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.

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