{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos","outOfStateSupporters":38.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2713330,"projectId":9057458,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations that provided our classroom with essential supplies such as disinfecting wipes, tissue boxes, napkins, and disinfecting sprays! These items have been a tremendous help in keeping our students healthy and our learning space clean.\r\n\r\nYour support reached far beyond daily use. Those same supplies helped us celebrate the end of the school year when we reflect on each student's accomplishments, and even pack up our classroom with ease. As we began a new school year, having these materials on hand made organizing and welcoming a new group of students so much smoother.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students can enjoy their day with comfort and confidence, knowing that our classroom is fresh, safe, and ready for learning. These simple yet essential supplies truly make a difference every single day.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you for caring about our classroom and supporting our students' well-being and success!","fullyFundedDate":1743023217334,"projectUrl":"project/stay-healthy-learn-happily/9057458/","projectTitle":"Stay Healthy, Learn Happily!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hossain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2713330"},{"teacherId":10006185,"projectId":9326422,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your support has made on our students and our community. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to distribute snacks that enabled our students to create care packages for families at our local shelter URI Family Residence located in New York City. \r\n\r\n**How We're Using Your Resources**\r\n\r\nYour contribution allowed us to pack and distribute nutritious snacks, individual packaging supplies, and encouraging note cards. Our students organized an assembly line in the classroom, carefully sorting granola bars, crackers and fruit snacks into individual packages. Each student took ownership of their role—some measured portions, others sealed bags, and several wrote personalized notes of encouragement to include with each snack pack.\r\n\r\nLast week, we delivered 50 plus snack packs to the shelter. The most powerful moment came when one of my students, who is usually quite reserved, handed a package directly to a young child at the facility. The joy on both their faces reminded us all why this work matters.\r\n\r\n**Their Initial Reaction**\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of supplies first arrived in our classroom, the excitement was palpable! Students gathered around, eager to see what was inside. Their first question was, \"When can we start packing?\" What struck me most was how quickly they connected the materials to real people in need. One student said, \"Someone's going to feel cared for because of this,\" and that sentiment drove their dedication throughout the entire project.\r\n\r\n**What's Next**\r\n\r\nBuilding on this success, our students are already planning their next steps. They're designing a quarterly schedule to return to the shelter with fresh snack packs. Additionally, they've proposed expanding the project by partnering with other classrooms to increase our impact. We're also incorporating reflection activities where students write about empathy, community service, and how small actions create meaningful change.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials—it taught our students that they have the power to make a difference. Thank you for investing in their growth as compassionate, engaged citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1750187083074,"projectUrl":"project/snack-caring-package-community-service-p/9326422/","projectTitle":"Snack Caring Package Community Service Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10006185_orig.png?crop=150,150,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745844919194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10006185"},{"teacherId":9733811,"projectId":9063454,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! Many of the students that I work with in Occupational Therapy struggle with self-regulation and knowing what their bodies need to feel calm when they're angry or to feel energized when they're tired. With your donations, we have added amazing tools to our room! Students were thrilled to see the new equipment! That includes a trampoline to feel more energized and get out stressful energy, a sit-and-spin chair for our students whose bodies crave spinning input, and a wooden balance board to help students focus and center themselves.\r\n\r\nDuring our free time and to help with hand strengthening, students love working with the color changing therapy putty we got through this Donor's Choose Project! As they squeeze and stretch the putty, the heat of their hands change the colors, just like magic! Students love using the outer space sensory bin to practice scooping the moon beads and digging around for little alien figurines. The ice cream kinetic sand station is a great way to incorporate imaginative play and strengthen bilateral coordination. The stretchy string fidgets help our students focus while moving around. \r\nThank you so much for your contribution to our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746959118162,"projectUrl":"project/calm-bodies-calm-minds-learning-to-se/9063454/","projectTitle":"Calm Bodies, Calm Minds: Learning to Self-Regulate in School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hutt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9733811_orig.jpg?crop=1250,1250,x0,y162&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737130207150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9733811"},{"teacherId":1641534,"projectId":9097692,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of classroom supplies, including dry-erase markers and fidgets, for our students. Your thoughtful contribution has had a significant impact on our learning environment, providing our students with the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe dry erasers have made it easier for us to keep our classroom organized and efficient, while the fidgets have offered our students a helpful way to stay focused and engaged during lessons. Your support not only enhances our daily activities but also shows our students the importance of kindness and community involvement.","fullyFundedDate":1742823860685,"projectUrl":"project/grow-learn-and-have-fun/9097692/","projectTitle":"Grow, Learn, and Have Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Leon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1641534_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1529535782344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wdeleon"},{"teacherId":8523518,"projectId":6551656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in bringing new reading materials into our classroom. Your contribution has truly made a difference in the lives of my students, not just in how they read, but in how they see themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nWhile we have always worked hard to teach reading skills through various texts, many traditional books we've read have not always sparked interest. However, the new magazines you helped provide have changed that. These engaging, high-interest stories have captured my students' attention, which is exciting and meaningful. They now look forward to reading time and actively participate in discussions about what they've read.\r\n\r\nThey've introduced and support essential reading skills such as identifying main ideas and details, understanding cause and effect, making inferences, analyzing characters, and building vocabulary. These are not only crucial for their current grade level, but are foundational for success in every grade that follows.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks like curiosity, excitement, and collaboration. Students are eagerly flipping through pages, asking questions, and making connections to their own lives. One of my more reluctant readers now volunteers to read aloud and leads group discussions because the content truly resonates with them.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students are not just learning to read, they're learning they're reading. We are so grateful for your kindness and for investing in their growth and future.","fullyFundedDate":1664460527194,"projectUrl":"project/getting-ready-for-magic/6551656/","projectTitle":"Getting Ready for Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minaya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8523518_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y168&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763312708636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8523518"},{"teacherId":10006185,"projectId":9284031,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of hygiene supplies. Your support has greatly improved our classroom environment, boosting students' confidence and encouraging collaboration. \r\n\r\nOne of the epic moments to remember impacted by your donation is how excited students were to participate in collaboration to distribute these materials to classmates. Additionally, students participated in creating a designated area within the classroom to make these items available for when needed. \r\n\r\n Students took pride in organizing and distributing the items, fostering trust and teamwork. Inspired by this, they are now planning community service projects, including visits to shelters and volunteering, helping them grow as leaders and active community members.","fullyFundedDate":1748671905977,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-to-empower-our-sth-students/9284031/","projectTitle":"Supplies to Empower Our STH Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10006185_orig.png?crop=150,150,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745844919194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10006185"},{"teacherId":6229784,"projectId":8808047,"letterContent":"vOn behalf of our entire classroom community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of a printer. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment, and we are incredibly thankful for your kindness and investment in our students' education.\r\n\r\nSince the printer arrived, it has become an invaluable resource in our classroom. It's hard to overstate just how much it has enriched our day-to-day activities. What once required a trip to the school office or waiting in line for shared equipment can now be done quickly, independently, and efficiently right in our own classroom. This small but powerful change has greatly enhanced both the quality and accessibility of student work.\r\n\r\nOur students have embraced the opportunity to bring their ideas to life in a tangible way. With the ability to print materials on demand, they've been more motivated and invested in their assignments. Whether it's a science report, a creative writing piece, or a history timeline, students are now able to design, format, and print their work, adding a new layer of ownership and pride. The printer has allowed them to experiment with layout, images, and presentation—skills that are not only important for their academic growth but also essential for future success in a digital world.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting developments has been the way the printer has supported collaborative projects. Students have worked together to create posters, brochures, and visual presentations for various subjects, turning abstract concepts into engaging and colorful displays. It has fostered a spirit of teamwork and creativity that's truly inspiring to watch. For example, during our recent environmental science unit, small groups designed and printed educational flyers promoting sustainability initiatives, which they shared with the school community. It was a hands-on learning experience that combined research, design, and communication—made entirely possible because we had access to our own printer.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the printer has played a crucial role in supporting differentiated learning. I've been able to easily provide students with personalized materials, from graphic organizers to adapted reading passages, to better meet their individual needs. This has allowed for a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, your donation has sent a powerful message to our students: that their education matters and that people in their wider community care about their success. Knowing that someone outside of the classroom believed in them enough to provide this resource has boosted their confidence and sense of self-worth. It's a reminder that they are not alone on their academic journey—that there are people like you cheering them on.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generous gift. Your support has truly made a difference, and we are so grateful to have you as a partner in our mission to provide meaningful and engaging learning experiences for all students. We look forward to continuing to put this printer to good use in the months and years ahead.","fullyFundedDate":1729052477973,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-printer/8808047/","projectTitle":"Classroom Printer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6229784_orig.jpg?crop=1932,1932,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600179503759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6229784"},{"teacherId":276350,"projectId":9335823,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project! Your generous contribution helped us create a positive and engaging learning environment where students are recognized and rewarded for their good choices. The stickers and temporary tattoos have become a huge hit—students are excited to earn them for showing kindness, responsibility, and respect. These small incentives have made a big impact on classroom behavior and morale.\r\n\r\nAlong with the rewards, we launched our Designing Like an Engineer project as a reward for their choice time, where students used cardboard, the new hole punch, and teamwork to build creative structures. From imaginative towers to working models, the classroom buzzed with collaboration and problem-solving. One student said, \"I didn't know school could be this fun!\"—a perfect reminder of how powerful these materials can be in inspiring young minds.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students are not only learning essential skills but also experiencing the joy that comes from being recognized for their efforts. We are so grateful for your support in making our classroom a place where good behavior leads to meaningful learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1746905295228,"projectUrl":"project/positive-behavioral-supports-through-cre/9335823/","projectTitle":"Positive Behavioral Supports Through Creativity and Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tyson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp276350_orig.jpg?crop=2100,2100,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746399590464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/slotnick"},{"teacherId":276350,"projectId":9318091,"letterContent":"The impact of your generous donation has been immediate and inspiring. The moment my kindergarteners with autism saw the new magnetic tiles, oversized building bricks, and vibrant city play mats, their faces lit up with joy and curiosity. These materials have transformed our classroom into a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Instead of being confined to repetitive tasks, students now rotate through activity centers that cater to their need for movement, sensory input, and cooperative play. One special moment was watching students work side-by-side with a peer to construct a \"car city\" using the play mat and magnetic tiles—completely absorbed, problem-solving, and sharing. These tools have not only supported their cognitive development but also fostered social interaction and teamwork.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, my middle schoolers are diving into end-of-year art projects with a passion I haven't seen all year. Using the Gelli printing plates and Sculpey clay, they are creating layered textured prints and sculpting keychains that reflect their individual identities and stories. When they first saw the Gelli plates, they were stunned—\"We get to use this?!\" one student asked, eyes wide with excitement. These projects are giving them a chance to take ownership of their work in a deeply personal way. What's next? They'll be curating a small art show, displaying their clay creations and prints for classmates and families—proud of what they've made and energized by the new possibilities you've helped unlock. Your support has sparked joy, exploration, and self-expression in a way that truly matters. Thank you for opening these doors for them.","fullyFundedDate":1746463827731,"projectUrl":"project/goodbye-crayons-hello-special-materials/9318091/","projectTitle":"Goodbye Crayons, Hello Special Materials!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tyson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp276350_orig.jpg?crop=2100,2100,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746399590464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/slotnick"},{"teacherId":1641534,"projectId":9099514,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous contribution, our classroom is able to provide more than just a learning space—it is now a place where every child feels supported, safe, and valued. Your kindness has helped us create a calm and welcoming Cozy Corner, a special area where students can pause, reflect, and develop the skills they need to manage their emotions with confidence.\r\nThis space has already made a meaningful difference. Students are learning to self-regulate, express their feelings in healthy ways, and return to the group ready to learn and thrive. By helping us build this environment, you have given our children tools that will serve them not only in the classroom, but throughout their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1742823893389,"projectUrl":"project/calming-and-cozy/9099514/","projectTitle":"Calming and Cozy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Leon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1641534_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1529535782344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wdeleon"},{"teacherId":2713330,"projectId":8841373,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous support, which has had a remarkable impact on my students' learning. Initially, many of my students struggled to understand the concept of place value with three-digit numbers. The magnetic tiles provided the hands-on experience they needed to fully grasp this concept. Once they understood how to represent three-digit numbers, they confidently moved on to adding two-digit numbers, both with and without regrouping. Their enthusiasm for math grew, and they started eagerly anticipating math block, often working independently on problems involving three-digit numbers and addition during center time.\r\n\r\nIn my self-contained In my K/1st/2nd grade classroom, where students are focusing on developing motor skills and receiving occupational therapy, I was able to introduce a \"Building Numbers\" station. This station allowed students to use magnetic chips to form numbers and pick them up with a magnetic wand. As a result, students have shown remarkable progress in writing numbers correctly. More importantly, this activity provided the motivation they needed, and now they look forward to center time each day.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating has also been a tremendous addition to my classroom. It has allowed me to arrange students into various groups for math and reading activities, fostering collaboration and engagement. Students have taken ownership of their learning space, choosing where and how they want to participate in activities. Additionally, the Doodle drawing tablets have proven to be a wonderful tool for both calming breaks and independent practice. Students are using them to practice writing, including spelling their names and sight words.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, I must mention that my students are happier to be in this classroom because they now see it as a place with cool materials. When they first saw the new supplies, they were so excited and couldn't wait to start using them.\r\n\r\nOverall, the materials you helped provide have transformed my classroom into an environment where students are motivated, independent, and excited to learn. Your support has made a lasting difference, and I can't thank you enough for empowering my students to become more confident and engaged learners.","fullyFundedDate":1735237111662,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-ambition-setting-up-for-success/8841373/","projectTitle":"Fueling Ambition: Setting Up for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hossain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2713330"},{"teacherId":1641534,"projectId":9092808,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donations and warm wishes. Your support means so much to my students and me, and it truly enriches our educational experience. During these challenging times, prioritizing the health and safety of our students is more important than ever. It's essential that we maintain clean and sanitized classrooms to create a nurturing environment where effective learning can thrive. Your kindness plays a crucial role in our efforts to ensure that our students feel safe and comfortable. Thank you for being such a vital part of our community.","fullyFundedDate":1738677731827,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-and-clean/9092808/","projectTitle":"Healthy and Clean!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Leon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1641534_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1529535782344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wdeleon"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_260","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":531,"numTeachers":67,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":79,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"7.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.3,"schoolId":260,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-161-don-pedro-albizu-campos/260"}
Join the 470 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos is
an urban public school
in New York, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 531 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 7.9:1.
Its teachers have had 166 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
97%
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.
PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos 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.
PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos
$88,992
raised using DonorsChoose
166
projects
funded
56
teachers
funded
470
donors
9
projects
for
basic supplies
24
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos has received support from
288 individuals from New York and
182 individuals out-of-state.