Members of the Yonkers Council of PTA/PTSAs (YCPTA/PTSA) along with parents, students and community members and joined by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, and Senator Shelley Mayer, Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez,  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Quezada, Yonkers City Council Members, Yonkers Federation of Teachers, and the CSEA in Yonkers to begin a series of safety workshops with topics impacting students, families and the City of Yonkers.

The Safe Schools, Safe City Workshop Symposium will begin with an impactful presentation from Sandy Hook Presenter Bill Flash, followed by workshop sessions which will cover such topics as Fire Safety in the Home and Schools, Restorative Practices, Suicide and Mental Health Awareness, Needs of Special Education Students and Yonkers Basics.  Promoting these topics will promote positive school climates and improve relationships between children and adults that will thus ensure a safe learning environment.  This symposium has a clear connection to the YCPTAs advocacy efforts in Yonkers for our schools and children which include the need for more guidance counselors, psychologists and social workers.  These staff members provide the needed support for our students.  In addition, ensuring a safe school environment has a direct impact in our community and living in a safe city.

 “We often hear that ‘it takes a village to raise a child”, said Roberto Rijos, YCPTA President.  “And we are humbled by the support, response and partnership with The Board of Ed, Mayors Office, City departments and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in working together to bring this Symposium on March 16^th to our children, families, guardians, and community in Yonkers. Our children deserve a sound and basic education, and safe environment and community”.

YCPTA looks forward to continuing to partner with the Board of Education, Yonkers Police Department, Yonkers Fire Department and Community organizations to ensure a safe environment in our schools and community.