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HERALD Vol. 24 No. 52
Students take part in All-State
John Priest re-elected
Page 2
Page 7 $1.00 $1.00
DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2024
Clarke REACH students craft holiday decor some of the children in this class have some difficulties with some of their fine motor Students at W.T. Clarke Mid- skills, and that’s something dle School created holiday- that they need to sharpen,” she explained. themed decorations as a part of O’Brien saw a perfect opportheir careers and technology tunity to combine several of class on Dec. 11. The careers and technology her class’ learning objectives class, led by teacher Kristen into one practical lesson. “It had just O’Brien, is part of occurred to me — t h e Re c o g n i z i n g why not come up and Encouraging with a business?” Accomplishments she said. “We have in Children procraft supplies, we gram. The REACH have wood supplies, program specializwe have tools. So, es in supporting what can we do lessons about daily ElizABETH with that to make life skills for stu- DowliNg something creative d e n t s o n t h e principal and exciting, and Autism spectrum W.T. Clarke be able to share it — especially skills Middle School w i t h t h e s ch o o l they will need to community?” succeed in high Each month, the students school and adulthood. “It’s a lot of fun,” O’Brien design what the craft will be said. “I taught art for a number based on the month’s theme, of years, so I really appreciate usually inspired by the holithat we get to infuse creativity days or the season: Toy pumpwith the tech and hand-build- k i n s i n O c t o b e r, a u t u m n t h e m e d we l c o m e s i g n s i n ing parts of it.” O’Brien founded the month- November, and snowmen in December. This month’s snowly crafts project at the start of this school year, after seeing a men were each unique, with custom hats and colors. need to adjust her lesson plan. Once the students have a “In trying to come up with a plan for the year, I noticed that Continued on page 9
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo
jdalessandro@liherald.com
Bob Arkow/Herald photos
Two tree lightings are better than one! Holiday cheer was abundant in East Meadow and Salisbury, as both communities gathered to light their Christmas trees and spread joy ahead of the holidays. From performances to East Meadow School District students to sweet holiday treats, there was plenty of fun to go around everywhere. Above, Payton Lew, 7, Emma Gomes, 6, and Kaitlyn Gomes, 5, at Salisbury’s tree lighting on Dec. 6. Right, Zhujun Yang with her son, Alwyn Yang, 3, braved the cold and bundled up for East Meadow’s tree lighting on Dec. 5. Story, more photos from both tree lightings, Page 3.
T
he kids did such a great job.