Central continued this year’s focus on the Power of Positivity with “Thank You, Hashem” Day on Wednesday, November 29, one of many self-care days that will be held for students throughout the year. The focus for the end of the semester is “Positivity in Action,” a push that has incorporated various activities and outings stressing the importance of a positive mindset into student interactions with the outside world.
For this year’s “Thank You, Hashem” Day, Central students concentrated on the concept of gratitude, adopting the Dunkin-inspired theme, “Central Runs on Gratitude.” “We’re taking the event in some different directions this year,” said Central Judaic Studies Teacher and Programming Team Member Ms. Tamar Pollock.
On the schedule: a psychoeducational presentation by Central School Psychologist Dr. Ariella Gettenberg, exploring how gratitude and service to others has a positive impact on one’s psyche, and a presentation on Modim, led by Ms. Pollock. Another presentation featured a short film in which Central students thanked the operations team of Central, the members of the Central and Yeshiva University community who make possible the fun, safe space for learning that exists on Central’s campus.
Freshmen and seniors took on a gratitude-letter-writing project during their advisory classes, and a bake-and-give project was held during the day’s plus period. “I think it’s a really effective initiative,” Ms. Pollock said of this month’s work. “The additional focus on positivity in school is really powerful – the reinforcement is helping the students to incorporate a more positive mindset into their lives on their own initiative, and it’s even having a positive impact on the environment of the school.”
One recent demonstration of positive action from Central students is chesed activities. Central students organized a bake sale to support the Israel Defense Forces, worked at Bobbie’s Place, a Brooklyn-based organization providing families in need with brand-new clothing that comes at no cost, and worked at Yad Leah, which provides clothing to those in need in Israel.
Students also visited Masbia of Queens, to contribute to the soup kitchen, and the Ivdu Elementary School for Girls for a day of service working with young students. “It was a lot of fun to spend time with the kids at Ivdu,” said sophomore Orly Fish. “We did projects with them and danced with them. All of the kids had so much energy and were so fun to be around!” Sophomore Kayla Taub also embraced the experience of channeling positivity into volunteer work. “I had a wonderful time at Ivdu,” Kayla said. “The kids were so happy and warm. They had huge smiles on their faces and were so enthusiastic. It brought me so much joy being able to see them jumping and singing along with us.”
