Washington Irving Students Earn Free Rides by Going Screen Free

A handful of Washington Irving Intermediate School (W.I.) students earned themselves a sweet ride for going screen free for an entire week. The students took part in Screen Free Week, an initiative that encourages students to put down their devices and seek more traditional pastimes.

Teaching Assistant Allison Clauss spearheaded the initiative at W.I. with the help of The First Westchester-Putnam Masonic Charity Corporation (MCC). The MCC is a non-profit organization that is funded by local Freemasons to aid and help Masons who are in need and to help distribute funds to local charitable and community organizations in Westchester and Putnam Counties.

“One of our goals is community involvement, whether it’s scholarships or food pantries,” said Terence Murphy, President of the MCC. “We came up with some ideas to be more connected to the community. We reached out to Ms. Clauss to think more about how we could get kids into more traditional activities like reading.”

The rules were simple, but the reward was big. Students that wanted to participate were given a log to write down their screen free activities and were encouraged to get creative. At the end of the week, they put their logs in a drop box to compete for one of three brand new bicycles with a helmet, bell, and bike lock.

“My father has been a part of the Freemasons for many years, and when his brothers wanted to do something for the community, I was happy to offer my help,” said Ms. Clauss. “The students loved the initiative. Everyone was really excited about it. They were thinking of what to do with the bike if they win. One student said he would give it to his brother so they could share it.”

One winner was chosen from each grade on June 10, and Ms. Clauss announced the winners over the loudspeaker. Cheering could be heard throughout the hallways as students expressed their excitement for their fellow classmates. Third-grader Miguel M., fourth-grader Aanya D., and fifth-grader Elia W. were chosen as the recipients of the new bikes. They were all smiles as representatives from the MCC presented them their bicycles with accessories.

“I’m excited. I didn’t think I would win,” said Aanya D.

“I love bikes and this one is really nice,” added Miguel M.

The group of students said they found activities they enjoyed during their screen free week such as playing sports and helping others.

“I played a lot of soccer, lacrosse, and did chores for my parents,” said Elia W.

The MCC was able to fund the purchase of the bicycles through various fundraisers throughout the year and were happy to provide quality bicycles to the students.

“It’s that time of year to get out there and enjoy the outdoors,” said. Mr. Murphy. “I went to W.I. when I was a kid, so it means a lot to me.”