Pulaski Street School students in Room 206 held an item raiser for two Riverhead graduates (Matthew McArdle and AJ Alfred Grossklaus) who are currently serving their country in Afghanistan. Their goal was to send these boys and those in the troop they are serving with some much needed and appreciated supplies.
“The conditions that our soldiers must endure are brutal to say the least,” states Lisa McArdle-Abinette, whose son, Matthew McArdle, and nephew, AJ Alfred Grossklaus, are serving in Afghanistan. “They arrive after flying for approximately four days! The troops do not have a chance to shower for weeks or months. Since they have no way to wash their clothes, items like socks get worn until they must be thrown away. Sand is everywhere and gets into their food supply, so single serving packages are the best thing to send.”
“Our class studied Weekly Readers on the war in Afghanistan to help them better understand the situation there,” states Pulaski Street teacher Stacy Hubbard. “In addition, Mrs. McArdle-Abinette went around to many of the classrooms at Pulaski Street and gave an excellent presentation to teach the students about what is going on in Afghanistan and what our soldiers are doing there. Her presentation included reading a published book by students from a class on Long Island (Letters to a Soldier), she showed pictures of her son & his troop, a video clip from National Geographic of a woman soldier on her 6th tour to Afghanistan, and ended with questions and a discussion. After Mrs. McArdle-Abinett’s presentation, the students each wrote letters to Matt & AJ and drew them pictures.
“Your mom cam in to my class,” writes Bella. “I could tell she was really, really proud of you! I think it’s pretty cool that you are serving for our country. I also wanted to ask you, how do soldiers keep warm in Afghanistan? I heard it was like 0 degrees over there! I hope you will always be safe.”
“I’ve never met you, and I probably never will,” writes Angelina, “but I want you and all of the other soldiers out there to know that there isn’t one minute I’m not thankful for all that you do!”
The students in Room 206 sent off about 20 boxes of supplies to Matt, AJ, and their troop. The American Legion on Hubbard Avenue in Riverhead generously paid for the shipping, which was approximately $12.00 per box.
The teachers who participated included: Mrs. Hubbard, Mrs. McCabe, and Computer Lab Assistant Mrs. McCardle-Abinette. Mrs. Giannilo helped sort and pack the items for shipping.
“The students really got into it and did a nice job. I am very proud that our students here at Pulaski Street pulled together for people in need, even though many of them don’t have a lot themselves,” shared Mrs. Hubbard.
Students in Mrs. Hubbard and Mrs. McCabe’s class (Rm. 206) with some of the boxes of food they sent to soldiers in Afghanistan.
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NEWS RELEASE FROM RIVERHEAD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sandra Kolbo
RCSD Public Relations
sandy.kolbo@riverhead.net
631-369-6712
www.riverhead.net
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