Christian Valdez talked about his shoe tying project, “We have a lot of pre-k age kids that don’t know how to tie their shoes, so we made the tongue of a shoe with shoestrings along with posters in both English and Spanish to give to each class. We went to the classes once a week and worked with the pre-k to teach them how to tie their shoes.” 

Miquel Diaz is working on a project he calls the all-inclusive playground. The playground is equipped specifically with special attention to safety for children that may have special challenges. Right now, the project is in 3D model phase. 

Annie and Emma also shared their lost and found project details. They have made a shelf with hooks to organize the lost and found to make it easier for students to find their missing item. This project is also still in the works. 

Madeline’s project is music therapy. She creates beats and sounds that are similar to other songs without the swearing so that kids can actually listen and enjoy music without the bad words. 

All these projects are unique as are the students. They were very excited to tell everyone in the room about what they have been working on. 

Ali Askew, EAST Facilitator for Clinton Primary said, “This community coffee is to showcase how amazing my students are and allowing them the opportunity to tell people in the community the projects they have been working on. These students won the Judge's Choice Award at our very first East Conference. We were chosen out of over a thousand programs to go to the Capitol yesterday and we've had a very an awesome experience. Out of the five programs at the capital, they chose two of our students to speak at the podium during the press conference. We were recognized twice during the House Education Committee and during the Senate when they convened. I just I want the community to know our kids are doing incredible things, to be proud of them and have the chance to get to know these creative minds,”

Executive Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce spent time talking with each kiddo and said, “This is such a great program, and I am thrilled to be here to hear about all these ingenious projects. I know these students will continue to do great things in the future.”