Lakeside kindergarteners celebrated their 100th day of school on Feb. 11 in style, marking 100 days of growth, learning, and fun.

To honor the milestone, students invited special guests to join in a day packed with exciting activities.

“From creating gum ball machines filled with 100 colorful gum balls to making picture frames adorned with 100 heart stickers, the day was full of creativity,” explained one of the teachers, Jennifer Gargan.

“Students sang counting songs, made beaded necklaces, and played race to 100,” all while practicing their math skills,” added teacher Janet Iseman.

They also built with snap cubes, found 100 sight words in books, and enjoyed dancing along with children’s entertainer, Jack Hartmann.

The excitement continued with crowns, glasses shaped as the number 100, and counting by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s.

“The event fostered a strong family-school connection, making it a memorable celebration of 100 days of learning and growth,” noted teacher Meaghan Kassnove.

Click here to view the Lakeside Celebrates 100 Days of School slideshow.

Date Added: 2/14/2025

Click here to view the Lakeside Sandwichthon slideshow.

Date Added: 2/14/2025

Fifth graders in Shari Dorfman’s class at Lakeside School participated in a lesson that offered sharing history and personal retelling of family experiences.  

The goal was to create a safe and connected learning environment for students that honored uniqueness. 

Students were encouraged to bring in an artifact from home; something meaningful to them or a family member and share its meaning. If items were deemed too fragile, students could present a photograph instead. 

“When we shared our stories how does that make us feel safe connected and value,” Dorfman explained. “I feel like that makes the kids get to know each other better.” 

Students presented heirloom jewelry, christening outfits passed down through generations, handwritten recipes and more. 

As part of the district’s fifth grade curriculum, fifth graders read the book, “Eyes That Speak to the Stars” by Joanna Ho to helpconnect them to the lesson. 

“The end product and presentations were beautiful,” added Chris Colarossi, the school’s assistant principal. 

Click here to view the Lakeside Fifth Graders Share Family Artifacts slideshow.

Date Added: 2/14/2025

Chatterton's talented third graders took the stage to showcase traditional dances from Italy, Japan, and Mexico. With just five rehearsals, they mastered the livelyTarantellafrom Italy, the elegantFan Dancefrom Japan, and the spiritedMexican Hat Dance - all thanks to expert instruction from Vanaver Caravan.

This special program brought history and culture to life through movement, rhythm, and joy.

Click here to view the Chatterton Third Graders Travel The World Through Dance slideshow.

Date Added: 2/10/2025

From February 5-7, the Birch Theatre Residency presented “Annie, Jr.” The annual PTA-sponsored program was open to all fifth and sixth grade students, with roles decided by both audition and assignment depending on need.

Director Bruce Grossman, owner of Cultural Arts Playhouse, a regional theater with locations in Merrick and Syosset, auditioned each child before assigning the roles accordingly.Audition sessions were held in October with rehearsals beginning directly after.

“The children have a large time and preparation commitment,” explained Lauren Sigel, a PTA chairperson who headed the committee along with Lauren Arnone. “This allows them to really learn all of the songs and their lines and feel confident and comfortable to perform by the time the shows happen in February.”

For their three performances, cast and crew members arrived approximately an hour and a half before the show’s start to prepare, get in costume and perform mic checks. Several parents also volunteered to assist with the coordination.

“It's a big operation and the children truly do become seasoned professionals by the time the performances happen,” Sigel noted. “It's also incredible to see how they learn, adapt and grow between each performance.”

Click here to view the Birch Theatre Residency Presents ‘Annie, Jr.’ slideshow.

Date Added: 2/10/2025