{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"PS 81 Robert J Christen","outOfStateSupporters":29.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10312907,"projectId":10145198,"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\n\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":1774530941622,"projectUrl":"project/more-books/10145198/","projectTitle":"More 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":9988155,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations and contributions to my First Grade Classroom. Adding books that match my students interest levels and engaging manipulatives 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 hands on learning and using tools to assist them when counting. 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!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Keating","fullyFundedDate":1768010456599,"projectUrl":"project/math-you-can-touch-stories-you-can-love/9988155/","projectTitle":"Math You Can Touch, Stories You Can Love","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":3138413,"projectId":10146066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of my classroom. Because of your donation, my students now have access to meaningful materials that will make a lasting difference in their learning and growth. Your kindness truly brings our classroom to life in ways that go far beyond what words can express.\r\n\r\nWith the new series of books, my students are able to read together as a community. Having their own copies allows them to follow along closely, reread when needed, and fully engage in our discussions. \r\n\r\nThe folders you provided are helping my students stay organized and take responsibility for their learning. At this age, organization is a skill that takes time and practice. Now, students have a clear place to keep their reading materials, classwork, and homework. \r\n\r\nThe laminating pouches have also been incredibly helpful. I have been able to create durable materials that we use every day, including reading group resources, reference cards, and hands-on learning activities. \r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions to our classroom has been the resin animal figures. My students absolutely love using them as reading buddies during independent reading time. These small items bring so much joy and comfort, especially for students who may need a little extra encouragement to stay focused. \r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my classroom is not only more organized, but also more engaging, motivating, and joyful. My students feel supported, valued, and excited to learn each day. You have given them tools that will help them grow academically while also fostering a love of reading that will stay with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1773843352560,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-with-organizatio/10146066/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers with Organization and Motivation","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":9711969,"projectId":9787999,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution to our classroom. The new resources you provided have already made such a positive impact on my students, and I'm thrilled to share how we're using them.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights of our classroom has been the stickers—my students absolutely love using them as rewards! They're a great motivator, and the kids are so excited to earn them for completing tasks or showing kindness to others. We also use the dry erase board for small group work, and it's been incredibly helpful for brainstorming and interactive lessons. The kids love writing and erasing their ideas quickly during group activities. Additionally, the pencil sharpeners have been a lifesaver! We no longer have to worry about dull pencils, which keeps the students engaged and focused.\r\n\r\nThe moment the new materials arrived, my students couldn't wait to see what was inside. They were so excited to get their hands on the stickers and started picking out their favorites immediately. It was a wonderful moment to see their enthusiasm and know that they now had resources that would make their learning experience more enjoyable.","fullyFundedDate":1768227546997,"projectUrl":"project/stickers-sharpeners-and-smiles/9787999/","projectTitle":"Stickers, Sharpeners, and Smiles","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":3591500,"projectId":9943449,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the thoughtful Toniebox gift! It was such a wonderful surprise, and we truly appreciate your kindness.\r\n\r\nThe kids absolutely love it—they've been having so much fun listening to different stories and exploring all the characters. It's quickly become a favorite in our class, and it's been so nice to see them so engaged and excited.\r\n\r\nYour gift was not only fun but also meaningful, and we're very grateful you thought of us. Thank you again for your generosity and for bringing so much joy to the kids!","fullyFundedDate":1767309351291,"projectUrl":"project/hear-the-magic-audio-storytelling-for-c/9943449/","projectTitle":"Hear the Magic: Audio Storytelling for Curious Learners","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":3591500,"projectId":10099609,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our graduation project. Your support truly made a meaningful difference for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we were able to provide a brand-new cubby with a lock, along with books and graduation supplies for the children. Seeing their excitement as they opened everything was a special moment—one filled with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. These are memories they will carry with them for a long time.\r\n\r\nYour generosity not only provided important resources, but also helped our students feel celebrated and supported as they reach this important milestone. We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to helping our classroom thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this experience so memorable for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1772485926935,"projectUrl":"project/the-magic-of-kindergarten-graduation/10099609/","projectTitle":"The Magic of Kindergarten Graduation!","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":132502,"projectId":9831405,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to this project. Because of you, our group time (WIN = What I Need) is running smoothly. The children have 5 colorful stools that fit perfectly under the kidney table. Their work is organized in color coded sturdy, plastic folders. \r\nThe chart paper allows us to create anchor charts for the students' to refer to while they are working. The chart paper has a sticky back so it is easy to hang and move around. \r\nWithout your support, these items would not be available. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1768227526229,"projectUrl":"project/gather-and-grow-flexible-seating-and-fo/9831405/","projectTitle":"Gather and Grow: Flexible Seating and Folders for the Win","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":8329796,"projectId":9993635,"letterContent":"My classroom has been deeply impacted by the support we received through DonorsChoose. Because of generous donors, my students now have access to decodable books that directly support their reading growth, giving them structured practice that builds confidence and strengthens foundational skills. For many of my emerging readers, having books they can successfully decode on their own has been a powerful boost to both their fluency and their self-esteem.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the fidget toys and classroom timers have made a meaningful difference for my students with attention deficits. The fidgets provide a constructive outlet for excess energy, helping students stay regulated and focused during lessons. The timers create clear expectations and structure, reducing anxiety and helping students manage transitions more smoothly. Together, these resources have created a more supportive, engaging learning environment where all of my students, especially those who need a little extra support, can thrive academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1768227531326,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-classroom-materials/9993635/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Classroom Materials!","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":3591500,"projectId":9948918,"letterContent":"This year in our kindergarten classroom, the Lunar New Year fans, books, stickers, and more weren't just fun — they were powerful learning tools! The colorful fans helped students explore cultural traditions and symbols through hands-on play, building curiosity and fine-motor skills. The Lunar New Year books opened up meaningful conversations about family, community, and celebrations around the world, boosting literacy and vocabulary. Stickers and other themed materials turned learning into a joyful experience, reinforcing new concepts and encouraging students to express what they were discovering in creative ways. Together, these resources supported joyful, inclusive learning and helped our kinders connect with a world beyond the classroom. Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1767121905727,"projectUrl":"project/learn-about-lunar-new-year/9948918/","projectTitle":"Learn about Lunar New Year","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":3357670,"projectId":9962970,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! Because of your support, we now have six beautiful shades of colored paper representing the colors of the rainbow. These materials are already making a big difference in how our students engage with learning.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, color plays an important role in both organization and learning. The paper helps students easily identify materials for each unit, stay organized, and build independence. It's also being used to create mini books for students to read in class and at home, making reading more fun and meaningful. Beyond reading, the paper is inspiring creativity through craft projects, writing activities, and visual learning tools that bring lessons to life.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is brighter, more inviting, and more engaging. Students are more focused, excited about their work, and eager to explore new ideas. Your gift is helping us make every day a colorful learning adventure!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1768227521508,"projectUrl":"project/learning-looks-better-in-color/9962970/","projectTitle":"Learning Looks Better in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marinaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3357670_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631295229157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kat317"},{"teacherId":3357670,"projectId":9838798,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our winter reading project. Because of you, each of my students will be able to take home a special book to enjoy over winter break.\r\n\r\nAfter reading The Lead Thief together, my students were deeply engaged by its themes of friendship, bravery, and perseverance. The Snow Thief by Ali Standish is the perfect next step—an exciting story that builds on those ideas while sparking imagination and a love of reading.\r\n\r\nYour support makes it possible for every student to receive their own copy of this book. This gift goes beyond the pages—it gives students a meaningful way to stay connected to learning, create joyful memories, and experience the comfort and excitement of a good story during the holidays.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make this special winter gift possible. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on my students and their reading journeys.","fullyFundedDate":1763388488573,"projectUrl":"project/a-snowy-adventure-giving-the-gift-of-th/9838798/","projectTitle":"A Snowy Adventure: Giving the Gift of The Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marinaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3357670_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631295229157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kat317"},{"teacherId":3357670,"projectId":9790316,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my kindergarten STEM project. Thanks to your contribution, I was able to purchase a variety of engaging and age-appropriate resources from Teachers Pay Teachers, which are already making a big impact in my classroom.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, I've been able to create hands-on, interactive math activities that not only capture my students' curiosity but also support their developmental needs. From number sense and sorting to basic geometry and problem-solving challenges, these resources are helping my students explore new concepts in fun and meaningful ways. I've seen their excitement grow as they engage with the activities, and it's been amazing to watch them work together, communicate their ideas, and persevere through challenges.\r\n\r\nEarly exposure to STEM is so important for building a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and your donation is helping me provide that to my students. The tools you've helped provide will inspire a lifelong love for math and science, setting them on a path to success in the future.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a lasting difference in my students' education. Your support means the world to me, and I am incredibly grateful for your generosity.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1760105050069,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-stem-learning-with-kindergarte/9790316/","projectTitle":"Enhancing STEM Learning with Kindergarten-Friendly Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marinaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3357670_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631295229157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kat317"}],"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 602 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 320 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
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 Apr 9, 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
$131,103
raised using DonorsChoose
320
projects
funded
44
teachers
funded
602
donors
25
projects
for
basic supplies
79
projects for
technology
63
projects for
books
18
projects
for
art supplies
PS 81 Robert J Christen has received support from
424 individuals from New York and
178 individuals out-of-state.