To coincide with the season of giving, empathy is the theme of the month for December as part of the Wantagh CARES social and emotional learning program. At Mandalay Elementary School, fourth and fifth graders demonstrated empathy through a service learning project.

The school partnered with Letter Against Isolation, a nonprofit organization devoted to combating senior loneliness by sending cards to senior citizens across the world. Mandalay students made cards and letters that will be delivered to residents of nursing homes in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

School counselor Donna Shulman visited the classes to talk to students about the history and mission of Letters Against Isolation. She then asked students to compose handwritten messages for seniors. They put their friendly letter-writing skills to good use and included warm wishes for the new year, winter-themed images and silly jokes. Students were also encouraged to share a little bit about themselves, such as their interests and hobbies.