By Joanna Jesurasa
On February 9, New Hyde Park Memorial celebrated P.S. I Love You Day, a day in which NHP students and staff participate in a series of events used to encourage love for oneself and others. The non-profit organization that started this day and its subsequent movement was formed by two sisters who lost their father and classmate due to suicide. To prevent others from experiencing a past like theirs, they have sought to help eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health. Through their efforts, they hope to create a learning environment that makes people feel welcome, loved and supported, and given positive student experiences, their efforts have proven to be successful in NHP.
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Four students gather in the courtyard to add to the collection of positive messages written in chalk.
“P.S. I Love You Day shows students that they have someone standing with them,” seventh grader Alina Aphraim said. “It reaches out to those struggling with their mental health and lets them know that they have a shoulder to lean on.”
To reach a bigger audience, the organization asked schools to partake in their movement by wearing purple on a designated day. Each year, they host fundraisers and events to raise money for the Suicide Prevention Program. The P.S. I Love You Day organization established this year’s theme as “Love is Meant to be Given” and the annual goal is to share the message to over 600 schools.
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Students spread positivity through post-it affirmations, courtyard chalk-drawings and friendly hoola-hoop competitions.
To show support for the cause leading up to February 9, New Hyde Park Memorial held a workshop in which students could create friendship bracelets for each other. Students were allowed to trade different bracelets within classes and with friends throughout the day. This workshop initiated talk of P.S. I Love You Day’s message before the day’s events.
“P.S. I Love You Day is beneficial because it allows NHP kids to feel included within their community and feel appreciated for their efforts by surrounding peers, teachers and friends,” junior Tiffany Tso said. “The events the school holds help bolster confidence in an individual and allow them to feel comfortable in a school setting.”
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The student council, led by Mrs. Vosswinkel-Blum and Mrs. Psaros, organized several activities and decorated the building for the day.
“P.S. I Love You Day helps end the stigma around mental health,” special education teacher Ms. Nicastro said. “It allows people to come together and be supportive of one another. This day is great for everyone to spread love, kindness and not judge mental health issues.”
To further spread the organization’s message in NHP, social studies teacher Ms. Vosswinkel-Blum, along with the student council, hosted stations for students to visit during their social studies classes. These stations included solving a variety of puzzles, playing Just Dance, engaging in board games, hula hooping, drawing with chalk in the courtyard and coloring P.S. I Love You sheets. Furthermore, the student congress greeted students as they entered the school in the morning and a P.S. I Love You themed photo booth was established in the cafeteria. They hoped these activities would allow students to destress from the traditional school day and remind them that they are in a community that cares about their wellbeing.
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A student contributes to the courtyard artwork, writing encouraging messages for passing staff and students to read.
“I always enjoy P.S. I Love You Day, but especially as Student Council President this year, I truly saw the impact of our school’s positive community,” senior Anthony LaSala said. “I know that the positivity and support that was brought to light by the day’s activities will continue to radiate throughout NHP.”