As Stewart Manor School students entered the gymnasium on February 13 they were filled with awe and excitement, as a gigantic inflatable Earth model came into view. The Earth Dome, presented by Mobile Ed Productions, is comprised of 24 panels silkscreened with photographs shot from satellites of the surface of the world.

Scholars in pre-K through sixth grade eagerly “traveled” around the globe, learning about continents, oceans and animals. They also identified deserts, rainforests and the equator. While inside the dome, the classes also received another perspective.

The Earth Dome assemblies were sponsored by the Stewart Manor PTA.

Date Added: 2/21/2025

Covert Avenue School scholars in grades 3-6 demonstrated their impressive knowledge of history, including politics, pop culture, sports and famous figures, at the annual History Bee on February 7.

After winning their in-class History Bee, 14 students took to the stage to compete in the schoolwide Bee in front of their peers. Led by school librarian Jessica Murphy, students were quizzed on a variety of history questions, such as “Frank Sinatra, also known as ‘Ol' Blue Eyes,’ was most known for what? to “Who was the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom?”

The first round featured multiple choice questions, and each student was required to get at least one of their two questions correct to move on to the next round. The second round advanced in difficulty, as there were no choices and students had to answer correctly to stay in the competition.

Third grader Jayda Francois, who answered each question correctly, was named as the winner. She earned a prize bag and a MakerSpace day. In addition, her class received Who’s Who History books. Fifth grader Lois George came in second place.

Date Added: 2/20/2025

As part of the district’s ongoing partnership with the Nassau County Police Department, Gotham Avenue School students in grades K-2 were visited by Officer Yolanda Turner on February 6.

The kindergarten scholars joined together in the gymnasium for a read-aloud with Officer Turner. She animatedly read, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, and led the students in a singalong of the children’s book, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”

For scholars in grades 1-2, Officer Turner spoke about the importance of “stranger danger.” She taught the students how to identify safe adults, such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, and bus drivers, while emphasizing the mantra, run, yell, and tell.

These visits with the NCPD aim to build trust and foster meaningful connections between the scholars and law enforcement, while teaching them important and useful lessons.

Date Added: 2/19/2025

The district’s Board of Education meeting on February 11 was a celebration of students’ talents, skills and confidence. 

The meeting began with lively performances by Gotham Avenue School students, who shared songs from their Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assemblies held in January. Decked in handmade hats, second grade scholars took to the stage with bright smiles to sing “Lean on Me.” Student Government representatives shared facts about Black History Month and highlighted the recent projects on Black STEM leaders completed by third and fourth grade scholars in the building. Gotham Avenue’s student presentations concluded with the fifth grade scholars’ powerful rendition of “I Believe in the Dream.”

Following a standing ovation from the audience for the Gotham Avenue School performances, Stewart Manor School Principal Pamela Stamidis and Assistant Principal Pamela Boyd commemorated the success of their building’s robotics team. The students, led by advisers Parveen Rampal and James Ristano, competed at the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Qualifier on January 25. Stewart Manor’s team earned second place in the Robot Performance category and will advance to the next round championships, which will take place on March 9.

Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction Robert Cavaliere and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Administration Dr. Johane Ligondé recognized the creativity and cultural pride of the fifth grade scholars throughout the district who participated in the New York Islanders’ Cultural Inspirations and Patch Program in honor of Black History Month. This year’s winners were honored at a recent Islanders game, followed by a special experience at Belmont Park Village to recognize the students’ hard work. Mr. Cavaliere and Dr. Ligondé honored the finalists from each of the six buildings, as well as the patch and sticker design winners selected by the NY Islanders.

Click here to view the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-Inspired Performances and Student Awards at February Board Meeting slideshow.

Date Added: 2/14/2025

Stewart Manor School fifth graders in Mrs. Gregory’s class recently explored the world of chemistry as they participated in an engaging, hands-on science lab.

Working together in groups, the scholars rotated through five separate stations to observe various chemical reactions. Materials tested included baking soda and vinegar, antacid tablets, cornstarch and iodine, food dye and sugar, and baking yeast and hydrogen peroxide. The fifth graders carefully followed steps to collect data while observing changes

in color and temperature, as well as gas bubbles, which are all signs that a chemical reaction is taking place.

This lab activity supports the Next Generation Science Standard for fifth grade, which encourages students to discover physical and chemical changes through experiments.

“This hands-on activity helped the students learn how to work together, investigate scientific questions and analyze their findings,” Mrs. Gregory said.

Date Added: 2/10/2025