Tiverton teacher helping NY schools

TIVERTON, R.I. (AP) -- A middle school teacher in Tiverton and her students are lending a helping hand to a "sister" school district devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

Louann Pauls has been collecting money, books and other school supplies to be donated to the schools in Long Beach, N.Y. The Long Island community suffered extreme flooding during Sandy and two of its four elementary schools have yet to reopen.

Pauls grew up in Queens, N.Y. She told the Herald News of Fall River ( http://bit.ly/WOffwL ) that she still feels connected to the New York area and considers Long Beach a "sister school" to Tiverton.

Her students held several "hats on" days, in which they each paid $1 to wear a hat while in school. They also organized a bake sale.

Pauls plans to personally deliver the supplies and cash next month.