For years, it was a grade 6 tradition to learn square dancing at school and then have a culminating performance at the historical George Weir Barn on Lloyd Neck. It was quite the contest, as teams dressed in color coded outfits to outdo each other for the coveted prize title. Unfortunately, the host teachers retired, and square dancing took a pause. But, thanks to the Cultural Arts Committee, they learned that one of our own long standing musical guests, Mr. Mark Rust, also does square dancing as part of his repertoire! The staff was thrilled to see the tradition come back, although grade 6 seemed a bit hesitant – would this be fun? Well, after grabbing a partner to sashay, promenade and do-si-do…they soon were spinning and stepping to the beat of the fiddle! They learned the history of square dancing – a tradition that began for kids to meet each other in the days when huge farmlands separated communities and this was a way to come together to meet and have fun.
Please follow the link below to view CSHCSD "Spring Newsletter" celebrating our students and staff! https://drive.google.com/.../10Vnk6AToCSjPv57Kv_w.../view
Please scan the QR code below to sign up, and celebrate former teacher Scott Bowden!!! Scott not only has become our historical resource for everything West Side, but his dedication to the West Side Run has never wavered for 31 years and counting! Please consider joining and signing up - see you at the annual West Side Run! Click link to sign up (or click QR code) https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Syosset/WestSideRun
Goosehill was blessed with sunshine and warm weather for outdoor and indoor play stations for a second round of a K-1 “Global Day of Play.” Once again, Principal Cosme was instrumental in spearheading the day, welcoming student Youth Ambassadors from the CSHEF along with Dr. Beth Chase and Dr. Kerry Vujeva and the Social Action Committee, who led the charge interacting with students as peer mentors. Due to the grant the CSH Educational Foundation (CSHEF) approved and secured over the winter, Goosehill was able to participate in two Global Play Days this year for K-1 students! They encouraged our youngest to “just play” in an unstructured, spontaneous environment without screens or adult direction, as they rotated through different stations while meeting many new friends. A huge shout out to the GH SIT and GHPTG boards, and the CSH Educational Foundation (CSHEF) for approving a grant to support Global Play Day!...
Earth Day celebrations were taking place at all the elementary schools – from planting to scavenger hunts, recycling awareness, book readings, crafts and even edible dirt cake making! Kids and staff came in wearing their best Earth Day attire, and loved the lessons on how to best understand and take care of our planet..,.
Thank you to the community for coming out on April 8 for our monthly Board of Education meeting. This month, it was a privilege to hear from our Goosehill Primary students, who voiced their “loudest and proudest” reciting the pledge of allegiance! They regaled us with all they do at their school and shared photos of so many wonderful events. It is always a pleasure and highlight of the evening to hear from our students. The Board recognized many accomplishments and honored students with certificates for their exceptional dedication to academics and athletics....
District office currently has a fabulous showcase of student artwork K-12 – please stop by to see our student artwork posters! There are examples of advanced drawing and painting, landscapes, digital mosaics, fashion and more… At the Jr./Sr. High School, Studio Art classes were inspired by color wheels with acrylic paints, and 2-point perspective works in watercolor, pencil and oil pastels. Grade 8 created abstract Frank Stella designs, and the Gottschalk Gallery has an amazing display inspired by our recent Literary Luncheon Author visit, with sea life inspired by her book Remarkably Bright Creatures. Please stop by! At Goosehill our youngest tried their hand at Frank Stella abstracts and Paul Cezanne still lives. The halls are covered with these bright and creative young masterpieces. Thank you to all for continuing to share your talents! And don’t forget – the CSH Library Student Art Exhibits continues through the month of April!
Learning in Action! Elementary teachers across the district are continuing to participate in regular professional learning sessions with consultants from Literacy Strategies Consulting. In work sessions and lab sites, teachers are learning how to best meet the needs of students by using data from assessment conferences, read-aloud assessments, and STAR reports. This data helps teachers plan and deliver small-group instruction responsive to individual student goals such as accuracy, fluency, and both narrative and expository comprehension strategies. Strategy lessons are actionable and support independent practice. The benefit of having a dedicated K–6 Literacy Coach available across all elementary schools is evident in the accessibility and continuity of support provided to teachers. Kristen Sewell, elementary Literacy Coach, follows up with teachers after consultant sessions to guide, support, and practice and reinforce instructional practices. Working with two grade levels at a time, Ms. Sewell helps form strategy groups, models lessons, and coaches into teachers’ instruction. She explains, “Students can walk away from a strategy lesson and immediately try out the strategy in their texts. We are growing readers. Students' ownership as they practice their strategies has been amazing.”...
