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Mr. McKanstry's Classroom

  • Lafayette Academy Middle School 256
  • New York, NY
  • Half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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We'll charge your card today and send Mr. McKanstry a DonorsChoose gift card he can use on his classroom projects. Starting next month, we'll charge your card and send him a DonorsChoose gift card on the 17th of every month.

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Make a donation Mr. McKanstry can use on his next classroom project.

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show projects from all time

Past projects 6

  • Help Middle Schoolers With Music Technology

    Funded Jan 10, 2024

    Wowwww! Thank you so much for your support. Our students will be able to experience the joy of using music technology and being able to hear their creations on state of the art headphones is going to be amazing for them. Talk about a boost of confidence! Wow! Thank you!!”

    With gratitude,

    Mr. McKanstry

    This classroom project was brought to life by Someone who cares about New York City and 19 other donors.
  • Lafayette Academy Keyboard Lab (headphones)

    Funded Aug 28, 2022

    Thank you so much for your generous donation. My students have been able to listen to the songs they have created using technology in the classroom. I have found that when students are able to listen to their work, it instills a greater sense of pride in each student.

    It is such an honor that I get to work with my amazing students. Donors like you make my job easier and much more enjoyable. Please keep donating. You make such a difference in the lives of our students.

    I am looking forward to this year!”

    With gratitude,

    Mr. McKanstry

  • Piano Club (Headphones)

    Funded Dec 29, 2019

    This school year was amazing despite the challenges we've faced. I want you to know that I greatly appreciate the support you've given to our school and most importantly, our students. Before March 2020, we were able to use the headphones to replace our older ones. I included the old ones in pics so you could see what we had before. On the keyboard, it's difficult to share headphones, and the ones we had weren't that great. Having the right amount of headphones enabled each student to work and learn at their own pace which greatly assisted with classroom management. A big thank you for that!

    I wish you and your families all the best during this difficult time. I hope that we are able to come out on the other side better, kinder, more loving, and thankful. You are already a part of the change we need in the world as you have made the choice to use your resources to uplift and inspire our future. And for that, I thank you!”

    With gratitude,

    Mr. McKanstry

    This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 13 other donors.
  • Piano Club

    Funded Nov 22, 2019

    Thank you all so much for your support of my classroom. The students are enjoying the new keyboards and greatly appreciate the fact that they can work together to master their craft. I started them off working in pairs so they could get support from a peer. However, next week they will be working independently. One of my favorite moments happened when a student, Birame, a student who may not always experience success in a classroom, took his time learning Ode To Joy. Birame was so proud to show that he could do it. The best part about it is I have about 50 other students who are excited and proud of the work their accomplishing. Thank you so much for donating. You are such an important part of our Lafayette Academy family. Thanks again!”

    With gratitude,

    Mr. McKanstry

  • Lafayette Academy Modern Band

    Funded Nov 12, 2018

    Wow!! Thank you so much for your donation! It means the world that people like you care so much about the development of our students. The two new keyboards have been a gem in the classroom. The students were so excited about using them. One student, Angel, who was a student who is normally troubled in class, thoroughly enjoyed and immersed himself in the piano. We are now starting to see that transfer in his other classes and that is remarkable.

    When the students first saw the boxes, they were overjoyed. I heard students saying "Mr. McKanstry is this for us?" Whaaatt?? They were ecstatic! As they unboxed the materials, I could tell they were so appreciative and thoroughly enjoyed writing their thank you letters.

    Our students will be writing songs for social justice. Hopefully, I'll be able to teach the modern band how to play one of the songs for a performance in the spring.

    Thank you so much!!!”

    With gratitude,

    Mr. McKanstry

  • LA Modern Band

    Funded Oct 26, 2018

    Thank you for contributing to our students! The students are using the materials to further there knowledge and skills in music. In this current unit, the students are studying songs for social justice. The first song we did was the late, great Aretha Franklin's "Respect." In addition to learning about the history and context of the song, the students actually got to play the song on the keyboards, but also on the new drum set and bass guitar.

    When the students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited and surprised. They were delivered in the middle of class, and all of a sudden the door opened. All I could hear was "Whoaaa!!" Then the questions commenced. "Mr. McKanstry where did this come from?" "Did you buy this?" I simply smiled and told them about people like you making a difference in the lives of children. We sincerely thank you!

    Up next, the students will continue learning different songs for our Modern Band. So far, the band has learned four songs and we look forward to adding to our repertoire!

    Thank you so much!!”

    With gratitude,

    Mr. McKanstry

At my school currently, there are only about eight keyboards and we have 160 students. I'd like to incorporate more instruments for students who may not sing or play the keyboard. I have several students who drum on desks every day and I would love to give them the opportunity to play on a real drum set. That being said, we need to be able to control the volume of these instruments since this is a shared space which is why the electronic drums are necessary. I am going to start a modern band with 7th and 8th graders which will give these students an opportunity to develop their musical skills in a fun and exciting way.

About my class

At my school currently, there are only about eight keyboards and we have 160 students. I'd like to incorporate more instruments for students who may not sing or play the keyboard. I have several students who drum on desks every day and I would love to give them the opportunity to play on a real drum set. That being said, we need to be able to control the volume of these instruments since this is a shared space which is why the electronic drums are necessary. I am going to start a modern band with 7th and 8th graders which will give these students an opportunity to develop their musical skills in a fun and exciting way.

About my class

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