School Notebook: Mural with Meaning, Parent Participation

Here's a quick round-up of recent student achievements, projects and happenings within the school district. 

Thanksgiving Play
With songs of thanks, costumes and great big smiles, first-grade students performed in their Thanksgiving play.

The students marched into the auditorium one by one wearing Pilgrim and Native American costumes and sang a medley of songs.

Teachers Doreen Earl, Rose Russo and Parvaneh Hale prepared the students for their recent debut.

Mural with a Message
students created a painted handprint mural on their gymnasium wall in celebration of Red Ribbon Week, a program that emphasizes making positive, healthy choices.

“Being connected to each other and to our school helps us make the best choices,” said social worker Florri Krefsky.

This year’s theme was “Don’t Monkey around with Drugs.” Various age-appropriate activities were held in the classrooms throughout the week. There were bookmark, sticker and pencil giveaways, and the week ended with all the students and staff wearing red at the end of the week.

Red Ribbon Week is designated as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs, as well as a symbol of support for children to reach their full potential by building strong character.

Education Week Welcomes Parents
Teachers and students at West Gates Elementary School recently welcomed parents into their classrooms as part of American Education Week, an invitation that emphasized the importance of parental involvement in a children’s education.

Third-grade students enjoyed a range of lessons. Mrs. Ale’s class furthered their classroom instruction by making a landfill with clay.

Mr. Fiori’s students participated in an educational game of Jeopardy. With the show’s theme music in the background, parents and students learned various facts in the categories “Parts of Speech,” “Science,” “Social Studies,” “Math” and “School.”

Mrs. Ierardi’s class enjoyed mathematical games in which parents and students competed against each other and worked together.

West Gates was just one of many elementary schools throughout the district that opened its doors to parents during American Education Week this year.

A Vets Day Visit
Liz Gallagher’s second-grade students at enjoyed a special visit from Marine Jalil F. Pulgarin, the uncle of classmate Mellisa Perez.

He spoke about how he started his career in the United States Marine Corps with boot camp in South Carolina where he received his basic training before going on tour in Afghanistan.

“Training isn't easy,” Pulgarin explained. “We trained day and night to improve at the job.”

He also discussed the strictness of the Marines’ discipline in comparison with other branches of service: "We must be extremely careful and follow orders."

Pulgarin finished his talk by advising students to follow instructions and do well in school.

The visit was tied into the school’s celebration of Veterans Day, reminding students to honor those who've died for our country, as well as all those who protect our nation every day.

Photos and information submitted by Carol Hauser.