By Tom Kane
Brooklyn Eagle
Lizz Madonia started at McKinley I.S. 259 seven years ago. Being a guidance counselor, she noticed that one of the major issues that came up with her students was how they felt about themselves. She wanted to implement a program that would enable her students to feel that they could make a difference and at the same time, change the negative thinking within themselves. She saw that children face issues such as self-loathing, poor body image or trying to find a meaning to their lives.
“Adolescence is such a difficult time for kids,” she said. “They want to be treated like adults and at the same time be nurtured like young children.” So Madonia started the “I Love Me” campaign three years ago.
“The students created collages and stories on why they were special, unique and important.” she explained. “This activity helped them focus on their positive attributes versus focusing on the negative, self deprecating ones.”
I met with Madonia and some of the group at McKinley along with Principal Janice Geary and Parent Coordinator Diane Castignani. The students were all wearing their “I Love Me” t-shirts that Madonia had made for the more than 400 students and teachers that participate in the program. (The PTA funded the cost of the shirts). The students, made up of sixth and seventh graders, decided to take the campaign further, and began visiting neighborhood schools such as P.S.185, P.S. 102 and P.S. 127, where they spoke with fifth graders on the importance of self- esteem and explained about the transition from elementary school to middle school.
“It was a lot of fun talking with the fifth graders,” said seventh grader Annateresa Morales.
The “I Love Me” campaign has a “BOO” bake sale on Halloween where all proceeds go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and to Autism Research.
“My mom baked cupcakes, and I helped.” John Stasiak said. In December, the program held another fundraiser called “Wear your hat to school day.” This activity helps children to understand the importance of empathizing with those who struggle with cancer. They donated all proceeds to Rachel Rodin, a student from P.S. 185 battling Leukemia. They raised over $400 dollars. (See story "Crowds Come Out for Blood and Marrow Drives in Bay Ridge")
Their next fundraiser will pit firefighters from Engine 284 in Dyker Heights against Madonia’s sixth and seventh graders in their own version of ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A SIXTH/SEVENTH GRADER?
“We’re going to have our students going head to head with the firemen, with questions involving science, math and popular culture.” said student Alfred Mendez, who also sang a verse from “Phantom of the Opera” for me that was incredible. All I can say is good luck bravest, you’re going to need it. These kids are good, and with teachers like Lizz Madonia, they’re going to get even better.
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2008
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