Operation Shoebox in action

It is well known that on March 23, 2014, a devastating fire destroyed the James Monroe Elementary School in Edison. Unfortunately over 300 students were displaced.

Middlesex County College had empty buildings that were utilized to place students to continue their studies. These classrooms were refurbished through the teamwork of teachers and others who worked in the school.

Several school districts from other towns donated supplies to those students including Perth Amboy.

At the April 10 School Board Meeting, there was a slide show presentation. It showcased the elementary schools preparing shoeboxes with supplies to present to the James Monroe Elementary School Students.

The schools that participated were: Ceres, Flynn, Patten, Richardson and Wilentz. Some of the students and administrators were recognized at that meeting.

During the slideshow/video you could see the appreciation of the students and adults who gave and received these gifts. The shoeboxes were not only given out to the students, but to the James Monroe Principal, Lynda Zapoticzny.

Principal Zapoticzny had tears in her eyes when she was presented with a gift from Edward J. Patten School Principal Dr. Dulce Rodriguez, and they embraced.

A video was presented at the board meeting.

It is a testament to the community, school administrators, parents, students and the Edison officials that they acted so quickly to put a plan in place. The students lost very little school time.

Communities always come together when necessary to help each other out.

This video presentation was shown toward the beginning of the School Board Meeting. It was sorely needed. It brought smiles and sunshine. Too bad the Board Meeting did not end the same way.

–C.M.