How it Began . . . the story of Tomorrow's first Responders

The terrorist attacks on September 11th had a tremendous impact on our school population, as we are located less than 10 miles from New York City.  Many relatives and friends worked in or near the World Trade Center and none of us will ever forget those agonizing hours waiting to hear if our families were safe. Days later, my traditional PowerPoint assignments seemed to blur in the wake of this national disaster.  As many students were personally affected by this tragedy, I refocused projects to deal with the emotions of the aftermath.  The children combined meaningful songs with photos to produce an amazing array of tributes. To share our work, we have held  3 anniversary events entitled, "Night of Remembrance & Hope". Local community officials, Police and Veteran Honor Guards, First Responder groups, US Navy, US Marines, faculty, families and students come together to remember those that perished and show appreciation for those who keep us safe.

The Global War on Terror impacted our students as well.  A father serving in Iraq and an uncle serving in the Navy made us realize that we had others to thank, and so . . . OPERATION GOODY BAG was born to physically connect the HOME FRONT with the FRONT LINE. A simple brown lunch bag would be colorfully decorated and filled with poetry, puzzles, personal letters and candy and be shipped to America's First Responders. Our partnership with the US Navy has helped to facilitate the shipment of these Goody Bags to over 20,000 soldiers and sailors.

Thirty four years ago,  I stood in front of my very first science class never dreaming what the future would hold.  My journey followed a winding path from an 8th grade classroom to a naval warship. But it was the Hanger Bay of the USS Iwo Jima that proved to be my greatest experience of my teaching career.

It was 7:00 p.m. on the third night of our voyage.  Our "Night of Remembrance & Hope" was about to begin.  The size of the crowd was unusual for us, over 700 Marines and Sailors strong, but I was sure that my students could handle it.  The lights dimmed and they did what they did best, express gratitude.  As the performance progressed, the audience cried, sang, shouted and danced. When the crowd sang the last notes of God Bless America, the children beamed with pride as they tossed 800 Goody Bags into the crowd.  As they were thanked, hugged and congratulated by more than one teary-eyed Marine and Sailor, they experienced first hand that they were making a difference in the world.

Recent Career Highlights
of Jane Cosco, OGB Director:

Lifetime Achievement Award
Paramus Chamber of Commerce
October  2005

1st Place Positive Promotions 2004
"Teachers Make a Difference" 

 "Bridging New Opportunities through Excellence"  Plaque for
outstanding support
of the US Navy February 2004

Spotlight Teacher  NJN TV Special
Classroom Close-up May  2004

Awarded Certificate of Commendation
 as "Innovator of Program to Bring all Walks of Life Together in a Learning Program"  Paramus Mayor's Office 
May 2004

Featured in US Navy News Magazine highlighting East Brook's TV appearance Spring 2004

Keynote speaker at 2003 NJMHA
9/11 First Responder conference