Clara H. Carlson School students and staff paid respects to Mr. Giandonato “John” Orlando, a maintenance worker at the school who sadly passed away last year, with the dedication of a new Little Free Library on Sept. 27. This initiative was led by the Building Advisory Committee.

Mrs. Samantha McNamara led the BAC team to acquire the Little Free Library, which will provide free, donated books to the students at Carlson. With the help of the maintenance and custodial team, the library was installed just prior to the ceremony.

One class from every grade attended the ceremony held that morning. Mr. Orlando’s own family members were also present, with his grandchildren placing the first donated books into the library.

During the ceremony, fifth grader David Latimer read aloud the poem, “I Opened a Book,” and teacher Mrs. DiRe read aloud a tribute. Mr. Orlando’s friend and colleague, Mike Deutch, unveiled the library.

“This Little Free Library is a collective effort, by so many, that will help foster a love for reading,” Assistant Principal and BAC leader Richard Mansfield said. “It is also a wonderful tribute to a man who gave so much to the Elmont school community. I’m so proud of how the school community came together to make this literacy initiative come to fruition.”

Click here to view the Clara H. Carlson School Honors Former Staff Member slideshow.

Date Added: 10/3/2024