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AMITYvIlle _____________
HERALD ReCORD
Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
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Police safety lesson engages students at Northeast Elementary Pre-K and kindergarten students at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville recently enjoyed a special visit from the Suffolk County Police Department during a schoolwide assembly. Officer Kathy Hawkins of the SCPD visited the district’s youngest learners to introduce them to the role of police officers and other first responders. Through an engaging slideshow presentation, Hawkins explained how police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel work together to
keep students, families, and the community safe. Many students proudly wore decorative police crowns as they listened and participated in the presentation. The assembly concluded with an opportunity for students to personally greet Officer Hawkins, thanking her with fist bumps and high fives. The visit provided students with an age-appropriate introduction to police safety while fostering positive relationships between young learners and local law enforcement.
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos
Organizer Stephanie Benitez at right stands with her peers with a sign reading “No Human is Illegal.”
Amityville students protest ICE By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Students at Amityville Memorial High School walked out of the building Monday morning, March 9 to protest immigration enforcement policies and raise awareness about how they affect families in their community. “Our Voices Matter,” “Abolish ICE” and “Education not deportation” were among the phrases students chanted as they gathered outside the school along Merrick Road. The walkout, organized by junior honor student Stephanie Benitez, began at 10:20 a.m. More than 100 students walked out of the school cafeteria at that time, holding signs and chanting as cars passed by on Merrick Road, many honking their horns in support. Benitez said the “peaceful walkout” was meant to raise awareness about how immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement impact
local families. “We want to spread awareness for all the families that can’t be out here today, or are scared about what might happen,” said Benitez. Many of the students said they fear how immigration policies are affecting families in their community. “The fact that families are getting ripped apart is why I’m out here today,” said Cynthia Pena, a sophomore at Amityville Memorial High School who joined the protest with her classmates. “It’s not fair that children are losing their parents.” Her friend Michael Urbina, who stood beside her, echoed her sentiment. “I feel that it’s unfair to break families apart,” he said. “We are all human; we are not aliens.” Students also said they believe it is important for young people to speak up. “People should speak up more about it and CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Courtesy Amityville school district After the assembly, students thanked Officer Hawkins with fist bumps and high fives.