School Notebook: Motivational Messages, Honor Society & More

Students Dress for Success. Prior to the recent New York State assessments, special education teacher Jacqueline Gandolfo led a motivational activity with students in AmyJean Castaldo’s third-grade class at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. The students picked out favorite inspirational quotes and used them to decorate t-shirts, which they wore during the tests. According to the teachers, the t-shirt activity helped the students understand the power of perseverance, self-confidence and resilience. 

High School Welcomes New Honor Society Members. The Vandermeulen High School National Honor Society last week welcomed 44 new members into the organization, which recognizes students for the qualities of knowledge, character, scholarship, leadership and service. Among the highlights of the induction ceremony was a keynote address by Dr. David Kahn, a 2002 graduate of the high school. “There are some people who have said to reach for the stars, and if you don’t make it you will land among the clouds,” Kahn told the students. “I say to reach for the stars without a plan is just wishful thinking. If you can develop the right plan you will be able to name your star.”

Robotics Team Participates in Competition. An android built by the Vandermeulen High School robotics team landed the team with a top 20 finish at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition at Hofstra University. “Students and their mentors spent six long weeks – working up to six days a week – constructing a robot from raw materials such as aluminum and plexiglass pieces combined with digital electronic components, electric motors, cameras, transmissions, wheels and a host of other robotic parts," club adviser Brian Chalmers said. “The mentors really enjoy having the opportunity to share their knowledge with other student team members.” Additionally, senior Michael Colucci was awarded a $24,000 scholarship to Adelphi University and senior Greg Klesaris was awarded a $30,000 scholarship to Stevens Institute of Technology for their achievements.