State Senator Jeff Klein Funds Free Spring Break Camp for Students at P.s. 83

Klein, United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83 Partner to Provide Week-Long Camp to Students and Families Through NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) visited more than 130 students, parents and administrators at P.S. 83’s Ultimate Enrichment Spring Break Camp in the Bronx on Tuesday, April 7th. The week-long camp, provided to P.S. 83 students and families at no cost, was funded by a $1.5 million state grant Senator Klein secured through the New York City Community Learning Schools Initiative last year.

“Providing our youngsters with access to essential resources, vital supports and meaningful enrichment activities ensures today’s students have the tools they need to be successful tomorrow,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Not only does this camp help local students learn and grow, it supports hard-working Bronx families who often have difficulty finding a helping hand during school breaks. I want to thank the United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83, STS Sports and all the local parents for their continued support of the Community Learning Schools Initiative and for making this camp a huge success for our students.”

"I want to thank Senator Klein for making this Spring Break camp possible. For single and working parents, the five days children are off for spring break can really pose a problem,” said Frank Cassano, Resource Coordinator at P.S. 83 Bronx, United Federation of Teachers. “With our camp, more than 130 students receive a full day of activities. Not only sports and recreation, but science and arts lessons -- plus breakfast and lunch. It is a real partnership between parents, the school and the community."

“At Ultimate Enrichment, it is our goal to create an environment and experience that is unforgettable for all children, filled with fun activities that stimulate their mind and body, as well as  building their confidence and self-esteem,” said Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports. “Through the assistance from the Community Learning grant and Senator Klein, we were able to provide 135 children with this incredible experience for their Spring Break. Through activities such as science projects, dance, sports training, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, these students experienced an educational atmosphere that was both fun and stimulating.”

The free, week-long camp has enrolled more than 130 students and runs from Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th

from 7:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M. Breakfast and lunch is provided to students at no cost. Each day, students participate in a variety of enrichment activities including arts, science, dance, sports and games. To date, students have completed a model of the solar system, a demonstration on how blood works, a diagram of the phases of the moon using oreo cookies, a bollywood dance performance and more.

The NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative is a state-registered 501(c)(3) committed to strengthening our schools and our communities. The program aims to assist NYC schools in building long-term partnerships in their neighborhoods that will benefit both students and families -- with a focus on improving access to youth development activities, health and wellness clinics, tutoring, food programs and other services. The program was first launched in 2012 by the United Federation of Teachers in collaboration with the New York City Council, the Partnership for New York City and Trinity Wall Street.