(NOVEMBER 2022)—Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen students were busy the week before Veterans Day participating in classroom activities, lessons, and an auditorium assembly focused on the significance of Veterans Day and its importance to all Americans. George Catalantato, U.S. Army “Spec 4” is a long-time, well-respected veteran who shared stories about his time serving our country. Students were eager to listen to Mr. Catalantato’s firsthand account of his experiences and were excited to see what items were commonly used during his service and what they were used for.
In addition to the assembly, students learned about Veterans Day through various classroom activities. In Willow Road Elementary School, students watched short videos to learn who veterans are, what they do, and how Veterans Day became an important day in our country. Wheeler Avenue Elementary School students wrote thank you letters that were mailed to the American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization. Afterward, students drew veterans’ portraits and crafted an American flag-inspired postage stamp. In James A. Dever Elementary School, a student’s father spoke virtually, explaining his 20 years of service.