The Port Washington Education Support Center wrapped up the year in flowers. Port’s own, Joan Smith, of , led the children in a special Mother’s Day project.
Joan Smith's art has been beautifying our homes and special events with her unique floral designs for years. This month, she shared her creative eye and considerable talents with 40 third grade students who attend the yearlong PWEF Educational Support Center program. She donated armfuls of colorful flowers and baskets and taught the children how to create a gift for mom.
This has been another banner year for the PWEF Education Support Center, created in 2004 to assist 3rd graders who need extra help with their studies. The after-school program is housed at the and funded by generous PWEF donors, including Ed and Dot Slade. The program focuses on literacy as well as offering creative enrichment activities including music, art, problem solving, homework help and writing exercises.
Guest speakers round out the experience. The intergenerational volunteer staff is comprised of retired Port Washington educators, community members and current Schreiber students. This year’s special guests included, artist Seth Ehrlich and author Dan Paisner. On Mr. A Day, (named in honor of beloved Daly School Principal and Center volunteer, Lee Aschenbrenner), the students sang a Port-themed song written by Center volunteer and PWEF Board Member, Doreen Gamell, who accompanied the children on guitar. This year, the students also wrote books, highlighting a special time in their lives and crafted hand-made covers using a delicate rice paper technique.
The program is unique and impactful. Working closely with the Port Schools and third grade teachers, children are recommended to the program in the fall. At year’s end, the students describe themselves as more confident in their abilities and as having a better understanding of what to takes to succeed in school. Their teachers and parents agree!
For more information on the good work of the PWEF Education Support, please log onto www.PWEF.org.
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