{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Barack Obama School for Social Justice","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1788554,"projectId":9632172,"letterContent":"It's hard to overstate the impact this gift has made on this classroom -- this year and for years to come.\r\n\r\nI teach a course called \"Research and Writing\" to underserved high school students. The course is college-linked, and the overseeing college requires that all documents are printed out. Before receiving this wonderful laser printer, deadlines were hideously stressful. Not only was the classwork copious and challenging, but there was the added burden of having to find a printer -- somewhere in the neighborhood, somewhere in the school -- to print it out and then coming up with the money [or the permission] to do so. Now, with the printer right here in the classroom, students can put their full focus into what matters: The school-work that will earn them credits as they get a head-start on their college journey. \r\n\r\nWe are just beyond grateful. I can't wait to share pictures of all the happy, relaxed faces using our printer!!!","fullyFundedDate":1763058801835,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-printer/9632172/","projectTitle":"Classroom Printer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pagano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1788554_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722616977820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1788554"},{"teacherId":9825505,"projectId":8918427,"letterContent":"My students and I are absolutely using the new resources—every single day! The stools and lighting have become essential parts of our classroom routine. During small group time, students eagerly pull up a stool and sit in a circle next to me so they can receive the support they need. The flexible seating has made it easier for them to engage, collaborate, and feel comfortable.\r\n\r\nThe new lighting has made a huge difference as well. It creates a calm, welcoming environment that helps students stay focused and less anxious. Many of my students struggle with overstimulation, and the softer lighting has truly helped them feel more at ease throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were amazed. They couldn't believe that people outside our school knew they existed—let alone cared enough to donate! It meant the world to them to feel seen and supported by others. They kept saying how \"cool\" it was that people believed in them and their learning.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're using these new tools to stay focused during our current projects and lessons. The adjustable seating and calming lighting allow students to stay grounded and attentive, whether they're reading, writing, or working through a group activity. These resources have transformed the energy in our classroom, and I'm so grateful to the donors who helped make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1738551230295,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-learning-spaces-through-lig/8918427/","projectTitle":"Transforming Learning Spaces Through Lighting and Adjustable Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McGloin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9825505_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730735632320","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9825505"},{"teacherId":1788554,"projectId":9094016,"letterContent":"I am so grateful that you funded my project, which will allow me to share \"A Raisin in the Sun\" with a new generation of students. I teach a majority black and Latino population, and the students are always hungry for representation in the literature we read. Most have not been to the South Side of Chicago but all will relate to the aspirations and challenges of the characters Lorraine Hansberry so finely draws. \r\n\r\nWe cannot wait to start reading, analyzing, writing -- and being inspired. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1744256076736,"projectUrl":"project/a-raisin-in-the-sun/9094016/","projectTitle":"A Raisin in the Sun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pagano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1788554_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722616977820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1788554"},{"teacherId":6971811,"projectId":8767577,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to resources that are transforming their counseling environment and helping my students with their emotional well-being. The Fujifilm Instax camera has brought so much joy to our students! Capturing and displaying their achievements, friendships, and milestones has created a tangible sense of belonging and pride in our space and sharing on our counseling page as well as a feature photo! \r\n\r\nThe cozy relaxation chair has become a favorite spot for students who need a moment to decompress. It provides a calming refuge during stressful times, allowing them to reset emotionally and return to class more focused and ready to learn. The weighted emotional support sloth which we affectionately call \"Sammy the Sloth\" has provided incredible comfort to students struggling with anxiety or emotional distress. They have shared how holding it makes them feel grounded and secure, enabling them to navigate their emotions more constructively.\r\n\r\nThese resources have truly made a difference. 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Blanche met Stanley in scene 1, and I showed them a clip of how this looked in the Elia Kazan film (featuring Marlon Brando and Vivian Leigh). The plot thickened in scene 2, with Stanley angrily confronting Blanche about the loss of Belle Reve. And we are just about to read the famous \"STELL-AAAAAAAAAAH!!!\" scene. I can't wait to share this classic moment in literary and cinematic history! \r\n\r\nThe students are loving acting the play out (volunteers to read out loud always exceed parts available). They are doing a great job with the in-depth analysis we do after each scene. And they are just about to hand in their first written response. \r\n\r\nWeirdly, the book also abruptly became timely — albeit in a rather grim way: The street where Blanche purchased her \"adorable paper lantern\" — Bourbon Street — was just in the news as the site of a terror attack. \r\n\r\nBut let me not end on a somber note. We are just delighting in your gift. 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Barack Obama School for Social Justice

Join the 136 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Barack Obama School for Social Justice is a suburban public school in Yonkers, New York that is part of Yonkers Public Schools. It serves 701 students in grades 7 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.3:1. Its teachers have had 38 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 7 - 12

701 Students

43 Teachers

201 Palisade Ave

Yonkers, NY 10703 View local requests

http://www.yonkerspublicschools.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Barack Obama School for Social Justice Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Barack Obama School for Social Justice Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

89%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Barack Obama School for Social Justice Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

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.

Barack Obama School for Social Justice

$19,010

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

136

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Barack Obama School for Social Justice has received support from 86 individuals from New York and 50 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Barack Obama School for Social Justice

About this school

Equity Focus School

Barack Obama School for Social Justice Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Barack Obama School for Social Justice Demographics

Barack Obama School for Social Justice Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

Barack Obama School for Social Justice

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.