West Hempstead Educational Association
Members of the West Hempstead Educational Association — along with support from students, district staffers and the community — raised nearly $5,000 at the union's eighth annual Battle of the Schools fundraiser. All proceeds from the event go to fund scholarships for graduating seniors. Above, from left, Stacy Gulisano, Jaclyn Klafter, Denise Frary, Lisa McCarthy and Daisy Weinstein help staff the event.
West Genesee Teachers Association
The West Genesee TA , led by John Mannion, refocused its philanthropic efforts this year a little closer to home. The local coordinated with the district to gather and disburse care items for students, staff and families in the West Genesee community.
WGTA members, along with other West Genesee staff and students, collected non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene and other items, which were sorted by high school student council members and assembled into care kits. More than 75 care kits were made and distributed back to the schools. Additionally, each nurse's office at the elementary schools received a stockpile of assorted hygiene items they will dispense throughout the year as needed.
WGTA members also raised more than $630 for the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
BOCES Educators of Easters Suffolk
The next time members of the BOCES Educators of Eastern Suffolk need to write a note, they can use union stationery — thanks to the work of members Cora Weule- Sparwasser, Gina Gabrini and the students in their graphic arts classes. The fun notepads feature the union name, buzzing BEES, the union website and a catchy tagline — "Education — What the buzz is all about!" The union is led by President James Beck.