Stewart Manor School’s sixth grade scholars in Ms. Hendriks and Ms. Viola’s class recently participated in a dynamic classroom debate exploring the questions: “Are we too dependent on our cellphones?” and “Should schools allow students to access their phones during the school day?”

This Socratic discussion provided a platform for students to respectfully share their viewpoints while drawing on evidence from assigned articles and real-life experiences. Throughout the activity, the scholars utilized a rubric to meet certain goals, such as inviting others into the discussion, using text to support their points, challenging ideas, justifying opinions and using eye contact while speaking. The discussions were also timed.

Following the debate, the scholars shared feedback with each group on the effectiveness of their argument and if they met their goal according to the scoring rubric.

This exercise allowed the students to enhance essential academic and life skills, such as public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, research and active listening.

“This was a wonderful exercise and experience to watch as these students prepare to utilize these necessary skills for middle school, high school and life,” Assistant Principal Pamela Boyd said.

Date Added: 5/28/2025

Gotham Avenue School’s second and third grade scholars in the Project-Based Learning Club, showcased their business acumen and entrepreneurship skills during PBL Market Day on May 13.

Led by second grade teacher Arielle Parisi, the scholars were challenged to create a business that would benefit the Elmont community. Starting in November, the club members began to brainstorm business ideas. They met once weekly after school, learning about profit, supply and demand, and other business topics. To gather information about entrepreneurship, the scholars interviewed Long Island beauty salon owner Justine Sprio, as well.

Once their business ideas were solidified, the scholars were paired together as business partners. Each partnership was responsible for pricing their items; developing a business name, logo and slogan; and designing flyers and business cards. They also utilized the school’s green screen to film commercials to advertise their business. The partners created a posterboard display featuring their items for sale, their responses to the Q&A with the local salon owner, and writing assignments on being an entrepreneur and their company overview. The businesses included Chocolate Café, Elmont’s Coolest Candy, Kalexa’s Kiddie Gym and The World of Art.

During PBL Market Day, the club members invited their peers in grades 1-3 to visit and view their business presentations. Parents were also invited to view the students’ business presentations. The scholars voted on the businesses they’d most like to see in the community. The winning business was Chocolate Café, who will sell Oreo cookies during lunchtime on May 20. The proceeds will be donated to Student Government for their fundraising efforts.

This hands-on club project allowed the scholars to learn more about business, practice their public-speaking and writing skills, and explore their creativity.

 

Click here to view the Gotham Avenue School Students Showcase Entrepreneurship During PBL Market Day slideshow.

 

Date Added: 5/23/2025

Alden Terrace School’s fourth grade scholars learned how to dance the merengue, tango, fox trot, rhumba, waltz and swing during the annual partnership with Dancing Classrooms Long Island. Over the course of 10 weeks, the fourth graders learned about the origins of each dance and practiced the steps with a partner. At the culmination of the program, the school hosted a Dancing with the Scholars event, inviting families and younger peers to view the performances. Select scholars advanced to compete in the Colors of the Rainbow program, showcasing students from across Long Island, this month. 

 

Date Added: 5/22/2025