Mayor Bloomberg is calling on all New Yorkers -- including public school students -- to serve their city.
As part of his NYC Service initiative, the Mayor announced this week that all schools will offer community service opportunities to their students beginning in the Fall. For some schools, this will be a new effort, but for others, like PS 132 in Williamsburg, service is already a big part of the school's curriculum.
Students in grades K-5 at PS 132 are involved in a schoolwide recycling program. The students also visit soup kitchens, beautify neighborhood parks, and help out in other ways.
"Community service has always been a priority here," Principal Beth Lubeck said. "We started small and over the years the success have lead to momentous occasions in community service. The rewards of service to others, felt by the students and staff of P.S. 132, is absolutely inspiring."
Students and teachers were invited to attend the Mayor's announcement at the armory in Washington Heights and starred in a video about community service shown during the event.
"I was so excited to see the Mayor of New York City," a first grader, Rebeka Cabera, said. "I am hoping to help billions of people. My mom and I commit to make posters and put them up all over Brooklyn asking for donations for the food pantry."
"Community service has taught me a lot about team work," a fourth grader, Yelena Keller-Wyman, said. "I know that my thoughts and ideas can benefit my community."
Students also created artwork for the event that spoke of volunteerism, helping others, and neighborhood unity.
NYC Service will also put more mentors and volunteers into the City's schools to work with students.
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