The NYPD-sponsored High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety OPTIONS Wellness Center was dedicated last June, kicking off a school community prioritization of literacy and wellness. NYPD Youth Community Officers (YCOs) opened the OPTIONS Wellness Center on the fourth floor of HSLEAPS as an alternative cafeteria break space for students during their lunch break. Students can relax and read books or play board and collaborative video games. There are also hydroponic garden boxes to help them focus during breaks.
Other literacy and wellness efforts led by student empowerment groups have focused on literacy, learning, and wellness. Notably, MBSK (My Brothers/Sisters Keeper) toured HBCU campuses, GOP (Girls On Point) sponsored a Saturday reading initiative where community experts spent time with students to discuss the power and importance of reading in the workplace and entrepreneurial endeavors, and the LOVE program visited Harvard University to explore the importance of self-love.
Principal VanDelen has led the school since it opened with its first principal, Malcolm, 20 years ago. She teaches reading and wellness and offers after-school clubs, tutoring, Saturday school, student-created cultural showcases, many field trips, and multiple mentoring programs. Local businesses share their wisdom with students and some, like Dawn Kelly of The Nourish Spot on Guy Brewer Boulevard, offer work opportunities for students. She looks forward to expanding her hydroponic garden education program to the greater school community in collaboration with Earnest Flowers at the Earnest Foods SuperMarket on Merrick Boulevard next to Roy Wilkins Park.
Top Ladies of Distinction, a national teen mentoring association working to end hunger, was instrumental in maintaining the garden in Springfield Gardens High School’s courtyard. The garden project began with a Facebook post by Aleeia Abraham, founder of BlaQue Resource Network. It was designed in partnership with urban farmers, Good Ground Growers, The Home Depot, other school alumni, and local residents such as Dianna Rose, CEO of Essential Kitchen. The project was partially funded by an End Hunger Grant awarded to TLOD. As well as their partners at The Home Depot, they are committed to partnering with HSLEAPS’ new project to continue promoting literacy and health. Outside HSLEAPS, there is a small garden where they grow pumpkins, tomatoes, marigolds, and peppers. Soon, this space will be a place where students can “read and grow.”
When great leaders lead by prioritizing literacy and health, success is sure to follow. Our school community at HSLEAPS has prioritized literacy and health in many ways, including time and space for students to sit, read, think, and be healthy. Every morning, we have time to breathe as a community. By taking a long, deep breath in through our nose and out through our mouth, we connect as people, inhale positivity and joy, and exhale negativity and stress. Every day at 9:40 a.m., a voice will be heard over the loudspeaker, along with student announcements and the word of the week: “It’s time to breathe. El Español, Respira.” Keep breathing, keep reading, and support your local community businesses. HSLEAPS looks forward to growing our garden with the help of the NYPD OPTIONS Wellness Center, HSLEAPS Student Government, Gardening & Cooking Club, AP Environment classes, students, staff, community members, and local businesses. As our Head of School, Dr. Van Ess, says, “Just like a seed, what you nurture will grow.”
