Alden Terrace School’s gymnasium was transformed into a beautiful ballroom dancing space, as the fourth-grade classes demonstrated how to dance the merengue, tango, fox trot, rhumba, waltz and swing, during a Dancing with the Scholars event on March 15. The students participated in a 10-week ballroom dancing program through Dancing Classrooms Long Island. They were taught by teaching artist Geraldine Velasquez Marin and buddy teaching artist Joel Rodriguez.

Prekindergarten and third grade students, along with the fourth graders’ parents and family members, were invited to watch the students perform. Prior to each group dance, one student read aloud from their writing assignment pertaining to the program, and a team of two students were selected as the demonstration team.

After performing the dances they learned, the students invited a friend, family member or staff member to dance with them to conclude the showcase. The students, parents and guardians, and educators took part in a community dance, the merengue.

In May, select students will go on to compete in a showcase with students from all across Long Island.

Date Added: 4/8/2024

In honor of Black History Month, local author Ama Karikari Yawson visited Alden Terrace School for a storytelling performance and discussion on Feb. 15. Yawson authored the illustrated children’s book, “Sunne’s Gift,” which is about a magical being (referred to as magbee) named Sunne who has spirally hair that grows toward the sun.

Yawson recited the book’s text, accompanied by drum playing and dance movements. Following the storytelling, Yawson asked the students questions like, “What is the moral of the story?” “What were the three reasons Sunne was bullied?” and “Can you name a Black History leader who had a gift and shared that gift with the world despite bullying?”

Yawson was accompanied by drum player Brother Mino, who played on the West African djembe drum and taught the students about the different sounds the instrument can make.

The assembly concluded with a Q&A and Yawson leading the students in reciting words of affirmation, such as “I have a gift. The world needs my gift. I will not be afraid to share my gift.”

Yawson’s visit was made possible due to the PTA.

Date Added: 3/1/2024