MAYOR GIULIANI VISITS PS 65 IN THE BRONX; READS TO
FIFTH GRADERS ABOUT THE LEGACY OF JACKIE ROBINSON
School Has Improved Since It Was "Adopted" in 1995
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today visited PS 65/Mother Hale Academy in the Bronx where he read to a class of fifth graders on the legacy of Jackie Robinson, the Hall of Fame Brooklyn Dodgers player who was the first African American to break baseball's color barrier 50 years ago this month. Joining the Mayor at the school were Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra and Principal Margaret Hill.
"Prior to 1947, some of history's best baseball players were denied the opportunity to play major league baseball, not because they weren't talented enough but because of the color of their skin," the Mayor told the students. "In one memorable season, Jackie Robinson changed baseball forever. Few matched Jackie's skills on the baseball diamond -- even fewer human beings could ever match his personal courage. He taught us a lesson we should never forget.
"But Jackie Robinson also knew about the value of education. He knew it was the foundation upon which we build our future. He worked hard in the classroom as well as on the baseball diamond. I want all of you to work hard in the classroom, cooperate with your teachers and make sure you do your homework. For our part, the City is making funds available for new textbooks, new reading, math and arts programs, and the rebuilding of many of our schools."
In 1995, Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra "adopted" PS 65 following a request from Chancellor Rudy Crew for Board members to become actively involved in helping failing schools.
As a result of this "adoption" and the Chancellor's direct intervention, PS 65 has undergone substantial improvements including a new principal, an improved curriculum, stronger parent-teacher partnerships and an extended school day. A close working relationship with the 40th Precinct has also resulted in improved safety around the school.
Private sector partners have also helped the school, including the Colgate Palmolive Company which contributed $3000 to PS 65's reading program. Other organizations including the YMCA, the Fire Department and the Police Department are actively involved in the school.
"The success we have experienced at Mother Hale Academy is an example of what can be accomplished if we work together to build partnerships among teachers, parents, children and the community at large," Deputy Mayor Segarra said. "Under the leadership of Mayor Giuliani and Chancellor Crew, there is a renewed feeling of confidence that we can, indeed, rebuild the public education system in our City."
PS 65, which was recently named Mother Hale Academy in honor of the late Harlem woman who cared for children at Hale House, is located at 677 East 141st in The Bronx. The school has an enrollment of 830 children. The school also offers an evening adult literacy program for people in the community.
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