The “I’m A Person” Project

As self-esteem is, indeed, an inalienable right for our children, we are advocating that the time has come to promote a new mindset that will support healthy choices and create a positive culture in schools, homes and communities.

In May, 2012, we implemented the “I’m A Person” Week program at PS 55 in the Bronx, NY with extraordinary success. The evaluation responses to the program from students and teachers revealed life-changing results from just a one-week program. The tone of the school dramatically shifted from the previous year. The children were kinder; they stopped bullying and cursing, and became more respectful to peers, teachers and parents. Everyone who comes to the school notices the difference.

Based on these results, it became apparent that PS 55 could be a model school for creating a positive learning environment in schools throughout NYC and America. We believe that if this program can have such a positive impact in the Bronx, in one of the most challenged communities in the country, all schools throughout the nation can reap the benefits, as well. Since then, we have garnered major support from educators, businesses and government leaders in the Bronx and other boroughs in the NYC community, who have personally witnessed this transformation.

In October, 2012, we expanded the “I’m A Person” program to be sustainable throughout the entire school year. Our goal for  this school year is for as many as 100 NYC schools to participate in the program, which has three main components to support the children: (1) The “I’m A Person” program for schools – students, staff and teachers, (2) A parenting program
and (3) A positive-reinforcement community program involving hospitals, clinics, retail stores, businesses, public buildings, and parks and recreation centers in the immediate vicinity of each school.

THE “I’M A PERSON” SONG

The heartbeat of this project, the “I’m A Person” song, has earned national acclaim. Classrooms and homes are being energized with these positive lyrics and music. Children love the melody and words and sing it over and over.  The song has touched the hearts and souls of thousands of children and adults of all ages. Singing the words “I’m A Person” and affirming “I’m an ever-loving, thinking, feeling, peaceful-going, real live person” conveys an essential ingredient to achieving one’s fullest potential.