In collaboration with the Vetiquette program, students at William O. Schaefer Elementary School and Cottage Lane Elementary School have been creating poppy flowers that will be displayed in France for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6.
This project, spearheaded by Vetiquette founder Maureen Kelly, is happening in several schools across Rockland County as well as two senior citizen homes in South Orangetown and Nyack. In total, 2,501 poppies are being created, one for every American killed on D-Day and Kelly will be bringing each hand-crafted poppy to Normandy, France at Brecourt Manor for the D-Day Normandy Festival. WOS Principal Sheila Beglin and CLE Principal Karen Scarth, Ed.D. worked with teachers at their respective buildings to facilitate the project. At WOS, Art teacher Liz Piteo and WOS teacher Suzanne Luke coordinated the project for all classes and at CLE, Art teacher Tiffany DiVenere worked on the project with her art classes.
“We are so grateful to have this partnership with the Vetiquette program that allows us to thoughtfully and purposefully honor our veterans and those who have served our country,” said WOS Principal Sheila Beglin. “We thank Maureen Kelly, our second grade teacher Suzanne Luke and our Art teacher Liz Piteo for making this project come to fruition.”
Schools will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, May 28 (Day 3).