The East Meadow School District’s Board of Education recognized four Barnum Woods Elementary School staff members for their quick thinking and heroic actions in responding to a student who was choking during its Oct. 7 meeting at Salisbury School.
Principal Amanda Sagnelli, lunch monitors Donna Goldstein and Dolores (Dee) Swenson, and school nurse Kelly Lederer received certificates of recognition in appreciation of their exceptional efforts to protect a student’s safety and well-being.
The incident occurred when a student at Barnum Woods began choking on a chicken nugget. Ms. Goldstein and Ms. Swenson remained calm, relied on their skills and successfully dislodged the food, helping the student in a critical moment. Ms. Sagnelli and Ms. Lederer were also recognized for their roles in supporting the school community’s response and commitment to student safety.
The certificates acknowledged the recipients’ “exceptional act of heroism in saving the life of a child” and expressed the district’s sincere appreciation for their dedication to the safety and well-being of all students.
Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Rosner emphasized the importance of every staff member’s contribution to the district.
“If you think for one moment that we don’t have staff here who don’t play a vital role in what we do, you’d be mistaken, because everybody plays a role,” Mr. Rosner said.
The recognition highlighted the essential role school staff members play in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Through their preparedness, composure and dedication, the Barnum Woods team demonstrated how the actions of caring professionals can make a life-saving difference.
Photo caption: The East Meadow School District’s Board of Education recognized four Barnum Woods Elementary School staff members for their quick thinking and heroic actions in responding to a student who was choking during its Oct. 7 meeting at Salisbury School.
Photo courtesy of the East Meadow Union Free School District