Do you have an American flag that is tattered, torn, or worn?  In honor of Memorial Day, Stimson Middle School wants to help you give your flag the respectful sendoff it deserves. Now through Friday, May 23rd, Stimson is holding an American Flag Disposal Drive.  The project is part of the middle school’s 100th anniversary celebration of the South Huntington School District and continues Stimson’s year of community service and civic involvement.  

A special collection box was created for the drive and has been placed in Stimson’s front entrance lobby by the main office.  Assistant Principal James Tomeo proposed the idea.  “I bought a new flag for my house. And I have two old flags. I didn't know what to do with them,” said Mr. Tomeo.

Teachers Mr. Keith Gunsel (Social Studies) and Mr. Matthew Collins (Technology) teamed up to construct the box with the help of students in Stimson’s Life Skills Vocational Program (LSVP).  It was another skill for the LSVP students to learn as they were able to safely use palm sanders to prepare the wood surface for staining.  The Life Skills students, who have a variety of challenges such as cognitive impairments, autism or physical conditions, take classes in academic subjects like math, English, and social studies at Stimson everyday while also learning practical and social skills that will help them live independently.   

Mr. Collins then had his digital technology students, who have been learning how to create Canva templates, work on creating a design for the front of the collection box.  The winning design was the work of 7th grader Brady O'Connor.  

Mr. Gunsel was proud to get involved with the project.  He is a retired Navy Master Chief Operations Specialist and a leader with Scouting America Troop 218.  After the old or damaged flags are collected, Mr. Gunsel and his troop will properly retire the flags as they have on previous scouting trips, which usually involves burning the flags and then burying the ashes.

Anyone from the community is invited to drop off their worn flag for disposal.  Security and/or reception in the front vestibule will be able to collect your flag and drop it in the collection box.  Students can also bring flags in with them for drop off.  

Mr. Tomeo hopes that this will be the start of a new annual tradition at Stimson.