Edible Schoolyard Opening at PS 216
Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal and John Lyons, President of Production at Focus Features, planted the first tree with students from PS 216 in Brooklyn on the opening day of their Edible Schoolyard (ESY) this fall.
The educational program was founded in 1995 by author and chef Alice Walters. The first ESY was created in a middle school in Berkley, CA. Ms. Walters and organizers plan to open 25 ESYs across New York City. "I can say that because of your efforts and gathering today that you are going to have a huge influence in public education," said Ms. Walters.
The edible schoolyard is equipped with a garden and kitchen in which students will learn about farming and a healthy lifestyle. "It's important for kids in general to understand where the food comes from," said Mr. Gyllenhaal.
The curriculum teaches sustainability of resources. The project was spearheaded by Mr. Lyons, the school's Principal for a Day, which is sponsored by another non-profit, PENCIL. "I wouldn't be in this school if it wasn't for PENCIL," said Mr. Lyons. PENCIL arranges partnerships for public schools with professionals from the private and public sectors.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, greets students, parents, teachers and honored guests at the ceremony. | 77.02 KB |
| PS 216 students perform an original song about their new garden in the school's auditorium before the "launch". | 78.59 KB |
| Fresh apples were available for all guests. | 76.68 KB |
| Movie star Jake Gyllenhaal is flanked by Principal Celia Kaplinsky and a PS 216 teacher. | 71.71 KB |
| Edible Schoolyard founder Alice Walters traveled from California to open the first ESY in NYC. | 98.17 KB |
| Council member Domenic Recchia welcomed the community and guests at the opening ceremonies. | 75.6 KB |
| Christiane Baker, Executive Director, ESY addressed the crowd and said food education must become important in the public school system. | 82.04 KB |
| Principal Celia Kaplinsky thanked her Principal for a Day John Lyons, Alice Walters and her staff for their hard work in this new project. | 88.88 KB |
| From left to right: Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; Principal Celia Kaplinsky; and Michael Ebenstein, Chair, Retiree Chapter Educational Cultural Committee (and former Assistant Principal of PS 216!). | 71.28 KB |
| Students planting together in their new garden. | 120.64 KB |
| Students will learn about nourishment and land stewardship through this new initiative. | 106.7 KB |
| Centered: Jake Gyllenhaal actor poses with Council member Domenic Recchia and Elizabeth Schmookler, council member aide. | 87.63 KB |
