HOW IT WORKS
Students in this program were directly affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks. The students saw the Twin Towers collapse from the windows in their classrooms. Therefore, there is a tremendous relevance for them in The Nino’s Restaurant 9/11 Fund. Nino’s Restaurant is close to the World Trade Center site and when tragedy struck, the restaurant dedicated itself to providing free meals to the many workers who gave of themselves so selflessly. The students found information about the restaurant by visiting it and doing research. They shared data, facts, and ideas, and created a body of work to present to their fellow students and the Parents’ Association. One particular activity involved a news article about the founder of the restaurant, Nino Vendrome. The teacher read the first paragraph aloud and wrote down (on a T-chart) questions and new information gathered while reading. The students continued the activity with the remainder of the article. The group generated lists of questions they still had and lists of information they learned. 

THE STUDENTS
Thirty-three eighth graders participated in this program. They met outside of school to visit the restaurant, met five times weekly for two weeks, and went to the computer lab twice to work on the project. The social outreach theme of this program combined with the required tasks make this appropriate for middle school and high school students. In addition, students are able to work on areas of their choice: researching and collecting information, writing informational text, creating an artistic response, making an oral presentation, and using technology to support and extend their research. 

THE STAFF
Marianne Gavin is an English teacher at Dr. Sun Yat Sen Middle School. The computer teacher, John Natuzzi, was an invaluable resource in teaching students how to use the PowerPoint presentation. 

WHAT YOU NEED
This program required three to four field trips to Nino’s Restaurant. Students used video and digital cameras to record the artwork, people, and the restaurant itself. Periodicals (such as The Daily News) containing articles about Nino’s were excellent sources of information for the students. Some students chose to copy the angel statue outside the restaurant, using oak tag and markers. The art supplies needed depend upon the students’ preferences of mediums. Students also need access to computers and the program for a PowerPoint presentation. 

OVERALL VALUE
The Nino’s Restaurant 9/11 Fund was a very important and meaningful program for all participating students and those who learned of it. It has changed students’ perspectives about their neighborhood and neighbors. The children were fascinated with the sense of volunteerism and humanity surrounding Nino’s Restaurant. This helped promote empathy and social awareness. When students learn about and teach others something so evidently valuable, it boosts the self-esteem of all involved. Beyond the practical and essential opportunities of presenting  nonfiction information to a real audience, students acquire a sense of accomplishment with this socially conscious project.