School Notebook: PJ Day, Reading Carnival, Culinary Arts

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

PJ Day
recently celebrated Pajama Day when students and faculty dressed in their coziest pajamas.

Along with fuzzy slippers, plaid pants, robes and special stuffed animals, students came to school and spent the day in their favorite PJs.

There were pajamas highlighting famous television characters such as Sponge Bob and Miley Cyrus, as well as Barbie and Spider-Man.

“Everyone loves Pajama Day!” said West Gates Principal Donna Smawley.

 
The LHS students who on The Challenge, the academically focused TV show that airs on MSG Varsity, in and students from Riverhead's McGann-Mercy High School to advance to the second round of competition, are set to head into New York City on to take on students from .

Michael Rinaldi, John Rinaldi (captain), Danielle Vozzo and Emily Crichton make up the team, which will participate in the taping of the show depicting the second-round matchup against Northport.

The team also includes Allison Perna as the alternate, and is advised by teachers Catherine Katsionis and Veronica Bruno.

The show is set to air at 6:30 p.m. on on Cablevision’s iO TV Channel 14.

Students from government class at the high school also had an active role at the . They asked questions on including the , financial aid for students, LIPA and how much time is spent campaigning versus spent on issues.

Cub Scout Pack 383 from presented the flags at the start of the on , as attendees kicked off the event with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Carnival of Fun
The National Circus Project’s artist-instructors Lou “Little Lou” Beekhuizen and Al “Renaldo” Calientes dazzled students, teachers and staff with a magnificent performance of circus acts, as a part of Parents as Reading Partners (PARP).

Circus acts featuring spinning plates, ring toss, balancing and juggling were mixed in with a little magic, truly “wowing” the Rall community. One trick, in particular, amazed the crowd of students and parents was the “human chair” made up by four teachers.

Fifth-grade students also enjoyed working with the artists to develop their circus skills.

“I loved teaching children circus skills,” said artist Calientes. He's the author of children’s book Renaldo Joins the Circus, a story about a clown named Renaldo and his adventures in the circus.

Other PARP events included an evening of special guest readers, a Scholastic
book fair and a pajama day.

“This year’s carnival theme was upbeat and festive,” said Coordinator Stacey Bressi. “Every night students were encouraged to read at least 15 minutes.”

Good-Looking Cooking
students in Stefana Lipari’s Culinary Arts class recently worked together to educate Life Skills students about the world of culinary arts.

Together they prepared and enjoyed vegetables with yogurt dip, and crackers and pretzels with cream cheese, salsa and cheese dips. For dessert students made colorful Rice Krispy treats.

“Cooking together was a wonderful experience for all of the students involved,”
said Life Skills teachers Kristy Matchett-Evans and Lisa Hajduk. “Students were also educated about healthy foods, measurement and presentation.”

We Are the Champions 
At the January Breakfast for Champions, initiated 13 new students as official “champions” of the school. Principal Frank Naccarato congratulated all students for their exceptional effort in and out of school.

“You are the reason why we love our jobs so much," he said.

The students honored were Armando Arevalo, Evelis Casey, John Honahan, Nikkita Jensen, Mario Licari, Ryan McKeon, Robert Protano, Adriana Renick, Michael Simile, Taylor Trovato, Natalie Ward and Sean Zenker.

Information and photos submitted by Carol Hauser.

Editor's Note: Take a peek through the at the photo highlights.