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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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".

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

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".

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.

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

2008 WSS HALLOWEEN PARADE

Welcome to the WSS BLOG :-)

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."