The STEM classroom at Westview in the Department for Exceptional Children was busy in the weeks before the winter holidays, filled with the sound of saws and sanders. High school students there were cutting out a small forest of plywood tree ornaments, each destined to be painted and decorated by the preschool students in BOCES 2 teacher Francesca Surace’s class.

The student craftsmen, guided by teacher Chris Kneller and SBA Doug Van Roo, have become expert in the safe and responsible use of power tools. They cut the tree shapes, drilled hanging holes for ribbon and were especially careful to smooth all the rough edges so the little ones could handle the trees safely. Then they packed up the ornaments for the short trip to English Village Elementary in Greece. There, our youngest artists created beautiful Christmas tree ornaments their families will cherish.

It’s awesome to see collaborative projects like this that give our students opportunities to use their time and talents to make special things happen for others – many thanks to the gifted students at Westview!