{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 54 Hillside","outOfStateSupporters":29.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9880432,"projectId":9666868,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project for our new kidney-shaped table and chairs set for small group instruction in my 3rd grade classroom. Your kindness is already making a difference by giving my students a comfortable, inviting space where they can gather close, share ideas, and receive more focused support during reading, math, and collaborative activities. The shape and size of the table allow me to sit with several students at once, better see their work, and provide the individualized attention they need to grow in confidence and skills. My students are excited to use our new small group area, and their enthusiasm and engagement are a direct result of your generosity. Thank you again for believing in our classroom and investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1757016496555,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-one-small-group/9666868/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures, One Small Group at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gagliardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9880432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756953919296","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9880432"},{"teacherId":2777367,"projectId":9432092,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support of our fifth grade ICT classroom. Because of your donation, our students now have the tools they need to learn, create, and thrive together. Every child can participate in writing, math, and creative activities without worrying about not having basic supplies. Dry erase boards and markers bring lessons to life, giving students immediate feedback and making learning interactive and fun. Disinfectant wipes help us maintain a safe, welcoming environment that supports the health and well-being of all learners. Beyond the basics, your gift has allowed us to provide flexible seating, sensory tools, and hands-on materials that empower diverse learners to stay engaged, build confidence, and reach their potential. Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom into a place where every child feels included, supported, and ready to succeed. The impact of your gift will be felt daily; in every smile, every breakthrough moment, and every step our students take toward their dreams. Thank you for believing in our kids and helping us create a classroom where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1758899178762,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-every-learner-in-our-fifth-gr/9432092/","projectTitle":"Empowering Every Learner in Our Fifth Grade ICT Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ning","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2777367_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601002564395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2777367"},{"teacherId":5308996,"projectId":9537267,"letterContent":"The materials I received for my classroom exceeded my expectations from what I originally thought! \r\n\r\nI think my student's favorite thing was the smiley face carpet. It really elevated our meeting area where we have whole group mini lessons and occasionally meet for small group instruction. Often they ask me if they can sit and work on the rug or read a book on their. It has created a cozy space for them to spend time and relax outside of work time. It's so much nicer to sit on a fun carpet rather than hard tile floor! Plus they love taking care of it - I got a carpet sweeper and they take turns cleaning the rug before we go home each day! \r\n\r\nAs for our portable dry erase easel this has also become a staple as well. I use it to model a quick a math problem or to display charts and current unit texts! It's a really helpful tool for small group instruction as well! \r\n \r\nThese materials have created a happy & cozy space for my class to come together & work collaboratively. From the bottom of my heart and the hearts of all my 2nd graders - Thank You! We appreciate your generosity so much!","fullyFundedDate":1755219459310,"projectUrl":"project/a-real-classroom-comfort-zone/9537267/","projectTitle":"A Real Classroom Comfort Zone!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cohen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5308996_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754366256232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5308996"},{"teacherId":9788304,"projectId":9617059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Math Manipulatives Spark Engagement, Deepen Understanding, and Encourage Math Inquiry. My students and I are thrilled with the new math materials! The different dice have already made our math games so much more exciting, and the protractors are helping students feel confident measuring angles during geometry lessons. The numeral cards and Expo markers have been perfect for hands-on practice and small group problem solving.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw all the new materials, the room lit up with excitement. They rushed to explore the different dice and immediately began inventing new math games to play. The colorful Expo markers were a huge hit too—students love solving problems on the whiteboard with their favorite colors and showing off their work to classmates.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is sparking real joy and curiosity during math time. It's amazing to see students talk through their reasoning, test new ideas, and celebrate each other's mathematical thinking. Thank you for giving my students the tools to explore math in such an engaging and meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1758898855835,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-spark-engagement-dee/9617059/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives Spark Engagement, Deepen Understanding, and Encourage Math Inquiry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788304"},{"teacherId":9788304,"projectId":9741770,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Encouraging Struggling Readers: Providing High-Interest Books at the Right Level.\" Your kindness has made a real difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith your help, we were able to expand our classroom library with a wonderful collection of graphic novels and high-interest books. The response from my students has been incredible. Even my most reluctant and struggling readers are now enthusiastic about reading time—they are eager to pick up books, explore new stories, and share what they've read with their classmates.\r\n\r\nGraphic novels have been especially popular. These books provide the confidence and encouragement that struggling readers need: the engaging visuals and accessible text have helped many students feel successful and motivated to read more often. I have watched as students who once hesitated to open a book now eagerly reach for these stories and enjoy reading independently.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping inspire a true love of reading in my classroom. Your generosity has empowered students to discover new interests, build their reading skills, and find joy in books every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758899274468,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-struggling-readers-providin/9741770/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Struggling Readers: Providing High-Interest Books at the Right Level","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788304"},{"teacherId":9788304,"projectId":9617228,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Sound & Structure: Building Inspired Learning Spaces.\" Your gift has truly transformed the atmosphere in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe new speakers you provided have brought lessons to life—whether we're listening to music that deepens our understanding of a story, or watching videos that connect to our reading and social studies units. The students are more engaged and excited to learn when they can clearly hear and experience the content together.\r\n\r\nYou also made a wonderful difference with the beautiful pencil holders for each table. The students lit up when they saw them! Having such organized and attractive spaces has made them feel special and more responsible for their materials. They take great pride in keeping their tables neat and their supplies ready for learning.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have helped us create a learning environment that inspires focus, curiosity, and joy. Thank you for making our classroom a place where students feel valued and motivated every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758899086950,"projectUrl":"project/sound-structure-building-inspired-lea/9617228/","projectTitle":"Sound & Structure: Building Inspired Learning Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788304"},{"teacherId":2777367,"projectId":9432426,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project. Your donation made it possible for me to receive a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, giving me access to a wide variety of new materials for my fifth grade classroom. With these resources, my students have been able to learn in exciting and effective ways—lessons are more interactive, and students are actively engaged in meaningful classroom activities every day.\r\nThese new materials have also helped my students build confidence and independence with their learning. From differentiated worksheets to creative projects and digital activities, my fifth graders are experiencing lessons that meet their unique needs and inspire their curiosity. Your kindness has empowered my students to work collaboratively, think critically, and explore topics that matter to them.\r\nI am truly grateful for your support and all you have done to help my classroom thrive. Your donation has made a lasting impact on my students' education, and together, we are making their learning journey brighter and more successful.","fullyFundedDate":1752671634077,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-with-creative-resour/9432426/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning with Creative Resources: Help Us Access TPT","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ning","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2777367_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601002564395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2777367"},{"teacherId":9996217,"projectId":9670852,"letterContent":"My kindergarten students saw these familiar stuffed animal characters on the library shelves, and their faces lit up. It drew so much positive attention to our library in the classroom. It's such a cute and fun addition they all of the students can enjoy. They are now more eager to enter the library area to choose books to read both at school and at home. These stuffed animals are great for looking at, or snuggling up to while enjoying a book. \r\n\r\nThank you all so much for your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1757356585565,"projectUrl":"project/familiar-characters-for-kindergarten/9670852/","projectTitle":"Familiar Characters for Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Narell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9996217"},{"teacherId":9788304,"projectId":9205707,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity. These new texts have introduced essential literacy skills—helping students develop comprehension strategies like making inferences, identifying themes, and analyzing character development. They're also learning how to engage with texts critically, ask thoughtful questions, and connect literature to their own lives.\r\n\r\nOne student, Elias, used to shy away from reading, finding it difficult to connect with books. But after discovering a story that resonated with his—one featuring a character attending a Mosque just like his family—he's more interested in reading. These books have empowered students like Elias to see themselves reflected in literature, fostering a sense of belonging and curiosity.\r\n\r\nYour support has made all of this possible. You haven't just provided books—you've helped create a classroom where stories inspire, minds expand, and students discover a lifelong love of reading. Thank you for making this impact possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746787190442,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-words-the-power-of-picture-books/9205707/","projectTitle":"Beyond Words: The Power of Picture Books in Upper Grades","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788304"},{"teacherId":9788304,"projectId":8876845,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of graphic novels to our classroom. Your kindness has truly made a transformative impact on my students and their engagement with reading.\r\n\r\nSince the arrival of the graphic novels, there has been an incredible buzz of excitement around reading in the classroom. Students who once hesitated to pick up a book are now eagerly exploring the captivating stories and vibrant illustrations these graphic novels offer. In particular, one student who reads far below grade level has shown remarkable enthusiasm for these books, finding them more accessible and enjoyable. \r\n\r\nIt's heartwarming to witness this newfound joy and confidence in reading.\r\nYour support has not only enriched our classroom library but has also opened up new possibilities for our students to grow as readers and learners. It is thanks to donors like you that we can provide these opportunities and foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. You have truly made a difference in the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1735421984315,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-graphic-novels-to-hook-struggli/8876845/","projectTitle":"Engaging Graphic Novels to Hook Struggling Readers with Captivating Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788304"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_997","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":460,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":22,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":3,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.2,"schoolId":997,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 54 Hillside on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 54 Hillside","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-54-hillside/997"}
Join the 188 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 54 Hillside is
an urban public school
in Richmond Hill, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 460 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.5:1.
Its teachers have had 60 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!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
90%
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 54 Hillside 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 54 Hillside
$26,067
raised using DonorsChoose
60
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
188
donors
9
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
PS 54 Hillside has received support from
132 individuals from New York and
56 individuals out-of-state.