STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new area that combines core educational elements with calming resources for students was recently unveiled at PS 20 in Port Richmond.
The STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading/Robotics, Engineering, Arts and Math) and meditation rooms aim to provide a space where “students can become better problem solvers, critical thinkers and powerful learners in the world they live in,” Principal Amanda Mezzatesta said.
Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting to celebrate the classroom’s opening was the culmination of months of work spearheaded by Mezzatesta and staff, including Josue Mendes, a former student and paraprofessional whose artistic talents helped make the dream a reality.
“Students utilize critical thinking, logical analysis, inquiry and project-based learning as they experience a variety of hands-on STREAM educational opportunities throughout the year,” explained Mezzatesta, who is in his first year as principal. “They also learn science concepts, math concepts, teamwork, skills, robotics and technology skills and have the opportunity to practice connecting artistic methods to real-world situations, all while incorporating reading and preparing for college and the workforce.”
PS 20 has 318 students, 168 of whom are enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Mezzatesta said many students struggle not only with the language barrier, but also with the frustration that comes from not always being able to communicate effectively.
She explained that PS 20 has consistently performed poorly on standardized tests compared to other parts of New York City, but is determined to turn things around.
And her efforts began with the color of the school’s front entrance.
The original red door is now painted blue, a color that Mezzatesta described as “welcoming” and makes it feel more like a spa than a school, adding that teachers “did a double take” when they saw the new entrance for the first time.
After making some small aesthetic changes around the building, Mezzatesta said they have begun moving forward with the installation of the new STREAM and meditation room, adding that they hope the new facility will help alleviate frustration some ESL students are experiencing due to the language barrier.
“When I first walked into the building, there were kids running everywhere,” Mezzatesta said. “They were running out of their classrooms. They were frustrated. They didn’t know how to control their emotions.”
The new meditation area gives students a place to de-stress by sitting on yoga mats, squeezing stress balls, listening to meditation music, looking at calming lights or using other techniques taught by guidance counselors to self-regulate before returning to class.
“What we had to do for these kids was give them the tools they needed to deal with these behaviors and emotions so they could participate in instruction and be successful,” Mezzatesta explained.
“Kids can own their emotions,” she added. “I always tell kids, ‘It’s OK to have emotions, it’s OK to have feelings. It’s what you do with them that matters.'”
The first thing you notice upon entering the room is blue light, known to have a positive effect on mood, attention and cognitive performance. Yoga mats and stress balls line the room’s meditation area, while 3D printers, robots and hydroponic tanks surround the STREAM area.
“The kids are really excited. One little boy said he’s really excited about this room because he wants to be a doctor. He said he might need some coding knowledge to perform surgery, so having the experience in this room might help him achieve that dream,” Mezzatesta said.
“It was really amazing to hear not only how they spend their time in this room, but how they plan to use this room for the rest of their lives,” she added.
Participants in Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony included Dr. Marion Wilson, 31st District Superintendent of Schools, state Rep. Charles Fall (D-North Shore) and former City Councilman Steve Matteo, who now serves as CEO of United Activities Unlimited.
