In Bed-Stuy, Mrs. Fransheca Chaterpaul’s fifth-grade class is transforming the way students learn, thanks to a generous donation of laptops through DonorsChoose.

Students use the devices daily—for reading, writing, typing documents and even online assessments.

For many, the laptops aren’t just another classroom tool, but a lifeline: some students don’t have devices at home and rely on school borrowings to complete their work beyond the school building.

Juliza Martinez, a fifth grader, says the technology isn’t just convenient—it’s made learning “really fun.”

“My wrists hurt less than when I’m writing,” she giggled.

More than just the hardware, students speak glowingly of Mrs. Chaterpaul, whose personality and dedication have clearly made a lasting impact.

Last year, after she went on maternity leave, her students started a successful petition for her to stay with them through fifth grade.

“That was really rewarding and made me really feel special,” said Chaterpaul. “To know that even though they lost so much time with me, I still made that impact in the months that I was here, that they wanted me back for a second year.”

As the new school year begins, donations haven’t rolled in yet, but Mrs. Chaterpaul has her sights set on bringing in kid-friendly magazines to help her students stay connected to current events.