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District 25 students give Project Soapbox speeches; district schedules March 15 wellness day
Summary
Two District 25 students delivered Project Soapbox talks on food waste and early detection of bipolar disorder; the council recognized contest winners and the district announced a March 15 community Wellness Day with partners and activities.
Two students spoke on topics ranging from food waste to mental‑health awareness at the Feb. 11 Community Education Council District 25 meeting, and district staff announced a community Wellness Day planned for March 15.
Ismael Lea, a student from PS 242, spoke about household food waste and suggested concrete actions to reduce it, including saving leftovers and freezing meals. “Do not throw away any leftovers. Instead, you can freeze or bake your recipes,” Ismael told the meeting. He cited global and local hunger context as part of his appeal.
Penelope, a student from PS 193, delivered a personal, research‑based talk asking that parents and teachers be alert to signs of bipolar disorder in children. Penelope said early diagnosis can lead to appropriate care and prevent related harms, and urged peers who feel distressed to seek help from family or school staff. “If you ever feel frustrated, angry, or depressed for no reason, please reach out to your families, teachers, or even your principal so that you can get the proper help,” she said.
Nut Graf: The students’ presentations were part of Project Soapbox and tied to the district’s larger “Civics for All” effort. Officials said the speeches aim to build student voice and civic engagement while informing adults who can act in schools and families.
The council and district recognized multiple contest winners for essays, posters and multimedia work. Officials named Elvis (PS 209) and Anthony (PS 209) among winners; multimedia winners included students from PS 201 and pre‑K centers. The meeting showed a one‑and‑a‑half minute video created by District 25 pre‑K centers about kindness and respect.
Wellness Day: District staff said a Wellness Day meant to support mental and physical wellness will be held March 15 at Common Point Queens (near Bell Academy and PS 169). Partners expected to participate include New York City FC, the New York Islanders, the New York Mets/USA Baseball, the USTA, lacrosse groups (Latent Athletics and City Lax), Taekwondo instructors, Common Point Queens, the NYC Office of School Food (for healthy food samples), the 109th Precinct, MindUP, UFT, Brave (a calming‑station vendor), Kendra Scott, the Slow Mo Institute (slime‑making/mental‑health activities), YWCA of New York, the Fresh Air Fund and the Korean Community Center, among others. Officials said registration information and flyer distribution would come in the following weeks and that organizers will cap attendance if needed.
Officials also said the district will invite students, families and community organizations to run short sessions (yoga, stress‑management exercises and other wellness activities). Water, healthy snacks and on‑site school food offerings were discussed as likely elements. District staff asked CEC members to consider staffing a table and running or supporting short sessions.
Ending: District leaders said Wellness Day is intended to be a districtwide, family‑facing event focused on social‑emotional learning and healthy habits; registration details will appear on the district site and via usual communications.
