The Plainedge Federation of Teachers has generously engaged in an effort to help a local family whose house was destroyed by fire recently and whose father suffered severe burns on both hands while trying to put out the fire. To date, the teachers have donated over $1,100 to the family. In addition, teachers are encouraging all clubs under their leadership, to help out this family who lost everything in the devastating fire.

The Packard Leaders Club under the leadership of teachers Annette Rizzo and David Savage, presented the family with a check for $250. Kerin Fahrback and Kerri Widman, teachers who coach junior and varsity cheerleaders, will be delivering a check for the cheerleaders shortly.

In another example of teacher generosity, Packard teachers donated $285 to purchase gift certificates to Waldbaum's, Boston Market and Pappalardo's for the another family.

These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg of teacher concern for the families of the children they teach in Plainedge. The Plainedge teachers and the Plainedge Board of Education have been engaged in a protracted labor dispute and have been working without a contract for almost two years.

If you wish to make a donation to help the Calderaro family, please contact PFT President Pauline Weissman at Plainedge High School.