The Spanish Club, organized by Sra. Latronica, held an event where participants gathered to create paper poinsettias and Christmas cards for Hampton Woods Assisted Living and Nursing Center. 

Sra. Latronica received a “bigger turnout than expected when roughly 35 students came to her classroom right after school. Because of the large number of students, the event was relocated to the cafeteria, and the students started creating their gifts.

The cards were folded pieces of cardstock or paper that contained fun clip-art images of reindeer, elves, penguins, and more. Likewise, each card had Spanish holiday expressions such as “¡Feliz Navidad!” (Merry Christmas!) and “¡Esta Nevando!” (It is snowing!). 

Students took colored pencils, markers, and crayons to the cards, decorating and writing loving notes to the residents who will receive the students’ cards. Then, tracers were distributed to cut paper that came in a variety of colors. The pieces were all glued together to make beautiful poinsettias that students could give to family, friends, or nursing home residents. Also, Mrs. Pecchia, the head of the special needs classroom, also brought her students since Sra. Latronica invites them to all Spanish Club activities. 

This was the second year that the Spanish Club has made cards for the nursing home.

Sra. Latronica “doesn’t even know how to express” how much she loves running the club because of events just like this one.

In the first year, the residents of the nursing home were incredibly grateful for their gifts.

“It brought joy to all the residents because they don’t receive much,” said Camille Andrews, a current sophomore attending Poland,  and “it helps with the Christmas joy.”

Camille’s mom is a nurse practitioner at Hampton Woods and has seen firsthand the happiness this event has brought to them. Therefore, Mrs. Andrews will gladly deliver the cards on Monday, December 18 to the residents.

Though it started in 2022, Sra. Latronica wants to make it an annual event, so if you missed it this year, make sure to come and help next December!