Students in Mr. Lauro's fifth-grade class at James H. Boyd Intermediate School had the opportunity earlier this year to serve as Newsday Kidsday reporters. As a team, the students collaborated on topics for possible articles to run in the Kidsday section for an entire week. For one particular article, the fifth-graders toured the Madame Alexander Doll Company in New York City. Following their trip there, the students wrote a profile piece about the company and the products they make. Students also visited the American Museum of Natural History to detail their experience of the museum's "Dark Universe" exhibit, and even interviewed comic/actor Bill Hader on his role in "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2."

"This was an excellent opportunity to provide a real-life, hands-on opportunity for our students to further their learning," said Mr. Lauro. The students were recognized by the Elwood Board of Education in April for their outstanding efforts and work.