YONKERS, NY October 23, 2018 -- State Senator Shelley Mayer, Rev. Steve Lopez, President of the Yonkers Board of Education, Mayor Mike Spano, Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools, and other Yonkers Public School leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of the new playground at Family School 32. Yonkers Public School leaders also thanked State Senator Mayer for securing the $500,000 grant for two new playgrounds for Yonkers Public Schools, Family School 32 and the Enrico Fermi School.

“I am glad to have been able to secure a $500,000 capital grant for the construction of two new playgrounds at Yonkers Public Schools. This is an exciting day for the 600+ students at Family School 32 to have a brand new state-of-the-art playground where they can play and socialize with one another,” said State Senator Shelley B. Mayer (D-Westchester).“Maintaining and updating our school infrastructure is an important priority of mine, and it is an essential part of investing in the education & health of our children. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the legislature to fight for increased resources for our public schools, students, teachers.”

“These playgrounds will provide greater opportunities for our young people to explore, learn and be healthier while at school,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “I applaud Senator Shelley Mayer for the securing the state funds to make today possible. There is no doubt the money invested here will enrich our school community for years to come.”

“Today, we had the opportunity to see our students’ joy and excitement as they used for the first time their state-of-the-art playground. Safe outdoor play areas must be part of every child’s experience; that is what we strive for in Yonkers,” noted Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools. “Senator Shelley Mayer’s relentless advocacy supporting our instructional programs as well as our significant infrastructure needs has resulted in funding for programs across the district. Family School 32 and the Enrico Fermi School communities are the beneficiaries today. Senator Mayer is a champion for Yonkers children’s education and the benefits quality education bring to the entire community. The Yonkers Public Schools is grateful for her support.”

Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez added, “The benefits from capital projects like these playgrounds and, more importantly, the rebuilding and repairs of our schools go beyond the school district. They help strengthen the appeal of the City of Yonkers to prospective homebuyers and businesses. Senator Mayer for many years has been integral in garnering support from the State for Yonkers’ needs. Thank you on behalf of the Trustees and the community.”

“This is an exciting day for our students,” shared Family School 32 Principal Dr. Miriam Digneo. “Our students have patiently watched the antiquated playground come down and be reinvented into a fabulous outdoor space to play and interact. Thank you Senator Mayer for your support for the children, parents and staff of our school.”

“Adequate physical activity is critical to the social, emotional and cognitive well-being of our students. The Yonkers Federation of Teachers would like to thank Senator Shelley Mayer for consistently supporting the City of Yonkers and Yonkers Public Schools. We are very excited for the staff and students at Family School 32,” said Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, President of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers.