Alden Terrace School was bustling with learning this summer as approximately 100 scholars participated in the Elmont Union Free School District’s Extended School Year Program, an annual initiative designed to support continued academic progress and social-emotional development beyond the traditional school year.
During the six-week program, held from July 1-Aug. 11, the scholars participated in a well-rounded curriculum that included academic enrichment, music instruction, physical education, outdoor play, and both occupational and speech therapy. Each week centered on a unique theme – including Under the Sea, Camping, Healthy Me, STEAM, Characters, and Red, White, and Blue – and featured themed crafts, activities and dress-up days. Every Thursday, the energy peaked with a lively dance party in the gymnasium, which was a favorite among the scholars. To further enhance life skills development, the program
incorporated both in-school and community-based field trips. Scholars enjoyed interactive visits from the local fire department, where they explored a fire truck and spoke with the firefighters, and from a friendly therapy dog team. They also practiced real-world skills with the support of aides, learning how to place orders and pay at a local pizzeria and Key Foods. The experience came full circle as they used their purchased ingredients at the grocery store to prepare snacks back at the school, such as s’mores, smoothies and ice cream sundaes.
This year, ESY hosted its first talent showcase, “Brilliant Minds, Bright Lights,” for families and community members at the Elmont Public Library on Aug. 7. Each child in the program was represented through on-stage musical performances, presentations or video participation. The audience was treated to performances on recorders, drums, piano and xylophone, and students shared their talents in hobbies like basketball and horseback riding. The talent showcase came together due to the dedication of ESY Principal Stacia Walfall, psychologist Kiranpreet Bassi, psychologist Angelique Chung, speech teacher
Arielle Goldson and music teacher Georgia Shehas.
To celebrate the culmination of the program on Aug. 11, scholars were treated to a fun-filled day featuring a special visit from fan-favorite Bluey, along with hand painting and colorful balloon animals. It was a joyful ending to a memorable summer experience.
Photo captions:
1. Elmont scholars visited a local Key Foods grocery store to practice shopping and purchasing items during the Extended School Year Program.
2. Elmont scholars enjoyed a demonstration from the Elmont Fire Department during the Extended School Year Program.
3. Elmont scholars learned percussion instruments with music teacher Georgia Shehas during the Extended School Year Program.
4. Elmont scholars practiced letters and sounds during the Extended School Year Program.
5. Elmont scholars enjoyed time in the gymnasium during the Extended School Year Program.
6. Elmont scholars were visited by Bluey to celebrate the last day of the Extended School Year Program on Aug. 11.
Click here to view the Elmont’s Extended School Year Program combines learning, life skills and fun for scholars slideshow.
Date Added: 8/21/2025