{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 81 Robert J Christen","outOfStateSupporters":29.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6859438,"projectId":9923952,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is now stocked with a variety of fidgets that have already made a meaningful difference in our learning environment. My students use these new resources during independent work time, whole-group lessons, and literacy centers to help them maintain focus, self-regulate, and stay engaged. \r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement filled the room. They were eager to explore the different textures and tools, and the expressions on their faces said everything—pure joy and curiosity. Many of them immediately shared how the fidgets would help them \"stay calm,\" \"focus better,\" or \"keep their hands busy.\" It was clear that they understood the purpose and were ready to take ownership of how to use them responsibly.","fullyFundedDate":1765937811953,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-fidgets/9923952/","projectTitle":"Fun with Fidgets!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Raffel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6859438_orig.jpg?crop=1104,1104,x262,y730&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569967216297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6859438"},{"teacherId":8329796,"projectId":9900665,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our project to provide decodable books for kindergarten students with dyslexia. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference in the lives of our young learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students now have access to books designed specifically to meet their learning needs. These decodable texts give children with dyslexia the opportunity to practice phonics skills in a structured, confidence-building way. Instead of feeling frustrated or left behind, our students are experiencing success, pride, and excitement as they begin to read independently.\r\n\r\nFor many of these children, this is the first time reading feels possible and even enjoyable. Your generosity is helping to build not only literacy skills, but also self-esteem and a lifelong love of learning at a critical stage in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1764694396517,"projectUrl":"project/decodable-readers-for-students-with-dysl/9900665/","projectTitle":"Decodable Readers for Students With Dyslexia","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pagan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8329796_orig.jpg?crop=296,296,x0,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721172649372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-pagansclass"},{"teacherId":10312907,"projectId":9839927,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations and contributions to my First Grade Classroom. I truly believe that the best way to engage students in learning how to read is by presenting them with materials that they are drawn too.\r\nWith your generous donations my students were able to find books that were of interest to them. They have had the best time reading all of the new stories and learning about characters that they truly enjoy following on their adventures. Your kind contributions help them to flourish and grow as readers. Thank you again, your kindness makes a huge difference.","fullyFundedDate":1760968634830,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-books/9839927/","projectTitle":"Books, Books, Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keating","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10312907_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760476462773","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312907"},{"teacherId":10312907,"projectId":9830879,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations and contributions to my First Grade Classroom. Adding flexible seating in my classroom has brought incomparable joy to my students and has largely affected how they learn.\r\n\r\nSo many of my students benefit from moving their bodies and not being confined to the standard desk chair or a spot on the rug. These tools have allowed them to learn in a manner that is most comfortable for them. Additionally, it has aided in enhancing their attention spans as they now have the proper tools to assist them during instructional time. Thank you again, we are so grateful to have such supportive donors!","fullyFundedDate":1760664595200,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-ms-keating/9830879/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Ms. Keating!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keating","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10312907_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760476462773","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312907"},{"teacherId":8933724,"projectId":9623805,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for the wonderful learning environment you helped to create! My students are absolutely loving the decor around the room that helps their classroom feel warm and inviting. The stools are an awesome addition as students have the liberty to sit flexibly. This fun perk helps them feel their best while learning and gives them autonomy in how their day is spent. Additionally, they are learning responsibility in keeping their devices clean and are especially appreciative of the device wipes while working. \r\n\r\nWith warm and bright smiles they excitedly helped me unpack the boxes and find new homes for each item. We truly are so appreciative that you choose us and helped our make our classroom so special :)","fullyFundedDate":1758899199109,"projectUrl":"project/the-future-of-the-world-is-in-my-classro/9623805/","projectTitle":"The Future of the World Is in My Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galindo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8933724_orig.jpg?crop=1532,1532,x776,y846&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626603524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8933724"},{"teacherId":9711969,"projectId":9534682,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space full of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. From the very first moment the MagnaTiles, building blocks, play dough, and other building materials were introduced, students' eyes lit up with excitement. They immediately gathered together, eager to explore, build, and share ideas with one another.\r\n\r\nWe are using these materials daily during centers, choice time, and STEM activities. One especially meaningful moment was watching small groups of students work together to design and build structures using MagnaTiles. With play dough, students are strengthening fine motor skills while creating letters, numbers, and imaginative sculptures, all while learning through play.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, learning feels joyful and engaging. These materials encourage creativity, persistence, and teamwork while supporting important academic and developmental skills. Our next steps include using these resources more intentionally during math and science lessons; building shapes, exploring balance and stability, and creating models that connect to stories we are reading in class.","fullyFundedDate":1762265259082,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-busy-mornings/9534682/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Busy Mornings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Giordano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9711969_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727294740785","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9711969"},{"teacherId":132502,"projectId":9509396,"letterContent":"Your support has impacted our classroom positively! The children have been able to access materials on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) . As you can see from the photographs, they enjoyed working on Gingerbread fact families from TPT. The door was decorated with each child's name for the month of November and our classroom math bulletin board is also festive! The pencil sharpener and stapler have enabled us to keep the classroom running smoothly.\r\nThank you so much for your generosity! It is appreciated.\r\nSincerely,\r\nKerry","fullyFundedDate":1758898733989,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-fundamentals/9509396/","projectTitle":"First Grade FUNdamentals!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp132502_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y125&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604006168885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/132502"},{"teacherId":648976,"projectId":9711947,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 5th graders in our inclusion classroom are now learning with a brand-new document camera—and the impact has been immediate and inspiring.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment we unboxed it, my students were buzzing with excitement. This tool has transformed the way we learn together. Now, everyone can clearly see texts, math models, science experiments, and student work projected in real time. For my learners who benefit from visual support, the document camera has removed barriers and opened new pathways to understanding. For students who need step-by-step modeling, it has brought clarity and confidence. And for those who thrive on sharing their ideas, it's become a stage where their thinking can shine.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments so far was watching a student who rarely volunteers proudly place her writing under the camera to read aloud. Seeing her classmates follow along, word for word, lifted her in a way I won't soon forget. These are the kinds of moments your gift makes possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our learners. Your kindness didn't just bring us a piece of equipment—it brought us connection, equity, and excitement for learning every single day. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759313799405,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-learning-for-all-document-came/9711947/","projectTitle":"Engaging Learning for All: Document Camera for 5th Grade Inclusion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Skrilow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp648976_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574725946436","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/648976"},{"teacherId":3591500,"projectId":9880794,"letterContent":"hank you so much for your generous support of our Tools for Success project. Because of you, my students now have access to clipboards and whiteboards that allow them to work comfortably anywhere in the classroom—on the rug, in small groups, or during movement-based lessons. These tools have made a noticeable difference in student engagement and participation during writing, math, and reading activities.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating options have truly transformed our learning environment. Many of my students benefit from movement and choice, and being able to wiggle, rock, or sit in a way that feels comfortable has helped them stay focused and calm while learning. I have seen increased independence and longer attention spans as students choose the seating that works best for them.\r\n\r\nThe small incentives for our prize box have also had a positive impact. Students are excited to put forth their best effort and take pride in their accomplishments. These rewards have helped build motivation, responsibility, and a strong sense of classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a learning space where students feel supported, engaged, and successful every day. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762696063650,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success/9880794/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3591500_orig.png?crop=958,958,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745584308784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gvero"},{"teacherId":3138413,"projectId":9819751,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity! Your support meant more to us than words can say!\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my hardworking second graders have the tools they need to learn and do their best each day. A reliable pencil sharpener has kept our classroom running smoothly and helped students stay focused and ready to write. The weighted stuffed animal offered comfort and calm to students who needed a moment to self-regulate, helping them feel supported and safe. The desktop prop tray has encouraged independence and responsibility by keeping materials organized and easy to access. \r\n\r\nThese items may seem small, but together they made such a big difference. You truly helped create a classroom where students feel prepared, focused, and truly cared for. Thank you for believing in my students and for being such an important part of our learning community!!","fullyFundedDate":1764635595078,"projectUrl":"project/pencil-sharpeners-and-desktop-organizers/9819751/","projectTitle":"Pencil Sharpeners and Desktop Organizers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. S. Garofalo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3138413_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y614&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671577817898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sg"},{"teacherId":132502,"projectId":9522421,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. The children have been able to enjoy the resources from Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) As you can see in the photographs, we created a winter bulletin board from TPT to show beginning, middle and end of a story. We also decorated our door with our class names on pumpkin pie using the tape and TPT material. The class loves it! \r\nThe children enjoy stamping their work with the stamp pads. It is a wonderful incentive for them. These resources would not be available without your generosity. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1757512434405,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-first-grade-essen/9522421/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: First Grade Essentials Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp132502_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y125&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604006168885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/132502"},{"teacherId":10262874,"projectId":9804340,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution to our classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to sensory tools that make a world of difference in their daily learning experience.\r\nMany of our students with autism face unique challenges in regulating emotions, staying focused, and feeling comfortable in a busy classroom environment. The sensory tools you helped provide—such as fidget items, weighted lap pads, and calming resources—are not just supplies; they are lifelines that empower students to learn and thrive.\r\nAlready, we've seen incredible changes. Students who once struggled to stay engaged during lessons are now able to participate with confidence. These tools help reduce anxiety, improve attention, and create a safe space where every child feels supported and understood.\r\nYour generosity is helping us build an inclusive environment where all learners can succeed. Thank you for believing in our students and for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1760741955954,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-tools-for-students-with-autism/9804340/","projectTitle":"Sensory Tools for Students With Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bernstein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10262874"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_367","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":714,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":47,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.4,"schoolId":367,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 81 Robert J Christen on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 81 Robert J Christen","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-81-robert-j-christen/367"}
Join the 594 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 81 Robert J Christen is
an urban public school
in Bronx, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 714 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.3:1.
Its teachers have had 311 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
59%
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 81 Robert J Christen Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 15, 2026
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 81 Robert J Christen
$127,862
raised using DonorsChoose
311
projects
funded
42
teachers
funded
594
donors
24
projects
for
basic supplies
79
projects for
technology
60
projects for
books
15
projects
for
art supplies
PS 81 Robert J Christen has received support from
418 individuals from New York and
176 individuals out-of-state.