Reimagining a School Auditorium

In February 2019, several individuals wrote hate filled anti- Semitic words in the schoolyard of PS139 while the school community was on winter break. Council Member Koslowitz, used this incident to gain national attention and support for her community. Because of her efforts a task force by the governor was proposed, the police worked with the local community and caught the people responsible for these heinous acts, and some in the community became more aware of the alarming increase in anti Semitic incidents and took additional actions.

The school principal, where the incident occurred, began to put an increased focus on being the Upstander- someone who doesn't stand by and let bad things happen but takes an active role in addressing the problem. The school administration, parents and staff became even more diligent in promoting students who would stand up when something bad was happening.

Yvonne Shortt , another local community member, approached the principal about an art project that would use art as a tool to discuss the issues in the school community and promote positive change. Ms. Shortt then worked with the students in the school community from March - June using art as a tool to understand the issues in the school and use illustration to promote positive change. Ms. Shortt also collaborated with Young Israel Senior Center and other in the community to create artwork on the fence of the school promoting positive behavior and cross cultural communication. "The work was meant to offer a collaborative and engaging way for the students and the community to connect."

This fall (2019) Ms. Shortt worked with the students of the school again and two middle schools to continue the Upstander focus. Students from grades 3-5 illustrated issues in their community and positive actions one can take to create a space for all. The scenarios covered everything from anti-Semitism to schoolyard bullying. They focused on saying or doing something when one sees someone doing something wrong. The scenarios where then painted by over 120 students from PS139, Halsey, and Russell Sage and is now hanging in the auditorium of the school. " The auditorium is a place of kindness but it can also be a place of cruelty," said Shortt. She imagines a future where everyone takes what they are good at and uses it to create a better humanity. " Change starts with just one individual," said Shortt.