Residents in New York and New Jersey continue to struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which left downstate in turmoil. Efforts to support those affected by the hurricane are continually being developed, including the following initiatives organized or highlighted through the School of Education. Perhaps you or you along with your students, your classmates, your school, your friends, or your family can provide support. Although news coverage of the struggle has waned, recovery efforts cannot.
Families and schools are in need. Can you help? Read more to find out how.
Provide a Box of Books & Adopt-A-School
Many downstate schools have been identified as having severe needs, including having their school or classroom libraries wiped out. Our Professional Development Schools Consortium has a list of these high needs schools. Project Flight has donated nearly $20,000 worth of children’s literature to be sent to "Sandy Schools." Pay for postage to send one box of books to a school. Adopt-A-School by connecting with a school (for example, by establishing a pen pal project between an area school and a downstate school or sending cards for support). Make the connection as large or as small you desire! Email Leslie Day for more information.
Take the Student Teacher Challenge
Sue Salzler’s student teachers are raising funds to be donated to Literacy Lifeboats, which was brought to their attention by Sally Weidler who wrote, "I learned about the Literacy Lifeboats Initiative through a friend on Facebook...in support of helping the NYS schools rebuild their classroom libraries for teachers and children." Learn more about Literacy Lifeboats at: http://readingandwritingproject.com/literacy-lifeboats or email Sue Salzler.
Travel to New York or New Jersey for Your January Break or Spring Break
Nick Galfo, a PDS student representative, is working to get students together to visit downstate to help with the recovery efforts already underway. Details are being developed through the Volunteer and Service Learning office. Email Laura Rao for more information.
Volunteer - Visit these Websites for Information
Corporation for National and Community Service - http://www.serve.gov/sandy/
New York Cares - http://newyorkcares.org/
Hands On Network - http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/handsondisasters
New York Service - http://www.nycservice.org/pages/pages/8
Information is also posted on ORCA (CDC online system to search jobs and volunteer opportunities) at http://www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc/index.html