When students reflect back on their elementary years, one thing is for sure, they will always remember “Ellis Island Day.” It is an extraordinary feat to execute, with the help of staff and so many volunteers who take it to the next level. And this year, it is not an understatement to say they took it to the next level – Wow! West Side fourth graders experienced the most incredible simulation of the immigration journey to Ellis Island back in the early 1900’s. Each student was given an identity and formed family units as they journeyed to America with momma and pappa. Students were crowded into darkened steerage aboard the ship as they sailed across the ocean and passed by the Statue of Liberty on the hill at West Side! At port they were taken through the various stations at Ellis Island; determining if they were healthy after medical examinations where the sick were separated from their families. Some were sent for mental examinations or to the hospital. They were checked for lice, yelled at or sent to deportation. They were stamped, documented, and provided papers and currency. This authentic experience helped them to better understand the challenges of being an immigrant. They also loved having their parents, grandparents, other family members and teachers roleplay and speak foreign languages to authenticate the experience...
The West Side School Spelling Bee took place in May in the Hilton Gymnasium. Participation is open to grades 4-6 with two participants per class moving forward to the school wide competition. This year’s event consisted of 15-spellers, who engaged in multiple rounds of nail-biting concentration that culminated with Dax Hall (grade 5), clinching the West Side School Spelling Bee championship title. Good luck to both Dax, and first runner-up, Annie Katz (grade 6), Thank you to WS Spelling Bee Coordinator, Maria Fritz-Rodriguez, and all the students in grades 4-6 who participated. Congratulations to all the spellers on their achievements!
Spring concerts are in the air, and after much preparation and practice the West Side 5th & 6th graders entertained the crowd at the PAC with a fabulous performance by our students! Fun numbers like Ghostbusters and the Mission Impossible Theme drew applause and delight, and the angelic voices of the chorus sang out from the risers. So many of these dedicated students are participants in NYSSMA, LISFA and All County Chorus. Thank you to our West Side Music teachers and Directors; Leah Martin, Heather Daniels-Rosenblatt, and Laurette Roddin for your guidance and leadership to our student musicians. Principal, Dr. Barnes shared his early years of education began as a music teacher, and he stood in awe of the talent and dedication of the West Side music educators along with the talent of these students. Thank you to K-12 Music Chair James Guarini, and all the parents for coming out to support your children!
Let the end of year festivities begin! At West Side School the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) brought back an exciting character-building competition. Based on the foundation of sportsmanship and teamwork, the Ultimate Human Board Game ensures lots of participation with fun activities and friendly competition. This LIFE-SIZE game board featured three color-coded sides that represent a different activity. The entire group was divided into three teams (white, blue and red). Teams compete with dice games, dance challenges, cup stacking and more! The best part is total team participation which generated a spirited level of excitement and fun – and yes, lots of noise! What a wonderful way to kick off June as we near the end of the academic year.
The 31st annual West Side Run held on May 19 was dedicated to Scott Bowden, former teacher and “all things West Side Historian.” Scott has been at the helm of the West Side Run for the past 31 years, well after his retirement, and this marked his last year before he steps down. Dr. Barnes shared, “Mr. Bowden has been working from his heart and giving all he has to this amazing West Side School tradition for so many years. He deserves to be recognized and honored by everyone in the West Side family.” Mr. Bowden certainly has left an indelible mark and truly is a legend who still graces the hallways of West Side. Both the 5K and 1 Mile Run went off without a hitch, attracting both young students, siblings, and residents of all ages. The smiles of joy and accomplishment were evident and Principal, Dr. Barnes, was grateful for all the support and dedication of faculty volunteers, participants, and the WSSPTG. What a wonderful tradition to uphold that brings the community together each year! Thank you to everyone for coming out to participate on such a beautiful day...
May 15 was a day in the history books for our fourth graders from Lloyd Harbor and West Side School, as they embarked on their annual field trip to Philadelphia. The students were so excited to visit the many monuments and landmarks they have been studying and preparing for – with maps in hand - guiding each group along the tour. Students demonstrated kindness and inclusivity throughout the day, and were greeted with compliments from tour guides on their historical knowledge, curiosity, and respectful behavior. Thank you to the many family members who joined and helped guide the trip and shared experiences during this amazing day!
Students at West Side taught us that it truly is “a small world after all.” As they marched into the gym, flags in hand and speeches prepared, the kids taught so much about the many countries and continents in our world. Donning official costumes and shouting out their country name, each paid homage to their social studies curriculum at this annual celebration. Fun facts and even jokes were shared with guests. For instance, did you know that all the continents begin and end with the same vowel? Amazing job everyone, thank you for the tour around the world! Dr. Barnes thanked the third-grade team—Ms. Duddy, Ms. Dopico, and Ms. Schoenberg, Ms. McLaughlin for displaying the beautiful artwork and Ms. Martin for leading the musical performances with such energy and care. Bravo to everyone involved!
On May 15 ten students from the fifth and sixth grades competed in the Suffolk County Math Tournament. In this virtual competition, Lloyd Harbor and West Side students proudly represented Cold Spring Harbor’s young mathematicians. Blake Sabatino, Carter Mullen, Aviva Zinger, Warner Bohn, and Mason Burkhardt represented our fifth grade team. While Madeleine Dircks, Vivienne Zucklie, Will Morin, Lulu Meierhans and CJ Paci represented our sixth grade team. Engulfed in a full day of problem solving, our mathematicians competed individually and as a team. Each grade worked collaboratively to tackle the challenging math problems they were presented with. Lauren Grefe was pleased to report that the Lloyd Harbor sixth grade team placed fourth overall for the team competition and Madeleine Dircks was recognized for placing 8th in the individual competition! Blake Sabatino represented our fifth graders by taking sixth overall in the individual competition! Creative thinking, perseverance and teamwork were on full display and we are so proud of all the Lloyd Harbor participants! Kerry Markin was proud to lead the West Side team of top-performing math Olympiads and announced that the 6th grade Team earned 2nd place overall! In the individual competition, Louis England placed 4th, and Niuniu Ma earned 2nd place. What an exciting day for all participants!
