“I am a painter and a storyteller, and this is how I tell my stories.” These are the words of Christopher Agostino, who tells folktales of transformation and wonder through face painting. His one-of-a-kind performance delights audiences using a combination of skillful storytelling through the spoken word, while illustrating the journey through face painting. He has an extensive repertoire of tales that fit grade level curriculum or cultural studies.
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! Big numbers like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars drew applause and delight, and angelic voices of the chorus paid tribute to Phantom of the Opera as the longest running Broadway show. Heartfelt words were shared by many students and staff thanking Phil Gray for his 30 years of service to this school district as he retires this school year.
Each year, students from SWWATAV (Student Waging War Against Tobacco and Vaping) visit the elementary schools with Health teacher and Club Advisor, Karen Uhl Smith. Together they engage in student-to-student peer discussion on the benefits of a drug-free life. Topics include the dangers of vaping, drinking, smoking, and prescription drugs, as well as the importance and understanding of good decision-making skills and refusal skills.
Anyone with a sweet tooth was in for a treat at this weekend’s West Side production of Willy Wonka Jr. This delicious adventure of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory lit up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring enchanting songs like “Think Positive” and “The Candy Man Can '' audiences were tapping their feet to a cast and crew of over 50 students; the largest casting call to date! The story follows Roald Dahl's enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars.
The 29th Annual West Side Run was successfully held on May 7 to the delight of the West Side School and Cold Spring Harbor School District community! Both the 5K and 1 Mile Run went off without a hitch, attracting both young students, siblings, school alumni, and residents of all ages.
This delightful new initiative was an insightful way for the Board of Education to connect with students first hand, to listen and learn from them! Board of Education President, Tara Belfi, and Superintendent Jill M. Gierasch, joined students in grades 2-6 from both Lloyd Harbor and West Side School for pancakes while discussing what these students love about their school, what improvements perhaps could be made, and sharing ideas to think about.
CSH was delighted to host an ASSET “Showcase” meeting on April 26 with 42 districts in attendance. These showcase meetings happen three times per year, and CSH was delighted to welcome everyone and highlight all the technology initiatives taking place in CSH. The goal of ASSET (Association of Suffolk Supervisors of Educations Technologies) is to enhance teaching and learning in Long Island and NY school districts through the use and integration of computers and other educational technologies into the curriculum and ensuring that students are provided with the educational opportunities necessary to prepare them for careers and college.
Collaborations are always taking place within the curriculum incorporating learning through social studies, art, technology, FLES and often music as well. Here, fifth graders from West Side and Lloyd Harbor studied ancient Peru in class and studied the culture and language from South America. Masks were work for many ceremonies like birth, marriage and preparation for war. Some masks are pleasant, colorful and fun, while others can be scary! Art teacher, Andria McLaughlin, then had the students add bright colors to these papier amazing mâché masks.
