Lynwood Elementary School welcomed local first responders for a special parade and assembly recognizing their service to the community. The event featured representatives from Customs and Border Protection, FDNY, K9 Unit, MTA Police, NYPD, Port Authority, Special Victims Unit, Suffolk County Police and other agencies, as well as nurses, detectives, investigators and retired personnel.

The ceremony began with the first-ever performance by the newly formed Lynwood Marching Band under the direction of Mr. Lyons. This marked both Mr. Lyons’s first year at Lynwood and the band’s debut public appearance.

Students and staff observed Peace Officers Memorial Day with the American flag flown at half-staff. Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of fallen officers nationwide.

Throughout the event, students shared reflections on the importance of first responders in keeping communities safe. Special guests included Mr. Bedoya and Officer DelaCruz from the NYPD K9 Unit, who introduced their police dogs, Nicky and Davey, and demonstrated how the K9 unit supports public safety.

While a planned helicopter flyover was canceled due to weather, the assembly emphasized the message that students should pursue their goals with determination.

The program continued with a performance from the fourth and fifth grade chorus under the direction of Mrs. Rose, assisted by fourth grader Elsa Ragbir, who choreographed and conducted the hand motions.

The event concluded with students presenting handmade thank-you projects to the visiting first responders as a gesture of appreciation from the school community.

Date Added: 5/19/2025

Grundy Avenue Elementary School continued its long-standing tradition of honoring local first responders with a schoolwide celebration recognizing those who serve and protect the community. The annual event, which has been held for over a decade, brought together a wide range of emergency personnel from across the region.

Participants included nurses, EMTs, the Holbrook Fire Department, Islip HazMat, New York State Troopers, Southampton Detectives, Suffolk County Sheriffs, Suffolk County Police, and members of the NYPD. The event provided students with the opportunity to meet and thank those who help keep their community safe.

In preparation for the event, students created signs and cards to present to the visiting first responders. These handmade messages were shared as tokens of appreciation during the visit.

The event was organized by a dedicated committee of staff members: Marisa Filosa, Alyssa Gallagher, Melissa Jeacoma and Nicole Liuzzi. Michelle Heinssen also played a key role, serving as a liaison between the school and various agencies, aided by her strong connections within the law enforcement community.

Grundy Avenue Elementary is proud to continue this tradition and to teach students the importance of recognizing and respecting the service of first responders.

In honor of Police Appreciation Week, Waverly Elementary welcomed local police officers into classrooms to read books to students from UPK through fifth grade. This cherished tradition, now in its third year, is part of the school’s ongoing effort to celebrate and connect with community first responders.

The event serves as a warm lead-in to Waverly’s upcoming Police/First Responder “Thank You” Breakfast and Parade, and offers students a unique opportunity to engage with local heroes in a fun and meaningful way. Not only does it build positive relationships, but it also supports the school’s mission to foster a lifelong love of reading.

Through this special collaboration, Waverly continues to highlight the importance of community, gratitude and literacy – all in one memorable experience for students and staff alike.

Date Added: 5/13/2025

At Sagamore Middle School, Mrs. DiGiacinto’s algebra students are learning more than just math – they’re embracing the power of kindness. Throughout the year, the classes have gone “On the Road” with CBS correspondent Steve Hartman, diving into his Kindness 101 video series. These moving stories sparked meaningful conversations and inspired students to reflect on the impact of small, compassionate acts.

As a heartfelt extension of their work, a group of students collaborated to create a children’s book, “A Pocket Full of Kindness: Little Acts that Matter.” Each student chose a quality of kindness and brought it to life through original writing and illustrations. The book is dedicated to Grayson Danielski, a young boy courageously recovering from a brain tumor. Grayson’s parents, both Sachem graduates, served as a meaningful connection for the students, who wanted to honor his strength and show their support.

The project culminated in a joyful publishing party, where Grayson’s grandmother was presented with a copy of the book to share with him. The event was a powerful reminder that kindness, creativity and community go hand in hand.

 

Date Added: 5/13/2025