As the result of a multiyear service-learning project, W.S. Mount Elementary School proudly celebrated the grand opening of the building’s new game and indoor recess rooms this April.

Since 2013, the building’s Student Government has been working on a youth-led project to change the indoor recess environment at Mount School from the classroom to a more exciting environment. 

“Over the years, many students had a hand in creating, designing, fund-raising, budgeting, ordering, developing and redesigning for this initiative,” adviser Linda Figliozzi said. “To date, we have created three indoor recess rooms – one being a quiet recess room, the other a large game room and, along the way, our principal offered the mini gym as a third place for larger activities. Classes rotate during recess through these three rooms depending on the weather conditions.”

At the grand opening, current and returning students that were involved with this student-led initiative from Gelinas, Murphy and Ward Melville had the chance to tour the new spaces. 

This project came together through a partnership with Lift Up Long Island, an organization that supports the region through sustainability, providing skills and mentorship for youth in their social entrepreneurship ventures.