The Lowell High School

As part of our “Character Education” program, The Lowell High School located in Flushing, New York, continues to participate in the Newsday “FutureCorps” endeavor.  Although the students and staff continue to provide food, toys, and monetary support to organizations through its fundraising efforts, this year they decided to give back to its immediate community. 

The Lowell High School, a non-profit school NYS approved school for students with learning differences, is housed in the Garden Jewish Center in Flushing, NY; therefore, it made sense to do something for the senior citizens of the congregation.  To help build a connection between the students and the seniors, the Student Council sponsored a “Grand-friends” Brunch for the congregants, which was held on April 27, 2010. 

Students served and spoke with over 25 guests about the school and their plans after graduation.  As a result of this event, members of the Center will be attending a performance of the high school’s musical production Oklahoma!  to be held on June 9. And one congregant, a Holocaust survivor, is planning to speak to the students about her experiences. 

In addition, many of the attendees expressed an interest in volunteering at the school.   “This idea started as a simple brunch but has blossomed into so much more,” stated Susan Klein, the principal of Lowell High School.  “It’s so wonderful to build connections between different generations.” 

Mrs. Klein also said that the school is looking into a “technology mentoring program” for next year in which the students would teach congregants how to use computers and the internet.