A Uniondale student is the grand-prize winner and nine other Long Island students are “overall winners” in a statewide contest that asked them to describe why literacy is important to their health and wellness.

The New York State PTA invited children to create an essay, poster or video expressing their feelings on the topic as part of its Every Child Reads Contest, which this year received 145 entries from students across the state.

The grand-prize winner was Arianna Fraser, 9, of Northern Parkway Elementary School in Uniondale, who submitted a three-minute video that depicted children relieving stress by reading. She was awarded a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble and a $250 grant for her school.

“Studies show reading can reduce stress by up to 68%,” Arianna said in her winning video. “It slows your heart rate and relaxes your muscles — almost like meditation.”

Long Island’s “overall winners,” who received $50 gift cards, were Caroline Boecherer of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson; Hudson Knopf of Smithtown Elementary School; Charlotte Yu of Vanderbilt Elementary School in Dix Hills; and Sophia Chen, Tessa Qiu, Sophia Wang and Preston Young of Herricks Middle School.

Austin D’Amico of Udall Road Middle School in West Islip and Vivian Santiago of SS. Philip and James Catholic School in Saint James were winners in the special artist category for students with “physical, cognitive or mental health challenges,” according to the New York State PTA.

“Literacy, and reading with a partner, are so critical to a child’s learning experience,” said state PTA president Patty Frazier. “We are thrilled that these students excelled in expressing why literacy is important for their wellness.”

EAST ISLIP

Restored pond

East Islip Middle School has restored a small pond on its property that will be used for research and hands-on learning by science classes.

The pond, which was built in 2005, was refurbished due to the efforts of science teacher Ray Lang in conjunction with the district’s For the Kids Foundation. Gibbons Pools in Islandia donated labor and materials for the project, according to the school.

“Having a pond, it’s almost endless what you can do with the biology curriculum, from balancing an ecosystem to learning about photosynthesis,” Lang said in a statement.

EAST ROCKAWAY

Video Game Club

Rhame Avenue Elementary School has started a new Game Club in which students gather after school to compete in “friendly tournaments featuring age-appropriate, school-appropriate video games,” according to school officials.

The club’s concept originated last year when the school’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee asked fellow pupils what clubs they would most like to see added to their extracurricular offerings. So far, nearly 100 students have signed up for the club’s six groups, the school said.

“I am most excited that this club is the result of a student-created survey,” said Principal Jack Bixhorn. “It is evidence that students in our school have a voice.”

PORT JEFFERSON

Personal enhancement

Eastern Suffolk BOCES’ Jefferson Middle School has launched a personal enhancement program to help special needs students embrace their creativity while boosting their confidence and self-expression.

The program consists of hands-on lessons that are intended to inspire students “to take pride in both their appearances and individuality,” according to school officials. Specific topics range from hairstyling to hygiene.

“Whether they’re interested in becoming hairstylists, makeup artists or simply want to learn how to take care of themselves, this class gives them a space to shine,” Jefferson cosmetology teacher Staci Palazzo said in a statement.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.