The response to the Sept. 11 tragedy from students, staff, parents and other community members in the Massapequa and Plainedge School Districts was immediate and generous. What can we do to help, they wanted to know. How can we provide support and contribute to relief efforts? Students, faculty, advisors and PTA leaders immediately went to work.

The families of 17 students in the Massapequa District were directly affected by the World Trade Center tragedy. "Our hearts go out to those students who lost family members in the attack," said Administrative Assistant Robert Schilling. "However, it is a minor miracle that more students weren't directly affected. There are 8,574 students in the Massapequa School District, many of whose family members work for the fire or police departments, or commute into Manhattan on a daily basis. We are grateful that so many students in our school community were spared."

Each school in the Massapequa District did their part to raise money and collect supplies in the wake of the tragedy. Eastlake School alone, through the efforts of teachers and staff, collected over $1800 to be donated to the American Red Cross. The sixth-grade girls raised money by making pins out of beads shaped like the American Flag. The PTA, together with St. Rose of Lima, collected shirts, socks and cases of water, which were shipped via Verity Van Lines to volunteers at "Ground Zero." Other schools in the district held bake sales and vigils, anything to show their support in this national crisis.

At Packard Middle School in the Plainedge District, the Honor Society undertook a fund raiser for the American Red Cross. Students held lemonade sales, bake sales, and put collection cans throughout the building. In only five days, they raised $3,600. HSBC Bank agreed to match the funds collected, up to $3,000, so the total donated to the Red Cross equaled almost $7,000. "The outpouring of support from staff, parents and students was overwhelming," said advisor Barbara Sklar. "We all want to help in some way."

The response from Plainedge High School students, staff and parents was just as generous. "I'm incredibly proud of our students," said Principal Carole Reece. "They are a credit to their families and community."

Students held a clothing drive for relief workers on Sept. 13 and 14 and delivered carloads of supplies to the Salvation Army in West Babylon. The English National Honor Society sold out their red,white and blue ribbons in little over an hour, raising $300. The girls volleyball team held a bottle drive Sept. 22. The School Student Council held a car wash at John West School Sept. 16, and in one day raised $3,371 for the American Red Cross. "The support from the community was tremendous," said Keri Widman and Stacey Hagofsky, who along with Gina Smith, Gina Plana and Maureen Brennan, chaperoned the event. "People just gave us donations. They wanted to contribute any way they could."

Money raised by Plainedge High School students is also being doubled by a corporation. The high school senior class donated the $300 they raised this summer at a car wash, funds that were initially intended to offset the cost of their senior prom.

In addition to fund-raising efforts, Schwarting Elementary School's Student Council organized a candlelight vigil Sept. 21. Over 300 people attended. Parents, grandparents, students and teachers recited the Pledge of Allegiance and a minute of silence was observed to honor all those lost in the disaster. Patriotic songs were also sung.

Students decorated a banner with their handprints which is displayed on the Jerusalem Ave. side of the building. "We want to show the community how much we support the victims and their families," said Donna Pessah, who with Debbie McCaffrey and Theresa Devlin, are advisors to the student council.

"The efforts of the Plainedge School community to come together to do everything they can for victims and their families, and for the aid workers is just tremendous," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. John A. Richman. "I am proud to be associated with a community that cares so much for their fellow human beings."