With a focus on early childhood education, the district hosted its first The Basics workshop of the school year at the Elmont Public Library on Sept. 30. The event brought together families, students and district staff for an engaging morning of learning and interactive activities.

Launched in 2022, The Basics Elmont is a free birth-to-age 5 initiative designed to help children build a strong foundation for future success and connect with families before students enter the district’s schools. Founded by economist and Harvard University faculty member Dr. Ron Ferguson, The Basics is centered on five evidence-based principles: Maximize Love, Manage Stress; Talk, Sing and Point; Count, Group and Compare; Explore Through Movement and Play; and Read and Discuss Stories.

To kick off this year’s programming, the district’s social workers and guidance counselors collaborated to host a variety of hands-on activity stations for young children and their families. Participants enjoyed fine motor and creative play experiences, including a school bus craft, coloring activities, music and movement, as well as free books to take home. 

Families also received an introduction to The Basics initiative and learned about the resources and programming available throughout the school year. In addition to three districtwide workshops scheduled at the Elmont Public Library, each school building will host its own workshops designed to support early childhood development and family engagement.

The event was organized by the district’s counseling teams, led by Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education Ozlem Artukmac. Staff members who helped coordinate and facilitate the workshop included Karina Bruno of Clara H. Carlson School, Nicole Castagnozzi and Rob Lennihan of Stewart Manor School, Marjorie Cavalluzzo of Dutch Broadway School, Amy Gamrat of Alden Terrace School, Paola Molina of Gotham Avenue School, and Alexandra Stone and Lymari Tattnall of Covert Avenue School. Gotham Avenue School music teacher Anthony Pino played songs for the children, assisting with the music and movement station. 

Through initiatives such as The Basics Elmont, the district continues to strengthen partnerships with families and provide young children with the skills and support they need to thrive both in school and beyond.