Gotham Avenue School’s second and third grade scholars in the Project-Based Learning Club, showcased their business acumen and entrepreneurship skills during PBL Market Day on May 13.

Led by second grade teacher Arielle Parisi, the scholars were challenged to create a business that would benefit the Elmont community. Starting in November, the club members began to brainstorm business ideas. They met once weekly after school, learning about profit, supply and demand, and other business topics. To gather information about entrepreneurship, the scholars interviewed Long Island beauty salon owner Justine Sprio, as well.

Once their business ideas were solidified, the scholars were paired together as business partners. Each partnership was responsible for pricing their items; developing a business name, logo and slogan; and designing flyers and business cards. They also utilized the school’s green screen to film commercials to advertise their business. The partners created a posterboard display featuring their items for sale, their responses to the Q&A with the local salon owner, and writing assignments on being an entrepreneur and their company overview. The businesses included Chocolate Café, Elmont’s Coolest Candy, Kalexa’s Kiddie Gym and The World of Art.

During PBL Market Day, the club members invited their peers in grades 1-3 to visit and view their business presentations. Parents were also invited to view the students’ business presentations. The scholars voted on the businesses they’d most like to see in the community. The winning business was Chocolate Café, who will sell Oreo cookies during lunchtime on May 20. The proceeds will be donated to Student Government for their fundraising efforts.

This hands-on club project allowed the scholars to learn more about business, practice their public-speaking and writing skills, and explore their creativity.

Click here to view the Gotham Avenue School Students Showcase Entrepreneurship During PBL Market Day slideshow.

Date Added: 5/23/2025

To celebrate its rich diversity and cultural appreciation, Gotham Avenue School community came together for the fourth annual International Night, with this year’s theme of “Music Makes the World Go Round,” on April 29. Multiple cultures were represented from throughout the building.

The special evening began with an outdoor buffet for students and families, featuring donated or homemade food from a variety of cultures including the Caribbean, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Pakistan and Puerto Rico. During the pre-show festivities, a scholar volunteered to provide mehndi designs and guests enjoyed DJ music, as well.

Dinner was followed by a show in the gymnasium. Guests were first impressed by Latin Club dancers, who had met once a week to practice the salsa steps and prepare for the International Night show since February.

Next, the professional stilt dancing group Kaisokah Moko Jumbies wowed the audience with their moves on stilts. A group of Gotham Avenue scholars joined the stilt-dancers on stage, performing a Carnival-style routine. Professional dance group, Las Bellezas del Mambo, also demonstrated salsa dancing with a riveting performance.

International Night continued with a vibrant and lively fashion show. Scholars, dressed in beautiful traditional clothing, proudly represented their unique cultures and walked the “red carpet.”

The successful show concluded with a festive World Cultures Dance performed by staff members. This annual event, which celebrates diversity and learning about other cultures and traditions, was organized by school social worker Fanny Iglesias and special education teacher Andrea Poltorzycki.

“Students and families enjoyed a delightful evening filled with diverse cultural experiences,” Principal William Mingo said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of its members. The night was a resounding success, leaving everyone looking forward to next year's celebration.”

Click here to view the Gotham Avenue School Hosts Annual International Night slideshow.

Date Added: 5/9/2025