The Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen James A. Dever Elementary School recently held a dedication ceremony for the school’s new rock garden inspired by the book Only One You by Linda Kranz. Students and staff members painted unique, personalized rocks and placed them in the garden in front of the school—each rock signifying a student’s special individuality. Superintendent of Schools Constance D. Evelyn, Ed.D., Board of Education members and James A. Dever Principal Darren Gruen all participated in the rock painting and dedication ceremony.
Joseph DeVito, owner of the Malverne based home accessories store White House Home, donated the hundreds of rocks used in creating the rock garden. With assistance from PTA moms and James A. Dever staff members, art teacher Ms. Boremski helped guide students through the creative process of designing their individualized rocks. The message in Only One You resonated with students throughout this project—that all of us, in our own way, can make a difference in our own lives, in the lives of those around us, and by so doing, help make the world a better place for all of us.
