Students in the district returned from spring break to witness one of the wonders of the universe – a solar eclipse.

At Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, science and technology teacher Regina D’Orio and Science Director Dan Moy helped students and staff prepare for the eclipse. They found creative ways to help students first model the phenomenon such as using sliding Oreo pieces to demonstrate the stages of the eclipse and using mobiles to study the relationship between the Earth, sun, and moon. Students then headed outside, donning their safety glasses, and accompanied by themed music selected by music teacher Brenda Murphy. One student told Principal Devra Small, “This was the best day of my life!”

At James H. Vernon School, the school’s Environmental Club, led by science teacher Suzanne Gentile and fifth grade teacher Heather Russell, visited all classes to discuss viewing the eclipse. Students then went outside to view it with protective glasses.
“The students were very impressed that they could see it!” said Assistant Principal Anastasia Smith.

At Oyster Bay High School, students had the opportunity to participate in a “Solar Eclipse and Sun Chips” viewing party on the school’s terraza. All students first learned about the eclipse in science class and received glasses to safely view it during the gathering.

Fourth graders from James H. Vernon School showcased their knowledge of the American Revolution through a group project which they presented to family members on March 22. Prior to the celebration, the classes learned about the causes of the American Revolution, important events, influential individuals and the effects of the Revolution. They also visited Raynham Hall Museum.

Some fourth grade classes created games which family members had fun playing during the school visit. From Wheel of Fortune to Deal or No Deal, the students worked in groups and created these games to test others on American Revolution facts. Other classes created their own dioramas, slideshows and posterboards and presented on one topic about this important time in history.

Aside from the group projects, each fourth grader also completed a bottle buddy project where they crafted an important individual from the American Revolution out of a bottle. Students created notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Hancock and Paul Revere. The projects were proudly on display outside the fourth grade classrooms for families to look at during the event.

Both projects allowed students to express their creativity and dive deep into the fourth grade American Revolution unit.

Date Added: 3/29/2024

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District hosted its annual Cavalcade of Choirs on March 20. The evening was a districtwide celebration of instrumental music. Three choirs, composed of 125 students in grades 5-12, performed for family, friends and community members in the Oyster Bay High School auditorium. Choral teachers Mr. Costidis and Ms. Kozee directed the students. 
 
Erica Giglio Pac, Director of Fine, Performing, & Media Arts, opened the event by emphasizing how important it is to celebrate music in our schools.
 
“We hope you will feel, hear and see the evolution of our music program, as our students progress throughout each grade level,” she said. “And for us all to remember that there is always opportunity to create music together – despite our age or level of skill.” 
 
The audience was entertained with the music of James H. Vernon students in the fifth and sixth grade chorus, the middle level chorus and the high school chamber singers. For the final performance of the evening, all choral students in grades 5-12 took the stage and performed together. 
 
The event was a wonderful way to celebrate the gift of music and our talented students! 

Date Added: 3/22/2024

Sixth graders from James H. Vernon School were recently crowned first place winners in the song category of the 2024 National Chinese Talent Contest, sponsored by CLASS (Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools). The students created their winning video submission in April Song’s Mandarin Chinese class. 

After only one month of Chinese language instruction, the students sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” in Chinese and recorded the song with the help of music teacher Louis Costidis, technology teacher Keith Harrison and technology coach Brian Agostini. 

Prior to their performance in the video, the students confidently stated their state, school name and grade in Chinese. They explained how they had been studying Chinese for a month and wished for good health, daily happiness, continual improvement and success in the new year. Closing the video, all students respectfully offered greetings with folded hands, wishing everyone a “Happy Chinese New Year!”

Congratulations to the winning students: Emma Capace, Amelia Criscuola, Christopher Ferrara, Alexander Godoy, Gracie Joannon, Alexander Karalis, Liliana McEvoy, Shea O’Brien, Lauren Tiberio, Claire Windhausen, Layla Zahirovic and Gissel Zavala.
 
To watch their video, please click here.

Date Added: 3/11/2024

To complement their study of Mandarin, fifth and sixth graders from James H. Vernon School recently received a visit from members of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. The dancers took the stage in Vernon’s gymatorium to perform their culturally enriching program, The Art of Chinese Dance.

While wearing beautiful costumes, the professional dancers performed several Chinese dances such as the ribbon dance, long spear dance and the fan dance. They also educated the students on the history, geography and basic practice of traditional dance. Towards the end of the program, some students were selected to join the dancers on stage for a performance with colorful silk ribbons. The students had fun following along with the dancers.

The program concluded with a question-and-answer session. Students asked the dancers thoughtful questions and learned that each of the professionals were from a different part of the world. The visit was a truly enriching experience for the fifth and sixth graders who developed a better understanding of Chinese culture.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/6/2024