A Month of Transformation in District 7
In some areas, access to family focused educational opportunities is often a privilege. For families in Bronx District 7, language barriers and financial constraints can create additional barriers. However, this Spring, groundbreaking workshops are transforming that reality.
On March 1st at MS 223 and March 18th at MS 31, the Family Enrichment workshop series brought together parents, students, and professionals to bridge gaps in health literacy, emergency preparedness, and career opportunities. Here's how these events empowered an entire community:
Workshop Highlights at MS 223 👨🚒
This transformative initiative became possible through the generous support of the Pinkerton Foundation and the powerful collaboration between Principal Lincoln of MS 223, Ms. Tirado from the District Office, and the dedicated professionals of the FDNY. Together, they turned vision into reality by delivering vital hands-on training and resources directly to families.
The FDNY led the Basic First Aid Training.
A personnel from the Fire Department of New York City guided participants through wound care and emergency response techniques, reinforcing the importance of preparedness.
Strengthening community ties through shared learning experiences.
The event fostered connections between families and emergency responders, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in medical emergencies.
Opened career pathways for students interested in lifesaving professions.
Students are exposed to potential careers in emergency response, public service, and healthcare, gaining exposure to real-world applications of first aid skills.
We gave away ‘Monitor Your Vital Signs’ kits to participating families and provided hands-on Pulse Ox and First Aid training during the workshop.
Families learned basic first aid and pulse oximeter skills while acquiring emergency tools for home use, making preparedness both practical and accessible. Thank you to our passionate FDNY personnel for demonstrating the proper use of each device.
Workshop Highlights at MS 31 🏥
Organized by Sharin Tirado, with coordination from Monse Santana, Parent Coordinator at MS 223, the workshop successfully brought together parents, students, and healthcare professionals to provide essential first aid education and resources.
Lincoln Hospital's Jacqueline Edelmann Frankstone led the workshop.
Bringing her unparalleled medical expertise, Ms. Frankstone shared hands-on demonstrations and educational insights. Her practical, real-world knowledge transformed complex medical concepts into actionable skills that families could immediately use at home.
Instructions were provided in both English and Spanish.
With Spanish-speaking families at the heart of our community, every demonstration and handout was delivered bilingually, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. Translators were present whenever possible.
Opened career pathways for students interested in lifesaving professions.
The workshop introduced students to potential careers in healthcare, inspiring interest in emergency response and medical professions. Parents also gained valuable insights into these rewarding career opportunities, helping them support their children’s future aspirations.
The event fostered a collaborative learning environment.
Families engaged in hands-on activities together. They learned how to properly use first aid kits and pulse oximeters to monitor and manage health emergencies at home and in their community. Attendees appreciated the interactive format and the opportunity to take home resources that could directly benefit their families.
"It was great to be part of this event. I am really honored to be working with District 7 and STEM 101! The information is great quality and the first aid kits and pulse oximeters are really terrific quality, too. Very enjoyable and very meaningful. Thank you!"
- Jacqueline Edelmann Frankstone from Lincoln Hospital
Why These Workshops Matter
These workshops did more than teach wound care —they rewrote narratives. In a district where 34% of Hispanic families lack emergency preparedness resources (NYC Health data), the impact cascades:
1️⃣ Community-Centered Safety
Safety knowledge should be universally accessible. By prioritizing Spanish-speaking facilitators and materials, these workshops modeled inclusive education. Our workshops guaranteed this by:
• Delivering all content bilingually (Spanish/English)
• Providing free medical equipment (STEM 101 Kits: Practice First Aid, Practice Pulse Oximetry, and Monitor Your Vital Signs)
. 
2️⃣ Seeding Futures
These workshops made healthcare careers feel possible for the kids in the Bronx. For many, it was their first time holding real medical equipment or talking to professionals who looked like them.
At STEM 101, we’re proud to help inspire the next generation by making STEM careers visible, accessible, and exciting.
3️⃣ Stronger Together
When families learn side-by-side, preparedness becomes a shared mission. Neighbors are now allies in emergencies. This workshop serves as a model for future initiatives in District 7, reinforcing the importance of accessible health education and community collaboration.
The Impact
This workshop proved that accessible, community-led health education can:
✅ Save lives through practical training.
✅ Inspire career dreams in underserved youth.
✅ Strengthen neighborhoods by fostering collaboration.
