On October 16, Clara H. Carlson School proudly joined the nationwide Unity Day movement, celebrating kindness and standing up against bullying.

During morning arrival, students and staff were greeted by vibrant orange bows adorning the pillars out front. Orange is the official color of Unity Day, and it symbolizes a visible commitment to kindness, acceptance and inclusion. The entire school community was encouraged to wear orange attire to spread the positive message. To elevate the excitement, each grade level held a friendly competition to see which class could show the most orange spirit. The winning classes earned a fun, spotlight-worthy shoutout on the morning announcements the following day.

In each classroom, students participated in a heartwarming “chain of kindness” project. They wrote uplifting messages that came together to form colorful paper chains that decorated the hallways with positivity.

Literacy was also infused into the day, as a selection of antibullying books were shared for teachers to incorporate into their lessons. Throughout the day, engaging discussions on kindness and inclusion took place, fostering a sense of community and compassion among Carlson’s scholars.

This inaugural Unity Day celebration came to fruition thanks to the considerate efforts of the Building Advisory Committee.

 

 

Date Added: 10/28/2024

The excitement and energy were electric as students at Stewart Manor School donned their vibrant pink clothing and accessories, eagerly gearing up for the much-anticipated 17th annual Prediction Marathon on October 22. 

This event has become a beloved tradition in the school community, inspiring scholars to embrace the spirit of giving while championing physical health and wellness since 2007. 

In the lead-up to the big day, fourth, fifth and sixth graders trained hard in their physical education classes. They learned about cardiovascular health and how to find their perfect pace. The run also integrated the students’ math skills into the event, as students calculated their predicted finish time based on previous practice runs. The entire school was involved in the camaraderie, as the younger scholars in pre-K through third grade lined the route, cheering enthusiastically for their peers.

The Prediction Marathon has been organized by physical education teacher Peter Kaczenski since its inception. Mr. Kaczenski guides the students through their training and also ensures the event runs smoothly. 

The school also rallied together for a fundraiser benefiting Strength for Life, a local organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients. This year’s fundraiser was organized by teachers Samantha DeFalco and Cari Clementi. Special Prediction Marathon shirts were available for purchase by students and staff, and families were invited to buy encouraging lawn signs that were displayed along the route to uplift the runners. 

Stewart Manor School is immensely proud to announce that this year, the Prediction Marathon raised an amazing $2,000 for Strength for Life.

 

Date Added: 10/25/2024

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed annually from September 15-October 15, Gotham Avenue School students welcomed three inspiring and influential Hispanic district leaders to share their personal stories of success.

On October 15, the school proudly hosted Elmont School District’s Director of Pupil Personnel Audrey Cabbell, Director of Technology Fernando DeBartolo and Gotham’s own Assistant Principal Sonia Rodrigo. These dynamic leaders participated in a lively and engaging Q&A panel, offering students a special opportunity to learn from their experiences and wisdom.

During the event, held in the school’s gymnasium, the three esteemed guests answered thoughtfully prepared and researched questions from sixth grade Student Government representatives, and generously shared their unique backgrounds and cultural experiences.

"It was an inspiring event that highlighted pride for Hispanic heritage and fostered a deeper appreciation of cultural differences among our students,” Assistant Principal Kimberly Farina stated.

 

Date Added: 10/23/2024

 

The Elmont Board of Education was honored on October 8th by a full house at Alden Terrace School, bringing the community together to celebrate its dedicated members in recognition of School Board Recognition Week, observed this year from October 14-18. 

To thank the board for their hard work and committed service, Superintendent of Schools Marlon Small stated, “The work you do is very important because it impacts the running of our school district, and it affects the lives of our students, their families and our community.”

Following Mr. Small’s remarks, Alden Terrace’s fifth and sixth grade chorus, under the direction of music teacher Gintare Bukauskas, sang beautiful renditions of “What the World Needs Now is Love” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand).” During the performance, the students proudly held paper torches with the word “love” and presented them to the board as a gift of appreciation. At the conclusion of their performances, the students received an enthusiastic standing ovation from all in attendance.

With the assistance of Alden Terrace Principal Shawnée Warfield, the chorus students also gifted the board with cards and handmade artwork created by students in the third and fourth grade Art Club. Dutch Broadway School Principal Cynthia Qasim joined in by presenting student-made gifts in appreciation of the board’s volunteer service.

To conclude the student presentations, Stewart Manor School Student Council members spoke to the board and community about their school’s upcoming Predictions Marathon being held on Oct. 22. The 17th annual event promotes cardiovascular fitness and raises money for breast cancer awareness.

During the regular portion of the meeting, Vice President Lynette Battle celebrated the district's accomplishments since the start of the school year. She highlighted increased student participation in STEM and literacy programs, schools hosting family workshops and events, facility improvements for safe, modern learning spaces and the ongoing focus on equity and inclusion initiatives.

It was a successful board meeting for the Elmont community, as they celebrated the board’s service with students’ musical and artistic talents, as well as highlighted students’ altruism.