{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 161 Arthur Ashe School","outOfStateSupporters":19.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2426691,"projectId":9757831,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom. At the start of the year, many of my students were full of endless energy, and it often made it difficult for them to stay focused and do their best work.\r\n\r\nWhen the packages arrived, the excitement in our room was incredible. Students eagerly explored the wobble chairs, cushions, chair bands, and fidgets—testing each one to discover what helped them feel most comfortable and focused.\r\n\r\nNow, thanks to you, they can channel their energy in ways that support their learning rather than distract from it. Our whole-class instruction has become more productive, and most importantly, students are able to concentrate better and grow academically.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a real difference. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759601445924,"projectUrl":"project/trouble-focusing-not-with-flexible-seat/9757831/","projectTitle":"Trouble Focusing? Not With Flexible Seating and Fidgets!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2426691_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659491242515","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2426691"},{"teacherId":129597,"projectId":9647641,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our art classroom has come alive with creativity! We've been using the Chompsaw (a safe cardboard cutting tool for kids) to cut out parts of animals from recycled cardboard. Each student is designing their own dog or cat, cutting the pieces with this amazing machine, then they will paint and assemble them using glue and fasteners so the parts can move. This project combines art, engineering, and sustainability—and the results are incredible!\r\nWhen the students first started using the Chompsaw, their excitement was contagious. They love coming to art class and feel empowered by how easy and safe the tool is to use. It truly ignites something inside each of them, giving them confidence and sparking their imagination.\r\nWhen they complete their movable animal sculptures they will be displayed outside the art room for all to enjoy! The Chompsaw will continue helping students create amazing art for years to come. Your support has made this hands-on, creative experience possible, and we are so grateful for the joy and learning you've brought to the students.","fullyFundedDate":1759093949822,"projectUrl":"project/from-cardboard-to-creations-empowering/9647641/","projectTitle":"From Cardboard to Creations: Empowering Student Sculptors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp129597_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1490919449478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/129597"},{"teacherId":2426691,"projectId":8965527,"letterContent":"Our new books were added to the classroom library a few weeks ago, and the kids are still buzzing about them. \r\n\r\nA few of my hesitant readers have been hooked by some of the sillier series like \"Captain Underpants\" and \"Dogman.\" I see them chatting about the books at snack time, and passing their favorites to each other. \r\n\r\nSome of my girls have really enjoyed having books with female leads, especially The Princess in Black series that encourage them to be bold and brave. They may have been displaying some more ninja moves since these books hit the shelves. \r\n\r\nBooks can be mirrors, allowing kids to connect with characters. They can also be windows that allow them to learn about people from different walks of life. Reading can also boost mental health and cognitive acuity. The gift you've given my kids is the joy of reading, one I hope that lasts them well into their adult lives.","fullyFundedDate":1734965051768,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-make-kids-go-ooohhh/8965527/","projectTitle":"Books That Make Kids Go OOohhh!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2426691_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659491242515","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2426691"},{"teacherId":2426691,"projectId":8937453,"letterContent":"I hope I can really convey the impact you've had on my students. The excitement around picking books has skyrocketed. My kids are chomping at the bit to get their hands on our new books. Their parents have even expressed gratitude for providing books that, dare I say, tear them away from video games for a bit.\r\n\r\nNot only are they excited to crack open the books, but to share the information they learned with their classmates as well. The morning buzz is filled with cool facts about their favorite topics like Ronaldo and Messi, komodo dragons, and ofcourse, Roblox. When I hear kids say, \"You HAVE to read this book,\" my book-loving teacher heart just about explodes.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate you helping our little second grade classroom. 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Join the 127 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
PS 161 Arthur Ashe School is
an urban public school
in South Richmond Hill, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 556 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.3:1.
Its teachers have had 34 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
93%
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 Arthur Ashe School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 24, 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 Arthur Ashe School
$23,550
raised using DonorsChoose
34
projects
funded
16
teachers
funded
127
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
8
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
PS 161 Arthur Ashe School has received support from
102 individuals from New York and
25 individuals out-of-state.