{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9582863,"projectId":9940980,"letterContent":"This project has completely transformed the way we begin each day. The first morning we introduced the affirmation space, students walked in and immediately noticed the special circle setup. When they saw the portable whiteboard labeled \"Affirmation Board\" and the designated host seat, their faces lit up. Several students asked, \"Do we get to write on that?\" and \"Can I be the leader?\" That excitement quickly turned into ownership. Now, each morning, one student serves as the Affirmation Leader—standing proudly, writing a positive message on the board, and guiding the class in a short affirmation circle. Watching students who once avoided speaking volunteer to lead has been one of the most powerful moments of this project.\r\n\r\nWe use the space intentionally and consistently. Students sit in the meeting circle on the stools, make eye contact, and practice speaking clearly and confidently. The Affirmation Leader writes a message such as \"I am brave enough to try\" or \"Mistakes help me grow,\" and classmates reflect or add encouraging words with the markers. One especially meaningful moment happened when a typically quiet student chose the affirmation, \"My voice matters.\" After leading the group, he shared an idea later that day during our reading discussion—something he had never done before. The structure and consistency of this routine are helping students internalize positive self-talk and carry that confidence into academic lessons.\r\n\r\nNext, we are expanding this practice by connecting affirmations to goal setting and leadership opportunities throughout the week. Students will begin writing personal goals on reusable cards and reflecting on how their affirmations support their growth in reading, writing, and collaboration. We are also planning student-led \"Confidence Spotlights,\" where children recognize a peer's strengths and contributions. Because of your generosity, our classroom is not just starting the day with positivity—we are building lifelong skills in self-belief, communication, and leadership that extend far beyond our morning circle.","fullyFundedDate":1765918021084,"projectUrl":"project/shine-and-share-the-affirmation-station/9940980/","projectTitle":"Shine and Share: the Affirmation Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Picone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9582863"},{"teacherId":9582863,"projectId":10041976,"letterContent":"This project has truly transformed the feel of our classroom. From the moment students saw the new cushions, stand-up desk, and supportive chair, their excitement was immediate. Several students quietly said, \"This feels like home,\" which meant everything to me. We introduced the materials by discussing how flexible seating supports focus and responsibility, and students helped create shared expectations for using the space respectfully. Almost immediately, I noticed a difference—students who often struggled to stay regulated were able to choose a seating option that helped them stay calm and engaged during lessons.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources every single day. During independent reading and writing workshop, students select seating that supports their concentration. The stand-up desk has been especially helpful during longer math problem-solving blocks, allowing students who need movement to stay engaged without becoming distracted. The organized bins and cabinet have made transitions smoother and reduced downtime because materials are easy to access and return. Laminated materials have allowed us to reuse graphic organizers and discussion tools during small-group instruction, giving students consistent supports without creating clutter. One powerful moment occurred during a recent writing lesson—students spread out comfortably, fully focused, and sustained writing stamina longer than ever before.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build independence and ownership of our classroom environment. Students are helping manage organization systems and reflecting on which learning spaces help them do their best work. As we move into our next reading and writing units, students will use reusable laminated tools for goal setting, peer feedback, and discussion prompts. Because of these resources, our classroom is no longer just a place to complete assignments—it is a calm, structured, and supportive environment where students feel safe, valued, and ready to grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768837320767,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-where-comfort-meets-learning/10041976/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Where Comfort Meets Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Picone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9582863"},{"teacherId":8707780,"projectId":9748396,"letterContent":"I would like to thank you for funding this project. I absolutely love the materials I received. \r\n The white board projector is something I use to help students visualize what they're learning. Specifically, since I teach reading mostly in small groups, I use it as a way to model what they are learning. For example, some of my lessons involve me writing my own story. Students are able to see how I use the writing process-add details, sort ideas, use paragraphs.\r\n I also allow students to use this to complete word work. It might be used a quick spelling assessment, or I might allow students to draw with it as a reward.\r\nI'm having a great time using it, and I thank you once again. This is most appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1765307356471,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-on-display/9748396/","projectTitle":"Kindness On Display","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8707780"},{"teacherId":9582863,"projectId":10066669,"letterContent":"Thanks to our generous donors, this project has transformed reading into an active, student-led experience across our school. The new books have allowed us to explicitly teach and practice skills such as fluent reading, questioning, making inferences, noticing author's craft, building vocabulary, and engaging in meaningful discussions. Students are learning how to think deeply about texts and then turn around and teach those same strategies to younger peers. They are not just reading stories—they are learning how to guide conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and model strong comprehension skills. The variety of texts has also helped us introduce diverse characters, perspectives, and themes that spark authentic curiosity and connection.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks collaborative, purposeful, and joyful. Students gather in small groups to discuss texts, prepare read-alouds, and plan buddy lessons. During our literacy events, older students sit side-by-side with younger readers, modeling expression, fluency, and confidence. You can hear thoughtful conversations, see students helping each other decode challenging words, and watch leaders step up to facilitate discussions. Books are organized and easily accessible thanks to the student-managed lending system, which has created a true culture of shared responsibility around literacy.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once quiet during reading time have truly blossomed. One student who struggled with confidence now eagerly volunteers to lead read-alouds and practices ahead of time to ensure she reads smoothly for her buddy group. Another student who loves graphic novels has become our \"discussion expert,\" helping peers dig deeper into character motivation and theme. Students who needed extra encouragement to engage are now motivated because they know younger students look up to them. These books have not only strengthened reading skills but have also built leadership, empathy, and pride in serving our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1770821386313,"projectUrl":"project/read-grow-connect/10066669/","projectTitle":"Read, Grow, Connect","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Picone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9582863"},{"teacherId":1112828,"projectId":10093590,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my classroom has become a more supportive, focused, and confidence-building environment for my special needs students.\r\n\r\nThe **testing privacy shields** have made an immediate difference by giving students a sense of personal space and security. Many of my learners struggle with anxiety and distractions, and these shields help them focus during assessments and independent work without feeling overwhelmed or exposed.\r\n\r\nSimple but essential supplies like **pencils and fresh red crayons** have been incredibly meaningful. The red crayons are used daily in our phonics instruction, helping students clearly mark sounds, blends, and corrections—an important visual tool for developing early reading skills. Having new, high-quality materials allows students to feel prepared and proud of their work.\r\n\r\nThe **fuzzy dictation pencils** have been a powerful motivator. Students earn them through positive behavior and effort, which builds excitement around learning while reinforcing perseverance and self-regulation skills. These small rewards make a big impact on engagement and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe **magnetic tiles** have transformed our word-blending and phonics lessons into hands-on, interactive experiences. Students can physically manipulate sounds and letters, which is especially important for learners who benefit from multisensory instruction. This has led to stronger participation, improved decoding skills, and greater independence.\r\n\r\nFinally, the **new headphones** have been a game-changer for online read-alouds and digital learning. They allow students to hear instructions and stories clearly without distractions, supporting comprehension and enabling students to work at their own pace with dignity and success.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than provide supplies—it removed barriers, built confidence, and created opportunities for meaningful learning. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1771020212897,"projectUrl":"project/sound-focus-succeed/10093590/","projectTitle":"Sound, Focus, Succeed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1112828_orig.jpg?crop=744,744,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717695414263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wolfpacklearns"},{"teacherId":414961,"projectId":10026879,"letterContent":"Our students are proudly wearing their new school spirit t-shirts, and it's all thanks to your incredible generosity!\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, every child who didn't have one was able to receive a shirt and feel like a true part of our school community. For many of our students, having matching spirit wear might not otherwise have been possible. Now, when we come together for school events, assemblies, field days, and spirit days, every single student feels included, valued, and connected.\r\n\r\nThe smiles on their faces when they put on their shirts said it all. What may seem like a simple t-shirt has made a big impact — building confidence, strengthening our sense of belonging, and reminding our students that they are part of something special.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a more inclusive and united school community. Your kindness truly makes a difference in the hearts of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1769251848841,"projectUrl":"project/we-have-school-spirit/10026879/","projectTitle":"We Have School Spirit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp414961_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576011368193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/pcalandra"},{"teacherId":414961,"projectId":9960637,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our Chinese New Year celebration to life!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students were able to taste Chinese fortune cookies and enjoy a fun red snack after learning about Lunar New Year traditions. The excitement in the room was unforgettable! Students loved cracking open their fortune cookies, reading their fortunes aloud, and sharing smiles and laughter with their classmates.\r\n\r\nBeing able to connect their learning to a real cultural experience made the lesson even more meaningful. Tasting traditional treats helped them better understand and appreciate the celebration in a hands-on, memorable way.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create joyful learning moments that our students will remember long after the lesson is over. Your support truly made this celebration special!","fullyFundedDate":1765980026368,"projectUrl":"project/takis-fortune-cookies/9960637/","projectTitle":"Takis & Fortune Cookies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp414961_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576011368193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/pcalandra"},{"teacherId":4324366,"projectId":9886211,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference for my speech students, who come to class with a wide range of skill levels and diverse backgrounds. Because of you, my students will have access to hands-on materials like popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners for creative crafts, word-building games to strengthen literacy and phonics skills, Legos to help them \"build\" vocabulary through morphology, and magnetic alphabet tools to practice letter identification and formation. Hands-on STEM and language-based activities are especially powerful for speech students. They help make abstract concepts tangible, increase engagement, and build confidence. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth. Your kindness and commitment to education truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1763563885380,"projectUrl":"project/using-stem-to-improve-speech/9886211/","projectTitle":"Using STEM to Improve Speech","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Biancamano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4324366_orig.jpg?crop=1077,1077,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763056899479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4324366"},{"teacherId":1112828,"projectId":10026262,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are able to come to school each day feeling supported, comfortable, and ready to learn. Many of my special needs students come from low-income households and face challenges that go far beyond academics. Your donation of snacks, deodorant, and hats and gloves has made an immediate and visible difference in their daily lives.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided help ensure students are not trying to learn while hungry. When their basic needs are met, they are better able to focus, regulate their emotions, and fully participate in classroom activities. This has led to improved engagement and a calmer, more productive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe hygiene items you donated have had a powerful impact on students' confidence and dignity. For children who are just learning about personal care and independence, having access to deodorant helps prevent embarrassment and social isolation. Students feel more comfortable around peers, which positively affects their self-esteem and social interactions.\r\n\r\nThe hats and gloves have kept students warm during the colder months, allowing them to participate in outdoor activities and attend school comfortably. More importantly, these items send a clear message to my students that they are cared for and valued.\r\n\r\nYour kindness removed barriers that many people never see, allowing my students to focus on learning and growing. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the lives of children who truly need it.","fullyFundedDate":1769189559917,"projectUrl":"project/small-comforts-big-impact-in-our-classr/10026262/","projectTitle":"Small Comforts, Big Impact in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1112828_orig.jpg?crop=744,744,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717695414263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wolfpacklearns"},{"teacherId":5876867,"projectId":10021865,"letterContent":"Since receiving the materials from A Breath of Calm and Comfort, our classroom has truly transformed into a more peaceful, supportive space for students. We use the air purifier daily to help keep our room healthy, and students often comment on how \"fresh\" the room feels. The calming jellyfish tank has quickly become a favorite—during moments of stress or dysregulation, students sit nearby, listen to soft music through the Bluetooth feature, and practice calming breaths while watching the gentle movement of the lights. This has been especially helpful during transitions and after challenging academic tasks. The art supplies and easel are now part of our daily routine, giving students a safe outlet to express emotions through drawing and painting, which has led to meaningful conversations and improved focus during lessons. Socks, gloves, and sanitary items are discreetly available, helping students feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn without worry.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were full of excitement and curiosity. They were immediately drawn to the jellyfish tank, watching in awe and asking questions, while others eagerly explored the art supplies and easel. Several students smiled and said the room felt \"calm\" and \"safe,\" which was incredibly powerful to hear. It was clear that they understood these items were meant just for them—to help them feel supported in more ways than one.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, the next steps for our students include building stronger self-regulation skills alongside academic growth. We are currently working on identifying emotions and using coping strategies, and these resources allow students to practice those skills in real time. Students are learning when to independently choose a calming tool, how to transition back to learning, and how to express themselves creatively during lessons. Because of your generosity, our classroom is not just a place to learn—it's a place where students feel safe, calm, and valued every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768917812617,"projectUrl":"project/a-breath-of-calm-and-comfort/10021865/","projectTitle":"A Breath of Calm and Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5876867_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720494914470","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maegan-ruiz"},{"teacherId":414961,"projectId":9960614,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our 100th Day of School necklace project possible! My students absolutely loved creating their beaded necklaces, and the excitement in the room was contagious.\r\n\r\nAs they designed their necklaces, students practiced counting, patterns, and problem-solving while also strengthening fine motor skills and creativity. They took great pride in choosing colors and designs that reflected their personalities, and many couldn't wait to show off their finished keepsakes. Each necklace became a meaningful reminder of how far they've come in 100 days of learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity turned an important milestone into a joyful, hands-on experience my students will remember. Thank you for supporting their learning and helping make our classroom such a special place.","fullyFundedDate":1766509000375,"projectUrl":"project/hooray-lets-celebrate-the-100th-day-of/9960614/","projectTitle":"Hooray! Let's Celebrate the 100th Day of School!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp414961_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576011368193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/pcalandra"},{"teacherId":10413596,"projectId":10048173,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, and snacks to our students.\r\nHealthy snacks are essential for keeping our students focused and energized throughout the school day. Your support ensures that our students have access to nutritious,brain-fueling food, which directly impacts their ability to learn, behave, and excel in the classroom.\r\nThanks to your kindness, we are able to provide nutritious options to students who need them most. We truly appreciate your commitment to the well-being of our school community.\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for making a positive difference in our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1769202895026,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks-needed/10048173/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cromartie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10413596"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_22702","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":527,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":29,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"3 - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.9,"schoolId":22702,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/wyandanch-union-free-school-district/martin-luther-king-junior-elementary-school/22702"}