Merrimac Elementary students have been busy with service projects as always.
Shannon Abraldes, a third grade student in Ms. Gagnon’s class wanted to spread awareness for the Spinal Muscular Atrophy disease. Her sister, Deirdre, passed away from a disease when she was only 1 year old. SMA is a disease that robs people of their physical strength. The motor neuron cells in the spinal cord are affected taking away the person’s ability to talk, walk, eat and breathe.
Her friend, Ava Lovergine, and Shannon wanted to raise money for this important cause. The money was donated to an organization called Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy, who helps doctors and researchers to find a cure.
With her mom’s great baking skills, plus help from a baker – and thinking win-win – cookies were made and over $1,200 was collected for the cause. Shannon titled her project- Cookies for a Cure.
“Shannon and Ava were amazed at what setting a goal followed by a plan and eliciting the help of her school community could do,” said Merrimac Principal Veronica DeCicco.
On another positive note, Matthew Ostroski (third grade in Ms. Gagnon’s class) and Ava Tepedino(fourth grade in Ms. Guider’s class), combined efforts along with the help of the Student Lighthouse Team for Merrimac’s One Warm Coat Drive.
They wrote announcements, created flyers and got the word out to the Merrimac community. The students responded and over 90 coats were donated to the Bay Area Head Start in Patchogue.
“The students researched places to donate the coats, hats and gloves and they found the One Warm Coat organization,” said DeCicco. “Students displayed strong leadership skills as they synergized with the Merrimac community to help others.”
At Merrimac, Service Project ideas involve completing a Student Service Learning Planning Sheet which outlines the actions needed, time frame, goal, people and resources that will help achieve the goal, as well as the importance and impact of the project on others.
These ideas are shared with the Student and Staff Lighthouse Teams to discuss implementation and where the project fits in the bigger picture of schoolwide goals. The projects connect to Habit 8- Find Your Voice and Help Others Find Theirs.
