Elmont Union Free School District paid tribute to student achievement and enrichment opportunities during the board of education meeting on March 11.

Alden Terrace School Principal Shawnée Warfield proudly introduced the building’s Mini Bots junior robotics team, who recently participated in the FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival at Mineola High School on March 1. Guided by coaches Mr. Yates and Ms. Leva, the team met weekly to use creative thinking and technology to explore the layers of the ocean in the “Submerged” challenge. The students focused on the uppermost layer, known as the “sunlight zone.” They coded a LEGO submarine to move, created fish and shared their findings on pollution. The Mini Bots’ success at the festival earned them the Special Review Award, which recognizes their teamwork and personalities.

 “They focused on core values that set the foundation for teamwork, innovation, inclusion, impact, discovery and fun,” Mrs. Warfield said.

Following the recognition of the Mini Bots team, the district’s Saturday Enrichment Academy Principals Shona Beldo and Melissa Polzella discussed the range of opportunities offered in the enrichment program, which concluded on February 8. Scholars were able to enroll in courses that peaked their interests, including golf, math magicians, jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking and science experiments. This year, 471 scholars districtwide participated in the Academy.

 

 

Alden Terrace School students recently took part in a schoolwide reading activity as part of the building’s Community Read Initiative, which invites the entire school to read the same book. With the start of Ramadan on the evening of February 28, Alden Terrace School marked the beginning of this special monthlong holiday by bringing the entire school community together in celebration and learning. Scholars in pre-K through sixth grade tuned into a schoolwide virtual read aloud of “Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story” by Reem Faruqi, a children’s book about a young girl experiencing Ramadan in a new country.

The story follows Lailah, a young girl who has recently moved from Abu Dhabi to the United States. Through her eyes, readers gain insight into the challenges and joys of adjusting to a new culture while trying to hold onto the traditions that connect her to her home and her family. The book highlights the importance of cultural exchange, as Lailah navigates the balance between sharing her Ramadan traditions with her new friends and understanding their curiosity about her faith.

Every classroom participated in the read aloud, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. After the reading, students reflected on the themes of the story. Scholars who celebrate Ramadan were excited to share personal stories and traditions with their classmates.

 

Date Added: 3/11/2025

To celebrate and honor Black History Month, Alden Terrace School beautified its hallways for the annual “If These Walls Could Speak” schoolwide project.

Every grade level was assigned a theme, including artists, inventors, musicians, athletes, educators, lawmakers/public advocates and authors. Each class then selected a significant Black figure from history who aligned with their given theme. Researching their accomplishments, scholars used this newfound knowledge to decorate the hallway outside their classroom with large displays of portraits, facts and quotes. Some of the influential figures chosen were Jean-Michel Basquiat, Zora Neale Hurston, Wilma Rudolph and Stevie Wonder.

On February 27, the school held a gallery walk for the scholars to view their classmates’ work and learn about the impressive figures chosen. Through QR codes, the visiting students could access short videos made by their peers that described their selected person. Families at home were invited to join in, as a QR Code presentation of all grade levels was sent home.

 

Click here to view the Alden Terrace School Hosts Annual ‘If These Walls Could Speak’ Event in Honor of Black History Month slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/5/2025