May 27, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bronx, NY — Today, Council Member Eric Dinowitz joined students, educators, and agency leaders from the NYC Department of Education (DOE)’s Division of School Facilities (DSF) to celebrate the installation of brand new water fountains on every floor of The Matilda Avenue School. The celebration began in the school’s library where Council Member Dinowitz was joined by Principal Maria Cioffi, NYC Department of Education (DOE) Director of School Facilities Robert Williams, and Matilda Avenue School students and staff. Several students who led the advocacy efforts provided remarks thanking Council Member Dinowitz and DSF staff on how these new water fountains will enhance the learning environment for all students. Matilda Avenue School Principal Maria Cioffi and Assistant Principal Samanthaa Young then gave Council Member Dinowitz, Kevin Moran, and others in attendance a guided tour of the newly installed fountains.
During a visit to The Matilda Avenue School on April 2 to present a check for $100,000 for academic technology upgrades, students from the Marketing Club raised concerns about the school’s outdated water fountains. Their voices sparked immediate action.
Within weeks, the SCA completed the installation of modern, filtered water fountains on every floor – demonstrating what’s possible when youth advocacy meets responsive leadership.
“These new water fountains are more than just infrastructure – they’re the result of young people using their voices to create real, lasting change,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “I was proud to partner with the incredible students at The Matilda Avenue School and work with the SCA and DOE to get this done quickly. This is what civic engagement looks like, and it starts right here in our classrooms.”
“Our students identified a problem, presented thoughtful solutions, and inspired action,” said Matilda Avenue School Principal Maria Cioffi. “Today’s celebration is a testament to their leadership and the power of partnerships between schools, elected officials, and our city agencies. We are grateful to Council Member Dinowitz, the SCA, and everyone who helped bring this project to life.”
“As a former Social Studies Teacher, I am thrilled to partner with Councilman Eric Dinowitz in responding to our students’ request for the installation of new bottle filler water fountains at the Matilda School, said NYC Department of Education Chief of School Operations Kevin Moran. “We encourage civic engagement at all levels of our school system and our students from the Matilda School should be applauded for their efforts here. Director of School Facilities Robert Williams ensured their request was handled in a timely manner with the new bottle filler units installed prior to the end of the school year.”
“This is a perfect example of government, community, and students working together for the common good,” said Community Board 12 District Manager George Torres. “Clean, accessible drinking water is essential, and I’m proud to see Community Board 12 schools like Matilda Avenue making student well-being a priority.”
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