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VOL. 37 NO. 23
JUNE 4 - 10, 2026
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Teachers serve up their support By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Courtesy James Fischman
The Valley Stream Teachers’ Association brought together educators from its four school districts on May 27 to prepare and serve homemade meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Long Island in New Hyde Park.
Several members of the Valley Stream Teachers’ Association banded together on May 27 to prepare and serve homemade meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Long Island in New Hyde Park. About 15 teachers and union members from Valley Stream’s four school districts volunteered their time through the association’s public relations committee to cook dinner for families whose children are receiving medical treatment at nearby Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The teachers’ association is the labor union and professional organization representing more than 1,100 educators and school staff in Valley Stream Districts 13, CoNTINueD oN PAge 10
North junior named to National SADD Student Council By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Valley Stream North High School junior Simardeep Kaur has been selected to serve on the 2026-27 National Student Leadership Council for Students Against Destructive Decisions, joining a group of student leaders from across the country chosen for their commitment to promoting safe and healthy decision-making among young people. SADD announced the council’s membership this spring, recognizing students who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to issues affecting
youth. According to the organization, council members will work with SADD staff, national partners and fellow student leaders to help shape campaigns, advocate for safer choices and amplify youth voices on topics including traffic safety, mental health, substance misuse prevention and personal responsibility. Kaur, 17, is the president of Valley Stream North’s SADD chapter since her sophomore year. Her involvement with the organization dates back to seventh grade, when she first joined after attending a school club fair. She said she was drawn to the group’s activities
and awareness campaigns, including initiatives focused on suicide prevention and positive peer support. “It’s definitely been a journey, but I have enjoyed it,” Kaur said. “Throughout the year, I’ve tried to incorporate new events, and I will do more next year since I’m on the state and national level now.” Outside of SADD, Kaur participates in Ecology Club and Grade Council and volunteers at a cardiology office and a law office. She is also an Advanced Placement student who studies AP Research, AP Language and AP U.S. History. In her free time, she enjoys going to the
gym and watching anime. One reason Kaur values SADD is its focus on peer-top e e r c o m m u n i c at i o n . S h e believes students are often more receptive to messages from their peers than from adults, making student leadership an important part of efforts to promote healthy decision-making. “During your teenage years,
you get closer to your friend groups and your friends, so if your friend were to tell you and give you advice, you’re more likely to take it,” Kaur said. “Usually in this day and age, teenagers go to each other for advice more so than their parents.” As a member of the National CoNTINueD oN PAge 7