{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 142 Amalia Castro","outOfStateSupporters":38.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9850758,"projectId":9973481,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Ready to Learn, One Snack at a Time!\" Your generosity has made a real difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students have access to snacks that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. I've already noticed improved engagement, participation, and overall comfort throughout the day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support shows my students that people truly care about their well-being and success.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a positive impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1772550308702,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-one-snack-at-a-time/9973481/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn, One Snack at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9850758_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733918006889","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9850758"},{"teacherId":6899409,"projectId":9532437,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your donation, my students now have access to fin and engaging reading books in Spanish! This is incredibly meaningful for them both academically and personally because not all classrooms have bilingual books in their libraries.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, these books allow them to see their language, culture, and experiences reflected in what they read. This not only strengthens their literacy skills, but also builds confidence and a sense of belonging in the classroom. Being able to read in Spanish helps them make deeper connections to learning and supports their growth as bilingual learners.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. I am truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to education.","fullyFundedDate":1758898748538,"projectUrl":"project/viva-la-lectura/9532437/","projectTitle":"¡Viva la Lectura!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6899409_orig.png?crop=854,854,x0,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720525909934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sonia"},{"teacherId":8064374,"projectId":10090647,"letterContent":"On behalf of my energetic, curious, and wonderful preschool students, I want to send a heartfelt thank you for your incredible generosity. The arrival of the chewy toys and sensory tools has truly transformed our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nFor my students with disabilities, these aren't just toys; they are essential tools for learning and emotional regulation. In a preschool setting, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having access to high-quality sensory items allows my students to:\r\n\r\nSelf-Regulate: The chewy toys provide the oral-motor input many of our students need to stay calm and focused during group activities.\r\n\r\nExplore Safely: The variety of textures and sensory tools encourages tactile exploration in a way that feels safe and supportive.\r\n\r\nEngage More Deeply: When their sensory needs are met, our students are much more \"ready to learn,\" leading to breakthroughs in communication and social interaction.\r\n\r\nIt is deeply moving to know that there are people like you who recognize the importance of inclusive education. Your support ensures that my students have the specific resources they need to thrive alongside their peers.\r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to invest in our classroom and for seeing the immense potential in every one of my students. You have made a tangible difference in their daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1771352704064,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-toys-for-learning/10090647/","projectTitle":"Sensory Toys for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8064374"},{"teacherId":8806929,"projectId":9717058,"letterContent":"Your support is very much appreciated! When the students unboxed the supplies, they were beaming with excitement. Each student was very excited to explore the new materials. One thing that my students and I are so happy about is that they can now see themselves through these materials. As they play with the family dolls, I hear frequent comments like look I'm the sister and she looks like me! It is a joy to watch. We have moved onto a new topic where we are learning about buildings and homes. As I watch my students play with the doll house, they use the family dolls from your donation to act out different scenarios. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1763587987592,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-thinkers/9717058/","projectTitle":"Building Big Thinkers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8806929_orig.jpg?crop=328,328,x194,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669406595680","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mssj-wright"},{"teacherId":9850758,"projectId":9966007,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Headphones for Higher Focus.\" Because of your generosity, my fifth-grade students can now fully participate in digital learning activities without distractions. The headphones help students clearly hear directions, stories, and explanations during reading and math programs, allowing them to stay focused and work more independently.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have made our classroom calmer and more productive. Students are excited to use them during independent work, and they are better able to concentrate and complete their tasks. Your support has truly made a difference in our classroom, and we are very grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766895991430,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-higher-focus/9966007/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Higher Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9850758_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733918006889","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9850758"},{"teacherId":3036391,"projectId":9931617,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom snacks. My kids were delighted to get new snacks. My students look forward to having snack in our classroom each day and many depend on it. We are excited to replenish the animal crackers because they are a huge hit! When my students don't eat breakfast or don't like the lunch they can always count on our classroom for a snack. I am a firm believer in eliminating barriers in learning. Hunger should not be a barrier that children have to face and as I said in my project you can't learn if you are hungry. \r\n\r\nThus far the Nutir Grain bars have been a classroom favorite. The kids were delighted to see this new snack in the bin! \r\n\r\n\r\nThanks for your generosity!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Marissa","fullyFundedDate":1770387901129,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9931617/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3036391_orig.jpg?crop=1532,1532,x1923,y760&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596590282058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3036391"},{"teacherId":6899409,"projectId":9924682,"letterContent":"Thank you for all your support. My English Language learners work hard everyday to learn as much as they possible can. But they can only do their best and stay focused when they have full tummies. That is why this project was so important to have funded!\r\n\r\nA majority of my students also live in temporary housing where they do not have a kitchen to cook warm meals. They also do not have a refrigerator, making cooking at home difficult. Because of your generosity I am able to send my students home with a few extra snacks during the weekend. \r\n\r\nThis small act has helped me build a caring and trusting relationship with them. In my experience, real learning can only happen when students trust teachers, feel safe, and taken care of. Thank you for making this all possible!","fullyFundedDate":1764690824358,"projectUrl":"project/smart-snacks-for-students/9924682/","projectTitle":"Smart Snacks for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6899409_orig.png?crop=854,854,x0,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720525909934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sonia"},{"teacherId":3036391,"projectId":9959372,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for believing in our favorite activity as a class, cooking! Having a food processor at school, versus lugging mine back and forth on the subway, will be a game changer! Opening up great opportunities for things that we will be able to cook regularly. The students always love trying new gadgets as well. When we made latkes they were amazed at how the food processor can slice potatoes into smaller pieces so quickly. \r\n\r\nI love giving my students new and engaging opportunities that are not only educational, but also build life skills and community within our classroom. Thank you for your generosity and we look forward to cooking more and more all year and for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1766067760889,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-some-learning/9959372/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Some Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3036391_orig.jpg?crop=1532,1532,x1923,y760&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596590282058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3036391"},{"teacherId":8108039,"projectId":9763474,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the classroom rug you donated. From the moment it arrived, my students were excited to gather around it, choose their spots, and make it their own. It has quickly become a special place in our room where students feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe use the rug every day for read-alouds, discussions, and quiet reading time. It has helped create a calm, welcoming space where students can listen, share ideas, and learn together. As we continue our lessons, the rug will remain our go-to place for building community and supporting learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a real difference in our classroom. Thank you for giving my students a space that feels safe, joyful, and truly theirs.","fullyFundedDate":1762607437231,"projectUrl":"project/seats-for-everyone-a-rug-that-builds-co/9763474/","projectTitle":"Seats for Everyone: A Rug that Builds Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8108039_orig.jpg?crop=2399,2399,x292,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758844190449","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8108039"},{"teacherId":8703574,"projectId":9928430,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution toward an art drying rack for our second grade classroom. Because of your support, our students now have a safe and organized space to dry their artwork, which has made a meaningful difference in how we create and care for our projects. The drying rack allows students to take pride in their work, knowing it will be protected and displayed properly as it dries.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped foster creativity, responsibility, and excitement for learning in our classroom. Our students are thrilled to see their art treated like the important work it is, and they feel proud knowing that people in the community believe in them and their education. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for investing in our students' creativity and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764685880015,"projectUrl":"project/art-drying-rack-for-super-cool-second-gr/9928430/","projectTitle":"Art Drying Rack for Super Cool Second Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Viviano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8703574_orig.jpg?crop=493,493,x0,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663362560669","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8703574"},{"teacherId":4896923,"projectId":9747450,"letterContent":"Thank you so so much for your donation towards our round table! We were able to dispose of two small rectangular tables, that had peeling tops and wobbly legs, and replace them with this beautiful round table that is just the right height and circumference for a small group of children. We placed it in our Math Games center, and now our students are able to collaborate with each other better as they put together puzzles and play logic-building games. What we are witnessing is now making us want to replace all of our rectangular tables with round ones!\r\n\r\nThank you for making the social part of play so much more accessible for our young learners!","fullyFundedDate":1765733732194,"projectUrl":"project/round-tables-help-young-learners-collabo/9747450/","projectTitle":"Round Tables Help Young Learners Collaborate!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4896923_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509655953382","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4896923"},{"teacherId":6899409,"projectId":9866735,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to headphones with microphones, a resource that has made a meaningful difference in their learning.\r\n The headphones were essential for students to fully participate in a computer-based program designed to help them learn English. With built-in microphones, students are able to listen, speak, practice pronunciation, and receive immediate feedback, something that would not have been possible without this equipment. Your donation removed a major barrier and allowed every student to engage confidently and independently.\r\n Most importantly, the headphones gave my students a sense of focus, privacy, and confidence as they worked on developing their language skills. Seeing their excitement and progress has been incredibly rewarding, and it would not have happened without your support.","fullyFundedDate":1764682727180,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-english-learning/9866735/","projectTitle":"Headphones for English Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6899409_orig.png?crop=854,854,x0,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720525909934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sonia"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":367,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.3,"schoolId":29,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about PS 142 Amalia Castro on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"PS 142 Amalia Castro","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/ps-142-amalia-castro/29"}
Join the 1,351 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 142 Amalia Castro is
an urban public school
in New York, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 367 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.5:1.
Its teachers have had 522 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.
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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
94%
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 142 Amalia Castro Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 10, 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 142 Amalia Castro
$249,450
raised using DonorsChoose
522
projects
funded
83
teachers
funded
1,351
donors
33
projects
for
basic supplies
34
projects for
technology
71
projects for
books
17
projects
for
art supplies
PS 142 Amalia Castro has received support from
828 individuals from New York and
523 individuals out-of-state.