Students at Commack Road showed their support for April as Autism Awareness Month by purchasing Autism Speaks “puzzle pieces” and bake sale items during lunch, raising $930 in just three days.

Assisting in the event, which was organized by resource room teachers Patricia Raben and Debra Scheel, were dedicated fifth-graders Jole Anna Bacelli and Madelynn Lang. Both students have family members with autism.

“Jole Anna and Madelynn not only helped make the fundraiser a successful one, but brought ideas and the gift of heart to the project, every step of the way,” said Scheel. “As a parent of a child who is on the spectrum, this cause has always been very near to my heart. What I never expected was the incredible generosity of elementary school students and staff enthusiastically choosing to purchase a cardboard puzzle piece to be displayed with their name in a show of support. I am blessed to work with such wonderful people.”