How Friends of 187 started
Friends of 187 (“Friends”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed by parents in 2008 to raise money to support vibrant, hands-on learning at PS/IS 187. Friends is separate from the PTO and focuses solely on funding school-day programming that reaches every student in every grade.  

Who we are
Friends is governed by bylaws and a Board of Directors and is entirely volunteer led. Click here to view our current Board members. 

What we do
Friends of 187 believes that arts education is essential to a well-balanced academic experience. The mission of Friends of 187 is to nurture the educational journey of all students of PS/IS 187 Hudson Cliffs School by funding and implementing in-school programming that is creative and artistic.

Friends of 187 raises between $100,000-$125,000 per year through donations from parents, community members and businesses and friends of the school.
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Click here to donate. Your dollars make a difference.

Why Friends matters
Kids love learning by doing and they crave exposure to the full range of subjects beyond the basics.  Friends focuses its support on “hands-on” learning in these areas, often areas where the school budget no longer covers what it once did. The organization funds programs and contributes to the cost of teaching artists.

Go to Programs Funded to see everything Friends of 187 funds at PS/IS 187.

How Friends works with the school
Friends works closely with school administration, the School Leadership Team and teachers to ensure that the funded programs and teaching artists are successful, both in how students respond and how they integrate with the curriculum.  
Different from many other schools, PS/IS 187 is fortunate to have two separate fundraising organizations to support its students. Together, Friends of 187 and the PTO work as partners to fund a variety of programs for all the children of our school. Both organizations are parent-run and raise money for PS/IS 187; however, Friends is a 501(c)(3)—so contributions are tax deductible—and Friends focuses exclusively on classroom based, school-day programming. The PTO hosts several events throughout the year and specifically pays for the teachers mini-grants, after-school programs, professional development, classroom equipment and supplies. Together, Friends of 187 and the PTO work as partners to fund a variety of programs for all the children of our school.
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Why you should give to Friends of 187
Learning through visual arts, music, drama, and creative writing inspires our children, giving them a platform to creatively express themselves and hone their critical thinking skills. Your donation to Friends of 187 directly impacts every PS/IS 187 student with programs that support this and would not be possible without the funds needed.

How much should I give?
Some schools ask for support in the range of $1,000-$1,200 per child per year. Any level that you can give is very much appreciated, and supports the engaging and enriching learning your child (and every child at PS/IS 187) receives.

Click here to donate. Your dollars make a difference.

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