Greg Scesney's fourth grade class at Parkway Elementary School was recently involved in an integrated lesson focused on Martin Luther King Jr. The students wrote letters to Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs for her support in the re-naming of Plainview-Old Bethpage Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The park is located on Washington Avenue opposite the new senior development.

The students petitioned Jacobs as part of a lesson that Scesney taught around Martin Luther King Jr. Day that integrated many themes. The students learned how to write persuasively, how the government process works, and how different types of people have contributed to this nation. A geography theme was also incorporated as the students learned about the southern state as well as India.

"I was very impressed with the letters that I received from the students and their knowledge of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the wonderful attributes that he stood for," said Jacobs. "I am going to do everything I can to make sure the proper authorities are aware of their desire."

Jake Goldsmith wrote: "All the kids in our class request the name of Plainview Old Bethpage Park be changed to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. He has done a lot for us so we should do at least half that much for him. Like most classes, our class enjoyed studying Martin Luther King Jr. and all the remarkable things he did. He never gave up on his dreams. Also, Dr. King helped fight for all who did not enjoy well deserved, God given rights... Not many people were as brave as he was and I think he deserves more than just a holiday... We thank you for considering this request even if you say no."

Erica Napchan wrote "Dr. King was a great man who wanted everyone to be together and a park is a great place for all people to be together so we should honor him this way... I think that his family and everyone else would be happy seeing that we care."

Dillon Buchberg wrote "Dr. King was a wonderful man who changed lives of many. One of his accomplishments was that he helped get equal rights for everyone... I believe it would be a great honor to rename Plainview Old Bethpage Park to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Jacobs said she received the letters earlier this week. She plans to review them, write a letter to the proper authorities and send each of the children a copy of the letter and keep them updated on the situation.