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

Stewart Manor School’s fifth grade scholars recently enhanced their research skills during a project-based assignment, Bottle Buddy Biographies.

They selected and focused on a well-known individual who inspired them the most. Throughout April, the scholars researched their inspirational figure by reading biography books from the school library, public library and their classroom library. Equipped with their newfound knowledge, they created lap books to showcase the person’s life, education, challenges and achievements, legacy and interesting facts, and inspiration. Utilizing nonfiction text features, the scholars also displayed major events and character traits on their lap books. As this project taught them how to effectively research, they also learned how to properly cite their sources.

The fifth graders brought their projects to life with creativity, crafting imaginative bottle-head replicas of their chosen historical figures. Blending art and public speaking, they showcased their artistic creations alongside their lap books and presented their work using expressive speech and storytelling to bring their figures' stories to life.

Date Added: 5/6/2025

Covert Avenue School scholars in grades K-2 celebrated Autism Acceptance Month with a special visit from local author Amy McCoy on April 28. McCoy, a disability educator and autism parent, recently published her third book, “Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story about Autism.” The children’s book is about first grader Katie and her older brother, Mikey, who is autistic.

During the assembly, McCoy spoke about her journey as a mother of an autistic child and how that experience motivated her to become an author. She discussed what autism is and the ways it can influence a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Additionally, McCoy shared her writing process and how an idea can eventually turn into a story. Along with sharing some pages from “Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story about Autism,” McCoy inspired the students to be kind, especially to those who might be different. The assembly concluded with a Q&A, where the scholars were able to ask McCoy questions about her family, books and writing. 

Each scholar received a copy of McCoy’s book from Principal Mary Natoli.

Date Added: 5/5/2025

Alden Terrace School’s second grade scholars became arcade game designers and developers during a STEAM program, “Game On,” presented by the Long Island Children’s Museum on April 25. This in-school field trip introduced scholars to video and arcade games, as well as game development.  

After learning about Caine’s Arcade, a cardboard arcade created by 9-year-old Caine Monroy, the second graders were challenged to create their own arcade game. Using cardboard trays, straws, paper cups, marbles, LED lights and paper, the scholars crafted their own games. As they were tasked with only using the supplies given to them, they utilized problem-solving, creativity and innovation to design their games.  

At the conclusion of the outreach program, the scholars excitedly played their new games, which they were able to take home.  

Click here to view the Elmont’s Alden Terrace School students participate in ‘Game On’ STEAM program slideshow.

Date Added: 5/2/2025