PROGRESSIVE’S SPIRIT of GIVING

1/4/08

Progressive School of Long Island’s Generous Spirit

By Margherita Gencorelli-Yoder (MERRICK LIFE 12/07)

It’s not just during the holidays that you’ll find students from Progressive School of Long Island in Merrick coordinating fundraisers, bowl-a-thons, bake sales, etc. to raise money for several charities, such as Autism Speaks, The Bat Conservation International, Cell Phones for Soldiers and Pennies for Ponies, just to name a few.

Each grade (kindergarten through eighth) participates in several service projects throughout the year.  The inner heart of humanity by helping people and the environment is just one of the endearing philosophical concepts of the Progressive School.  Just last week, the Progressive School 2nd grade class, lead by their teachers JoAnne Ziegler and Cynthia Carucci, visited the Freeport Animal Shelter to deliver treats the children made from scratch for the many dogs and cats awaiting homes.  The children also presented the shelter with a check for $103.00; money raised from an auction the class organized last month.  The spirit of generosity was evident in each child’s face when they got to meet the animals they helped with their act of kindness.

It was important for them to see where the money went and to realize that they can make a difference in the world and even in their own community.  So take a cue from the children of Progressive School, help others throughout the year and not just during the holidays.  It will bring you the best gift of all, knowing that you are a compassionate member of the world’s community.


2nd Grade Class:  Samir Aziz, Kassidy D’Amico, Christopher Espinet, Elissa Fielding, Kai Gerdes, Matthew Harrison, Hanna Katz, Oscar Matos, Eliana Milete, Alexander Miller, Jessica Moreo, Charlotte Selman, Nadiya Sivin-Kachala, Carrie Smithing, Amanda Sorensen, Kaitlyn Thomas, George Yang and Joshua Yoder