Students throughout the Lynbrook Public School District recognized the millions who were massacred during the Holocaust in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27.

At North and South middle schools and Lynbrook High School, eighth and tenth graders gathered to view “The Barn,” a sobering documentary that features Rachel Kastner and her grandfather, Karl Shapiro, as they follow his story of survival in the face of unspeakable evil. In Ukraine, a Polish farmer hid Karl and seventeen other Jews for a year and a half in a secret basement underneath his barn. The emotional journey takes Rachel and Karl to the place Karl swore he would never return. Although the memories were difficult to recount, Rachel experienced the tight living conditions her grandfather lived through and understood the insurmountable odds he overcame to survive.

The students watched attentively and empathetically connected to the struggle Karl experienced not long ago. Rachel joined the livestream of the documentary and spoke to students to answer questions about the experience. Students submitted engaging questions about the things she learned about her family and the many Jews attacked during the Holocaust. Rachel’s story exemplified the importance of passing down such stories through generations.

At the elementary schools, students honored the victims and their families through artistic expression. Beautiful butterfly murals stand at Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End, which acknowledge the individuals lost and promote messages of hope. West End students met virtually in the morning as Principal Leah Murray read the book, “Martin and Anne,” by Nancy Churnin, which recounts the struggles of Marin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank, who were born the same year. Fifth graders in social studies classes at each building engaged in lessons about the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this harrowing event.

Date Added: 1/27/2023

This year, instead of creating a craft to take home, students in Mrs. Gundrum's third grade class at West End Elementary School designed snow people made of chocolate bars and winter gloves to be donated to a non-profit for women and children who are experiencing homelessness. The non-profit, Providence House, responded with a letter of thanks.

“The kids did such a great job and really got into the spirit of giving,” Principal Leah Murray said.

Date Added: 1/11/2023

The eclectic array of cultural backgrounds present at West End Elementary School in the Lynbrook Public School District was on full display as students showed off their carefully curated mini museums.

Cultures of countries from around the globe were represented in students’ displays made up of various artifacts and items. At home, students assembled a wide variety of objects that were passed down through family generations and which represent their cultural roots. The cultural displays were presented inside decorated boxes sporting the flags and colors of their countries. Students also prepared information about their cultural background to be shared with visitors.

Date Added: 1/5/2023