Briarcliff’s Todd Elementary Students Join the Circus

From Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District: Todd Elementary School students strutted on stilts and teetered on a tightrope when the National Circus Project made its annual visit to the school.

“An outside group [NCP] teaches the kids all kinds of skill s for the circus, such as spinning plates, tightrope, stilts, disablos and balancing feathers,” said physical education teacher Michelle Hiltsley. “It’s a really nice program where the kids get to experience something different.”

In addition to allowing students to explore new activities, and perhaps find a hidden talent, they practiced skills like persistence and teamwork in a fun environment. Additionally, the circus skills helped improve their physical fitness, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

“These are also pieces of equipment that the kids could have at home and learn to practice more,” said Hiltsley. ““Everything takes practice, practice, practice.”

Photo Captions: Todd Circus Project 1: Todd Elementary School students practiced juggling scarves with physical education teacher Michelle Hiltsley (right) when the National Circus Project visited the school.

Todd Circus Project 3,4: Todd Elementary School students practiced spinning plates when the National Circus Project visited the school.

Photos courtesy of the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District