Eastern Heights students sew U.S. flag and are recognized at Elyria City school board meeting

Eastern Heights Middle School special education teacher Kathleen Perro presented a nine-week class project to the Elyria City School Board on April 1 in which about 10 students created a sewn American flag as part of a unit on the military.

Perro described the class’s sequence of projects — studying the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines — and a series of hands-on experiences, including a visit to the county airport and a classroom “boot camp” that emphasized fitness and teamwork. “My name is Kathleen Perro and I am an Eastern Heights Middle School special education teacher,” she told the board.

Students cut five-inch fabric squares, learned to use a sewing machine and practiced patience and teamwork, Perro said. The class presented the finished flag to school veterans on stage; the teacher said the flag had hung on the classroom bulletin board and that she would like to display it in the school so students could see it daily.

One student said the project “made me feel proud of our country” and described learning the correct way to fold the flag. The board and audience offered praise; the teacher said photographs were sent home to families and that the class will accompany Perro to a volunteer recognition dinner at Second Harvest on May 21.

Board members arranged a brief reception and refreshments following the recognitions. No formal action or vote was required for the presentation.