City Year volunteers beautify Isaac Newton Middle School in East Harlem for annual day of service

Hundreds of volunteers recently came together for a day of service to enhance the Isaac Newton Middle School for Math and Science in East Harlem, thanks to the ongoing efforts of City Year New York. Principal Florin Purice shared that this initiative was part of their summer project aimed at beautifying the school. “When the opportunity came for City Year to come in and help us restore, we were like, ‘Yeah, bring it,’” he exclaimed, as volunteers worked tirelessly to clear clutter and inject vibrant colors into the space.

Special care was taken to preserve the school’s original architecture while still bringing it to life with color. Volunteers worked on painting science- and math-themed murals on canvas, which allowed the walls to remain intact. Annie Kessler, City Year New York's executive director, emphasized the importance of maintaining the school’s identity while infusing energy and life into it. In addition to murals, they also rejuvenated the original hallway display cases to showcase student work and achievements.

City Year not only focuses on beautification projects but also provides daily support to the classroom through AmeriCorps staff who assist students in their educational journey. One such member, Arya Warner, shared insights about her role in identifying students who might be struggling. She highlighted how easy it is for quiet kids to go unnoticed, stating that forming trust with just one person can help them open up about their challenges.

Matt Schaffer, New York’s first Chief Service Officer and a former AmeriCorps member, emphasized the significance of organizations like City Year in enhancing student success through additional tutoring and mentoring. He noted that national service not only boosts academic performance but also fosters a supportive community among students. City Year provides a valuable resource for schools, evidenced by increased student engagement and significant improvements in test scores.

Overall, City Year has made a crucial impact at Isaac Newton Middle School, with administrators recognizing the vital role AmeriCorps members play in student success. Purice described them as “unsung heroes” of the community. City Year New York is one of several chapters across the country dedicated to aiding underserved schools and making a difference in students' lives.