Rossi students helping Haiti

Teacher Pam English, American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter Executive Director Pamela Grites, Students Erika Soto, Michael Owoo and Alena Thibault and teachers Amanda Conley and Jeff Ortman. Submitted photo.

Rossi Middle School students raised $662 with a coin drop to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

The drive was conducted the week of Jan. 25, according to teachers Pam English, Amanda Conley and Jeffrey Ortman.

The money was turned over this week to Pamela Grites, American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter Executive Director.

Students at Rossi will also participate in a district-wide initiative to raise more money for the Haitian Earthquake Relief fund. This money will be donated to UNICEF, The United Nations Children's Fund.

Soldier pays visit to Rossi School

Sgt. Duda addresses eighth grade students at Rossi School.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant William Duda, home on a short leave from duty in Kuwait, was a guest speaker this week at Rossi School, where his brother, Keith Santini, is an eighth grade student.

During his presentation, Sgt. Duda shared photographs and video images from the Middle East. 

Duda also visited the classroom of Linda Christopher while his brother was in class, answered questions, and presented some souvenirs.

During October, Christopher's grade 8 class researched military heroes for the Veterans of Foreign Wars' "Patriot's Pen" essay contest.

The essay's topic, interestingly enough, was "when is the right time to honor our military heroes".

"For the Rossi community," said Ms. Christopher, "The time is now."

The Rossi National Junior Honor Society is planning to "adopt" Sgt. Duda's unit and will collect personal items to send overseas.