Busy week for students at O’side schools

Ed Scharfberg, a retired New York City Police Department detective and former chief of the Oceanside Fire Department, spoke to eighth graders at Oceanside Middle School about his experiences on 9-11 and the lasting impact the events of that day have had on the nation and on the Oceanside community.

For Scharfberg, it’s all about the people — the people who died that day, the families left behind, the heroes who gave their lives saving others, all of the people and organizations who came together in the aftermath to find survivors and help grieving families.

“I want you to remember these people,” said Scharfberg, “even if you didn’t know them. Try to be a better person. Remember that sometimes our problems are not as bad as other people’s. Remember that small acts of kindness go a long way.”

The middle school students paid close attention, asked thoughtful questions and offered heartfelt comments. Later, the students wrote letters to troops stationed overseas on post-9-11 missions.

The middle school is encouraging students to participate in the National Day of Service and Remembrance and some students will fulfilled their community service obligations at the Humanitarian Car Wash the middle school hosted last Saturday morning. In addition, the OMS chorus performed at the Oceanside Remembers 9-11 ceremony at Schoolhouse Green.

Meanwhile, students at School #6 wore red, white and blue to commemorate Patriot Day on September 11.

OHS SADD Club Awarded Driver Safety Grant

The New York Teen Safe Driving Coalition awarded a $200 grant to OHS’ SADD Club, advised by social worker Annie O’Hara, for their participation in the Teen Crashes GTG (Got to Go) program during the 2015-16 school year.

The club will use the funds to continue their efforts to promote safe driving among new, young drivers.