P.S. 200 gives thanks to troops

P.S. 200, The Benson School, has a very close relationship with the Fort Hamilton Army garrison, which soldiers and students celebrated on Tuesday, November 20 with a special ceremony in lieu of Veteran’s Day.

Students gathered in the auditorium for a slide show, highlighting the troops’ visits to the school over the past couple of years, which have taken place thanks to First Sergeant Darryl Brown of the Navy, who has a daughter at P.S. 200.

The chorus performed touching renditions of “We Are the World” and “New York, New York,” complete with a kick-line. Second graders then read pieces they wrote showing gratitude for veterans.

On a regular basis, the school and troops from the Coast Guard, Army and Navy take part in the Joining Forces in Literacy Program, in which, about once a month, troops read stories to students and give them insight on some of their experiences.

“They help kids to understand how important it is to read,” explained Principal Javier Muniz. “Today, we are giving tribute to vets not only for their sacrifices, but for the help they are giving our school being good role models for our children.”

Anne Capua, P.S. 200’s reading intervention teacher, added, “It’s another way that we supplement the curriculum. We wanted today to say thank you and show gratitude for all they do for the community.

“We are so lucky to have a military base right here in our area,” said Councilmember Vincent Gentile who came out to the festivities. “We should be grateful and thankful that they not only keep us safe, but they give back to the community.”

“You are always thanking us, but we want to thank you,” said Brown. “Although we travel a lot, you allow us to do the things we do.”

To conclude the day, troops read books to second graders in their classrooms.