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Port Jeff Students Promote Peace

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Edna Louise Spear Elementary School students continue to strengthen social connections throughout the school and across the country, and a recent library project will help empower them to make a difference in the world.

Students worked with librarian Mrs. Margaret Hoon to learn about the Peace Crane Project. Mrs. Hoon read the book, “Peace Train,” based on a song written by Cat Stevens more than 50 years ago and recently illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, sharing its message of hope, love and the celebration of all cultures and identities.

The students learned how to create origami – peaceful puppies for the younger students and folded cranes for the older students. They then wrote messages of peace and hope to exchange with students at Cucamonga Elementary School, a school in California, similar in student size to Port Jefferson’s elementary school.

First grade teacher Laura Kelly worked with fifth graders last year and wanted to bring the program schoolwide so she teamed up with Mrs. Hoon to reach more students. Mrs. Hoon had creative assistance from fourth grader Joowon Bak, a skilled origami artist.

The Peace Crane Project is known internationally and helps to strengthen not only writing skills and hand-eye coordination, but encourages friendships, teaches geography and exposes students to new languages and cultures.

Date Added: 9/30/2022