Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

State and Local Leaders Honor Washington Street School



On June 10, 2009 political leaders from state and local governments visited the Washington Street School to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the school in the success of a year-long "Cool to Care" initiative designed to help make a positive impact on the lives of others. Recently, the school was contacted by Governor Paterson's office, and asked if Mr. Galen Kirkland, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Human Rights, could visit and present Dr. Vincent Butera, Principal, with an award for the school's efforts in helping to promote the message of human rights for all.

Among other notable leaders who spoke at the celebration were Nassau County legislator Mr. Vincent Muscarella, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Ms. Kate Murray, and Hempstead Coucnilman Mr. Ed Ambrosino.

The celebration began with the a poignant rendition of a poem by sixth grade student Brenda Darcy that detailed the happenings of the past year. The poem, which was accompanied by pictures and music, drew loud applause from the nearly 800 persons in attendance.

This visit is a wonderful culmination to a year-long commitment to make WSS one of the kindest schools in America. This effort began with the Red Ribbon Week unveiling of the “Be a Buddy – Not a Bully" and "It’s Cool to Care” initiatives, which were both designed to encourage parents, staff, and students to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Early in the school year, the sixth grade, led by sixth grade representative Mrs. Teresa Weegar, began making this goal a reality as they partnered with the Starlight Foundation, which provides programs and services to sick children in local hospitals. What has occurred since has no doubt proved true the adage that kindness does indeed breed kindness as students, staff, and parents have worked together to benefit numerous organizations including:



The Starlight Foundation
Camp Anchor
Toys for Tots
NY Blood Center
Soles4Souls
Ozanam Hall Nursing Home
Orzac Senior Citizen Center
Long Island Cares
Locks for Love
Newsday Charities
Interfaith Nutrition Network
National Cleaner's Association Coat Drive
Footsteps Learning Center
Ronald McDonald House
North Shore Hospital
St. Catherine of Sienna's Outreach Program

Congratulations to the entire Washington Street School community for a most rewarding accomplishment.

Monday, June 8, 2009

WSS Student Organizes Locks of Love Campaign




This year my aunt was diagnosed with cancer.  Over the past few months my mom, Lisa, has been helping her in more ways than you can count.  As I watched my mom perform all of these good deeds, I felt that I should do something to help cancer patients.  During my aunt's chemo therapy, she started losing her hair.  I thought that it must be so painful to be fighting cancer and watching your hair fall out.  That is why most cancer patients need wigs.  And the only way that wigs can be made, is by other people donating their hair.  So, I decided to start a hair drive.  We decided to donate the hair to Locks of Love because they make wigs for children.  Our hair drive was held on May 20th.  It turned out to be a huge success!  Fifty-seven students, parents and teachers donated their hair.  From those fifty-seven ponytails, only about six wigs can be made.  That is why it is extremly important to donate your hair.  So, as soon as your hair is long enough please donate it to Locks of Love. It will guarantee a smile on a sick child's face!
                                                                                      By Victoria Pitz

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

NYS Commisioner of Office of Human Rights Galen Kirkland to Visit and Honor WSS for "It's Cool to Care" Initiative

On June 10, 2009, Commissioner Gale Kirkland of the New York State Office of Human Rights will visit the Washington Street School in Franklin Square, NY to recognize our efforts in spreading the message of kindness.

This visit is a culmination of a year-long effort on the part of so many to make WSS one of the kindest schools in America. This effort began with the Red Ribbon Week unveiling of the “Be a Buddy – Not a Bully" and "It’s Cool to Care” initiatives, which were both designed to encourage parents, staff, and students to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Early in the school year, the sixth grade, led by sixth grade representative Mrs. Teresa Weegar, began making this goal a reality as they partnered with the Starlight Foundation, which provides programs and services to sick childen in local hospitals. What has occurred since has no doubt proved true the adage that kindness does indeed breed kindness as students, staff, and parents have worked together to benefit numerous organizations including:


The Starlight Foundation
Camp Anchor
Toys for Tots
NY Blood Center
Soles4Souls
Ozanam Hall Nursing Home
Orzac Senior Citizen Center
Long Island Cares
Newsday Charities
Locks of Love
Interfaith Nutrition Network
National Cleaner's Association Coat Drive
Footsteps Learning Center
Ronald McDonald House
North Shore Hospital
St. Catherine of Sienna's Outreach Program


These efforts, in addition to our commitment to reward, spotlight, and honor our students whose actions reflect the virtues of kindness, empathy, and compassion have resulted in an honor in which we take great pride.

A special thank you to the WSS PTA for their continued support of our efforts to make a difference in the lives of children, as well as to all those who gave of themselves throughout the year on this most rewarding endeavor.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Washington Street School Students Welcome Pen Pals from Schwarting Elementary School



Mrs. Connors' class learned how to write a friendly letter by writing to "Pen-pals" from the Schwarting Elementary School in the Plainedge School District. Sending their letters was easy because Dr.Butera and his son David acted as their personal mail carriers since David is in first grade at Schwarting Elementary School. His teacher Mrs. Connolly, and Mrs. Connors are very proud of their students' writing ability and hope the students continue their pen-pal friendships. We hope you enjoy the video of their "Pen-Pal Picnic". Meeting their new friends was great!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

WSS Celebrates Disability Awareness Day

On Monday, May 11th, Washington Street School continued its support of the Camp Anchor program by educating students about Autism. Grade level presentations for students in grades 3-6 were conducted by Dr. Stephanie Baglici. The presentations, included a spotlight of 25 famous individuals who have overcome various disabilities, a reading of the award winning story about a child with Autism, My Best Friend Will , a Question and Answer PowerPoint presentation, as well as an inspirational video voted by ESPN as the most inspirational sports story of the year.

Children in grades K-2 were read the award winning book, Looking After Louis, and made puzzle ribbons which will adorn the school.

On May 12th all students will receive WSS "It's Cool to Care" T-shirts, with a puzzle ribbon on the front, in honor of our commitment to Camp Anchor as well as all students with disabilities. Students will also be encouraged to wear these shirts to the Fun Run on June 6th, as well as a soon to be announced special event.

Special thanks to SEPTA and the WSS PTA for purchasing these shirts for our students and for their support of this most worthwhile initiative. Thank you also to Dr. Baglici and Mr. Tomack who helped put together this wonderful presentation.



Monday, April 27, 2009

WSS 5th Graders Help Make 2nd Annual Blood Drive a Success


Did you know that approximately 38,000 pints of blood are needed every day in the United States? Well, Washington Street School’s fifth graders held a blood drive to help. We asked our family, friends, teachers, and neighbors to donate blood at our April 7th blood drive. As participants in the Little Doctors program, we made posters, wore scrubs, wrote thank you cards, and assisted at the drive. Almost 100 pints of blood were collected. It was a great experience for all of the fifth graders. When we turn sixteen, we’ll get to donate blood too!

Alexis O’Sullivan

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Spotlight on Students Caught Caring



Enjoy this musical tribute to 50 special students, whose various acts of kindness have earned them a spotlight on the bulletin board in our main lobby. This musical celebration also includes pictures of so many individuals whose actions have made Washington Street School a place where it truly is Cool to Care.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

WSS Continues Effort to Benefit Camp Anchor



On April 4th Camp Anchor held its 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon. This is the second of several events which will allow Washington Street School to support Camp Anchor in its goal of building a permanent facility, thus allowing them to provide year round services and programs for students with disabilities.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Troop 1025 Collects Shoes for Needy Families


Troop 1025 from Washington Street School collected over 300 pairs of used shoes in our school. The shoes will go to impoverished and disaster stricken areas through the Soles4Souls program. Great job to the girls from troop 1025 and everyone who brought in shoes. Thank you Mrs. Gioia and all those who help show that "It' s cool to care"

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Parents and Staff Help Benefit Camp Anchor



On March 27th, parents, staff, and students, joined together for the 1st Annual Parent-Staff Basketball game which benefitted Camp Anchor. Those in attendance witnessed a fun night of basketball. The event which was organized by Mrs. Cheryl Scarry, Mr. Sean Boyle, and Mrs. Rudolph helped raise over $1200.00 for Camp Anchor. This event is the first of many benefitting this wonderful organization. For more information on this initiative, please refer to the blog posting of March 17th.

Thank you to all the parents and staff who donated their time and effort. You continue to make WSS a place where "It's Cool to Care."

WSS Students Collect Towels and Toiletries for Local Group


Brownie Girl Scout Troop 1006 collected very needed toiletries for the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), which is a local not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization with a dedicated staff. They offer a broad base of community support and help the hungry and homeless of Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing and supportive services ina dignified and respectful manner for those who seek their help.

Thank you to all the parents and students who gave of their time and effort to benefit needy families in our area.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ms. Howell's 4th grade students help spread Anti-Bully message

Inspired by their own desire to continue the postive messages of this year's "Cool to Care" initiative, students in Ms. Howell's 4th grade class created their own anit-bully song, which they performed for Dr. Butera. Tour details are still being worked on. Great Job 4-H!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Grade 2 Takes Part in Anti-Bullying Workshop

As part of our year-long effort to promote appropriate behavior among our students, Washington Street School's 2nd grade students took part in an anti-bullying initiative with Kathleen Proctor from Applebaum Training Institute, who spoke about ways of combating bully behavior. Funding for this program was provided from a federal grant. After each session was complete, all 2nd grade students gathered together to reinforce the message through song.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

WSS Partners With CAMP ANCHOR



"Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education."

The wisdom in these words is as relevant today as they were when they were uttered nearly 50 years ago by Martin Luther King, Jr.

In keeping with this focus, I am also pleased to announce the beginning of our partnership with CAMP ANCHOR (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation). This special organization offers several programs for those with disabilities throughout the year, including a summer camp, which is held at Lido Beach. Each summer, brightly colored tents are set up where various activities are hosted for campers. Participants are offered accommodating facilities and are able to enjoy activities such as swimming in the pool and ocean, dance, music, arts and crafts, ceramics, and home economics. Dedicated volunteers (including some of our very own WSS staff) call this place home during the summer.

This year is the 40th anniversary for Camp ANCHOR and the program continues to grow in size! There are an overwhelming amount of participants including a wait list for potential campers and volunteers. In order to accommodate more campers and expand this amazing program, ANCHOR has been fundraising for the past few years in hopes to construct a "building of their own" at Lido Beach.

Washington Street School will help Camp Anchor through a series of education/fundraising activities as detailed below. We welcome you to participate in any of the fundraising events detailed below. Please feel free to visit the school webpage and click on the anchor link in the center for a detailed description of this initiative. We will feature pictures on our website throughout the initiative, which will culminate on June 6th at our 3rd WSS Annual Fun Run.

The following is a description of some of the many events planned.

March 18th
• Joe Lentini from Camp Anchor will visit students in grades 3-6 to show promotional video of Camp Anchor and discuss their mission.


March 27th
• Staff/Parent Basketball tournament will be held as kick-off to fundraising for Camp Anchor. Each team will contribute $40.00 to enter this fun-filled tournament with proceeds going directly to Camp Anchor.

April 1st-30th
• Grade level presentations will be made to students in grades 3 through 6 discussing special needs, with the goal of fostering an understanding of the differences among us.

• SEPTA has purchased and donated children’s books related to students with special needs, which will be read to students in grades K-2

April 4th
• WSS will gather at Camp Anchor to participate in their 2nd annual Walk-A-Thon which is designed to help with the construction of a facility that will allow for services and programs to be provided to children year-round. All are welcome.

June 6th
• The 3rd annual fun run will take place at WSS. Along with helping to defray the cost of renting the race clock, proceeds from the race will be donated to Camp Anchor.

Thank you.

Monday, March 9, 2009

A Spotlight on Students Caught Caring


Enjoy this musical tribute to 43 special students, whose various acts of kindness have earned them a spotlight on the bulletin board in our main lobby. This musical celebration will be modified and additional students added as we help make WSS one of the kindest schools in America.

Monday, February 23, 2009

6th Grade Students Buddy Up with their Kindergarten Friends

Mrs. Sollenne’s kindergarteners and their sixth grade buddy-class got together to read poetry and create Valentine’s Day crafts. Working side by side is a monthly event that everyone enjoys. - Mrs. Drosman

Friday, February 13, 2009

Washington Street School Becomes a "Bucket Filling School"



During the week of February 8th, 34 sixth grade students visited each classroom at Washington Street School to spread the message of the children's book, "Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids)" by Carol McCloud. The premise of the book is that we all carry an invisible bucket that contains our feelings. When our bucket is filled , we feel great. When our bucket is empty, we feel sad.

A bucket filler is someone who says or does nice things for other people, gives hugs and compliments and generally spreads their good feelings to others without being asked. By doing this, they are filling other people's buckets and filling their own at the same time.

On the other hand, a bucket dipper says or does things to cause other people to feel badly. A bucket dipper empties the buckets of others when they say or do mean things.

Help us fill the buckets of all our students, by posting your stories of those individuals who continue to make the lives of others better by being "Bucket Fillers". You can do so by clicking on the comment link underneath this posting.

Thank you to the WSS PTA who so generously purchased a copy of the book for each classroom.

Sixth Grade Students Spread Cheer to Senior Citizens at Ozanam Hall Nursing Home


On December 29th, twelve of my friends and I went to Ozanam Hall to perform a holiday concert for the residents. We chose Ozanam Hall because my grandma lives there. As you know, Mrs. Drosman’s class went to a nursing home to play music for them. My mom, Denise Morfesi, went on our class trip and that gave her the idea of performing a concert for my grandma’s nursing home. It was a lot of fun. All the residents enjoyed it so much. We even saw some people getting out of their seats and starting to dance. We also saw some wheelchairs rocking! When we were finished, we gave each person a flower. We made so many people happy that day. And we all enjoyed it so much. Thanks to my friends…Laura Bennet and Josephine Accetturi on the flutes. Victoria Pitz, Alyssa Jacobs, Olivia Demiglio and Kaite Young played the clarinets. On the saxophones were Mary Pierce, Jenna Turato, Victoria Pitz, Alyssa Jacobs and me, MIkayla Morfesi. Our trumpet players were Jeannine Impellizzieri and Keva Moore. Brenda Darcy played the bass guitar, and last but not least, Jessica Sorrentino on the drums. It made us feel great to see smiles on their faces. This trip was amazing, and I will never forget it and neither will my friends.

Mikayla Morfesi

Saturday, January 31, 2009

A Spotlight on Students Caught Caring


Enjoy this "inaugurally inspired" musical tribute to 34 special students, whose various acts of kindness have earned them a spotlight on the bulletin board in our main lobby. As an added bonus, we have also included the grade level winners of the WSS Kindness Poster contest. The work of these students as well as that of many others can be found along the walls of our school.

This musical celebration will be modified and additional students added as we help make WSS one of the kindest schools in America.

Washington Street School Celebrates 2nd Annual "Soup-er Bowl"

On Friday, January 30th students and staff participated in the 2nd annual SouperBowl. Students and staff donated over 650 cans of soup for Long Island Cares, which provides food for needy families. The week long collection was capped with a special recess period where students and staff took turns kicking or throwing a football through a field goal post constructed for this special event. Thank you to Ms. Campagna, Mr. Soupios, and Mr. Stella for helping to organize this fun event, and to all the staff members who participated.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Sixth Grade Students Visit Ronald McDonald House


During the week of January 26th, sixth grade students went on a field trip to the Ronald McDonald House, an organization whose mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children by providing a place for families to stay when their child is in a hospital far from home. The following description is brought to you courtesy of Angelica Velez and Alicia McGowan.

We took a tour of the building and talked about the families that come there. Most families were not from another country but sometimes people come from around the world. Our class donated some items to the foundation such as travel-sized toothpaste and aluminum foil.

Inside the lobby, there was a lounge with a giant doll house and big, comfy couches. There are 42 bedrooms, 2 Kosher Kitchens, 8 kitchen stations, 5 laundry rooms, and a library. It's located on the campus of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center and just a short walk to the Schneider Children's Hospital. This is the 100th McDonald House in the world and there are 277 Houses in total. Each bedroom is equipped with 2 full sized beds, 1 full bathroom, 1 desk, 1 closet, 1 hairdryer, and 1 laundry basket. There are even signs written in Braille for blind guests. There are 120 volunteers and 9 employees currently working. James was our tour guide. He gave us information about the house. The House had a Jets and Mets room complete with signed memorabilia. Sometimes players from the teams come to meet the families.

We learned about a girl named Noora that went to the Schneider Children's Hospital. When Noora wasn't under treatment, she would host costume parties to entertain the guests at the House. Unfortunately, Noora passed away at the age of nineteen. In one of the many playrooms in the house, there is a wardrobe called Noora's Closet that contains all of her costumes. The wardrobe is locked so nobody can disturb any of her belongings.

We strongly recommend taking a visit to this wonderful home away from home. This wonderful organization helps the families of sick children. If you are looking to donate to an organization that helps sick children and their families, please consider the The Ronald McDonald House.

By Alicia McGowan and Angelica Velez

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Washington Street School Wishes You a Joyous Holiday Season

Please enjoy this musical tribute to Mr. Tuthill, Mr. Baker, and the many students who made the recent Winter Concert so special. Thank you also to all the staff members and parents who volunteered their time. Your help, as always, is invaluable and so greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

6th Grade Students Help Bring Joy to Children in Local Hospitals




Through their efforts, the 6th grade students have and will continue to raise money to support the Starlight Foundation, which helps provide programs that educate, entertain, and inspire children battling serious illnesses. At the WSS Winter Concert on Monday, December 21st, students presented Lauren Beringer from the Starlight Foundation and Nicole Rossol from North Shore Hospital a check for $1000.00, as well as a DS Entertainment system. The DS was requested and will used by children during their hospital stay. The money will be used to bring entertainment programs to the children at the hospital.

A special thank you to all our students who have given their time to help others and to Mrs. Teresa Weegar, who has been the inspiration behind this wonderful effort for which we are all so proud.

Grade 1 students help local family

The first grade students at Washington Street School were asked to do small chores at home to help raise money for the Newsday Charities Help-A-Family Fund for this holiday season. Through their hard work and combined efforts, they were able to raise $247.00. This amount will be matched 50 cents per dollar by the McCormick Foundation. The first grade teachers would like to thank all the children for working together to help a needy family at this time of year. We are proud of you all!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Spotlight on Students Caught Caring

Please enjoy this muscial tribute to 26 special students whose various acts of kindness have earned them a spotlight on the bulletin board in our main lobby. This musical celebration will be modified and additional students added as we continue to prove true the adage that "kindness breeds kindness".

6th Grade Students Perform Holiday Music for Seniors at Orzac Center

On December 5th, students from Mrs. Drosman's class returned to the Orzac Senior Citizen Center to play games and make crafts with many of the residents. As an added treat, several students from Mr. Tuthill's band performed a number of festive musical pieces for the residents of the Orzac Center.

Sixth Grade Students Buddy Up with First Grade Students

Did you ever have a sixth grade buddy when you were little? Mrs. Hayden's class has begun to help Mrs. Rudolph's younger class with different projects. Our first project was to make a turkey for Thanksgiving. They colored the feathers in and we, their older buddies, had to sew them onto the turkey's body.  Then, the little kids glued poems onto the center of their turkey project.  My group was finished first so we read to our little buddy while the other kids finished working on their turkeys.  We all had a great time. Our class is looking forward to doing more projects with this class and spending time with our little buddies!   - Alexandra Dos Santos

Monday, December 15, 2008

WSS students Sponsor a Family for Thanksgiving



Grade 4 students at Washington Street School, along with students from Mrs. Wagner's 5th grade class focused on the virtue of kindness by Sponsoring a Family for Thanksgiving. In the spirit of giving, each class provided a turkey and all the trimmings for some less fortunate families. The students felt great pride in giving to others, as well as a sense of gratitude and awareness for that which they are thankful.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Washington Street School Partners Up with Carey H.S. to introduce Peer Mediation Program


On Thursday, December 11th and Friday, December 12th, Washington Street School welcomed Mr. Keith Lynch and Ms. Michelle Spaterella, as well as 10 juniors and seniors from Carey High School's Peer Mediation program. The 4 hour training session involving 24 5th and 6th grade students, incorporated discussion and role-playing and is designed to empower students with the skills to help resolve conflicts peacefully. The program will operate under the supervision of WSS school psychologists, Mr. Jason Tomack and Dr. Stephanie Baglici.

A special thank you to Mr. Lynch, Ms. Spatarella, and Carey students: Kerry Gilroy, Richardson Cadet, Michelle Hegarty, Amanda Hegler, Sal Manzo, Kristen Meaney, Vincent DiCairano, Gina DeGregorio, Sarah Kirell, and Justin Porto for giving their time and sharing their knowledge for this most worthwhile endeavor.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Washington Street School Collects Toys for Children in Need


Thank you to the entire Washington Street School family for helping to make the most recent toy drive so successful. Our efforts helped collect over 200 toys, which will be donated to the Footsteps Learning Center in Brooklyn, as well as a local Toys for Tots organization. Both programs provide toys to underprivileged children and our efforts will no doubt put smiles on the faces of so many children. A special thank you to Mrs. Gioia, Mrs. Sabatino, and our wonderful P.T.A. for helping to make this effort so successful.

Friday, December 5, 2008

WASHINGTON STREET SCHOOL STUDENTS HONORED FOR CARING

Please enjoy this muscial tribute to 17 special students whose various acts of kindness have earned them a spotlight on the bulletin board in our main lobby. This musical celebration will be modified and additional students added as we continue to prove true the adage that "kindness breeds kindness".

Monday, December 1, 2008

Annual PTA/STAFF Volleyball Game Helps Kick Off Toy Drive


As you may know, the Staff vs. PTA volleyball game was the kick-off for our school’s toy drive. There was a great turnout. All those in attendance were treated to an intense and entertaining game. While the staff prevailed 3 games to 2, the true winners were all the kids who will receive the toys collected during this toy drive.

Don’t worry if you didn’t get the chance to donate, you can still bring in new unwrapped toys. The toy drive ends December 12th, which is our annual Holiday Brunch. Boxes will be in the main lobby of Washington Street School.

Once again WSS shares their kindness and caring with those less fortunate. Thank you to all!

- Samantha Raggio

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

6th Grade Students Bring Joy to Local Children


The car wash was very special to me. We raised money to help sick children in the hospital. The day was cold but I had fun with my friends. We drank hot chocolate and had donuts and cookies. We had pizza too! But what I liked most was sharing time with all the volunteers at the car wash. It was hard work, but fun! When we finished, we took a picture.

With the money we raised at the car wash and the Fall Festival, we are sending a Nintendo DS with two games and a magician themed party and teddy bears to the children at North Shore University Hospital.. Working together with the Starlight Children's Foundation, our 6th grade class is helping to bring smiles to sick children!

- Emma Larrea

1CO Celebrates the Fall Fiesta

Enjoy our spotlight on the students of 1Co, who have demonstrated repeated acts of kindness and have exemplified that it truly is "Cool to Care".

Monday, November 17, 2008

Sixth Grade Students Help Local Families


On November 14th, 2008 23 students took a special field trip to Stop & Shop to go food shopping. Together, the students in my sixth grade class combined their $200donation money, which they earned, and spent $175 on a traditional “soup to nuts” Thanksgiving meal for some needy neighbors.
Students shopped using coupons, flyers, calculators, pre-made lists and clipboards. Patient parents helped guide groups and shopping carts through the aisles. The little shoppers compared brands and sales while continuously keeping track of their allotted funds. Boys and girls helped bag their items in their own re-usable grocery bags, which they insisted on using. Stop & Shop helped the cause by donating $100 in store gift cards for the future purchases of perishables.
Back in the classroom, students wrote reaction letters to the food recipients explaining the numerous life lessons they learned from this experience. Lessons varied from meal planning, budgeting, problem solving and civic responsibility. The St. Catherine of Sienna Outreach Program will deliver the ten boxes of food and gift cards to our neighbors who are in need at this time.
I would like to thank all the 6Dr families for their generous contributions of money and time and helping to make this honorable lesson possible. Once again, these young people have made a big difference in the lives of others.

- Mrs. Drosman

Coat Drive Helps Collect Over 250 Coats for Families and Children in Need


Thank you to Mrs. Nancy Fiumaro and Mrs. Lucy Pitz who organized the most recent coat drive that helped collect over 250 coats for families and children in the local area. A special thank you to all who donated to this worthwhile program. Once again, the Washington Street School family has come through for so many.

The program is run by the National Cleaner's Association, which collects, dry cleans, and distributes coats to those in need. The coats from this drive will go to families in the Elmont and Hempstead area, as well as throughout Nassau County.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Mrs. Drosman's 6th Grade Class Visits Orzac Center


My class recently went on a field trip to the Orzac Rehabilitation Center in Franklin Square. When we went to the Orzac Center, I think we really put a smile on the residents' faces. We played games like checkers, chess, tic-tac-toe and cards. When we visited the senior citizens, we could see how happy it made them feel that we were spending time with them. Going on the trip to the Orzac Center really brought out the best in all of us. Everyone was very kind to the residents and we had a great time! The senior citizens loved the crafts that we made with them so much that there wasn't a single craft left in the box. We made things like Thanksgiving door hangers, pumpkin scratch offs with a string, and we colored and made cards for the residents. Our class will visit five times throughout the school year. For the next trip, we are planning on bringing our instruments and playing holiday songs!

Victoria

Friday, October 31, 2008

2008 WSS HALLOWEEN PARADE

Welcome to the WSS BLOG :-)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Washington Street School Cares

Recently, we at Washington Street School launched the "Be A Buddy - Not a Bully" and "It's Cool to Care" initiatives. Both efforts are designed to encourage parents, staff, and students to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Over the course of the school year, we hope to celebrate the many wonderful and kind acts of our students, staff, and parents. This blog is a means towards that end. While the act of doing good is its own reward; kindness breeds kindness. Please help us recognize the many wonderful people who go above and beyond and truly make WSS a place where "It's Cool to Care."