9489121,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our third grade classroom has become a place where learning is active, organized, and full of energy. The whiteboard clipboards have completely transformed our math block. During multiplication practice and multi-step problem solving, every student now holds up their board to \"show their thinking\" at the same time. Students who were once hesitant to participate are now confidently sharing their strategies because they can practice first on their own board.\r\n\r\nThe mesh storage bags immediately made a difference—manipulatives and science tools are now organized and accessible, which means smoother transitions and more time learning. The automatic stop pencil sharpener has become a small but powerful tool for independence; students take responsibility for being prepared without interrupting instruction. The book storage pouches are helping students safely transport workbooks and reading books, reinforcing responsibility and care for materials.\r\n\r\nNext, we are diving deeper into hands-on science investigations and collaborative math stations. With the digital timers, we are building multiplication fluency in fun, engaging ways that feel like a challenge rather than a drill. The menu covers are supporting small-group math intervention, giving students durable reference tools tailored to their needs. Because of you, I'm able to focus on rich instruction and meaningful practice instead of managing materials. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students are empowered to think, explore, and grow every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1763594863847,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-and-success-in-mat/9489121/","projectTitle":"Building Independence and Success in Math and Science!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9750109_orig.png?crop=1179,1179,x0,y624&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755736827472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9750109"},{"teacherId":9547804,"projectId":9847432,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donations for our \"Caught Reading\" Campaign. \r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity we were able to purchase a Fujifilm Instax camera and film. We used the camera and film to photograph students at the Dr. Iris J. Banister School #33 and dedicated a wall in front of our main entrance to posting the photos under a banner that says \"Look Who Got Caught Reading\". \r\n\r\nOur students enjoyed seeing the \"old fashioned\" camera in action, and especially enjoy seeing themselves on the wall celebrating their love of books.\r\n\r\nThank you again for contributing to our school's culture of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1762118589557,"projectUrl":"project/caught-reading-campaign/9847432/","projectTitle":"Caught Reading Campaign","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McConnell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9547804_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x772,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789943035679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9547804"},{"teacherId":578665,"projectId":9774641,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all your donations to make our classroom a cozier space. The students have loved getting to use the flexible seating chairs and cushions to make our class homier and cozier. \r\n\r\nThe laminator and pencils have really helped us complete classwork and study new vocabulary words. The tennis balls have helped the classroom be a quieter, more focused work space. And the timer helps us keep our lessons on-track and maximize our learning time.\r\n\r\nThanks again for your generosity. My students are continuing to grow as readers, writers, and mathematicians, and tools like these help us on that journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759417310962,"projectUrl":"project/make-our-classroom-feel-like-home/9774641/","projectTitle":"Make our classroom feel like home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ingerson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp578665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472828121354","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ingerson"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_21491","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":947,"numTeachers":87,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":74.1,"schoolId":21491,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/rochester-city-school-district/john-james-audubon-school-33/21491"}
Join the 324 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33 is
an urban public school
in Rochester, New York that is part of Rochester City School District.
It serves 947 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.9:1.
Its teachers have had 87 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 6
947 Students
87 Teachers
500 Webster AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33
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.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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
90%
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.
Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33 Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 4, 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.
Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33
$38,011
raised using DonorsChoose
87
projects
funded
36
teachers
funded
324
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
19
projects for
technology
14
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Dr. Iris J. Banister School 33 has received support from
240 individuals from New York and
84 individuals out-of-state.