Donna Sandak’s kindergarten class participated in the “Grandfriends” program Wednesday morning at North Ridge Primary School. As part of an ongoing partnership with The Bristal Assisted Living at East Northport, senior residents have an opportunity to come read a book to primary school students each week.

Granny Suzie and Jo read “And Then It’s Spring” by Julie Fogliano to the class of five- and six-year-olds, and explained to the students how the winter season is ending and spring is on the way. The class then had the chance to ask about the changing seasons.

North Ridge Primary second graders and other primary school students throughout the district are channeling their creativity with the aid of technology.
 
 Students in Mrs. Maureen MacKenzie’s class are using “Book Creator” software to become digital content creators.
 
 The students have been communicating through the software with second-grade pen pals at Sycamore Avenue Elementary in the Connetquot School District. The pen pals then collaborated on a digital book that can include writing, photos, audio and video.
 
 The technology allows, with teacher clearance, for the book then to be published and viewed by parents. Then, proud parents can share the published work with other family members.
 
 Alise Pulliam, the district’s executive director for instructional technology, recently introduced “Book Creator” to Commack primary students. Ultimately, all grade levels will be introduced to the software.
 
 Administrators from throughout the district visited Mrs. MacKenzie’s class on Thursday to learn more about the students’ creations.

 “These are children in the second grade,” Pulliam said, “and they’re already digital creators.”