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The Day The Circus Came For spectators, the “Circus” usually conjures up fun images of silly clowns, amazing acrobats, and even elephants, but people may not be aware that circus performers are extremely dedicated masters at making every act look effortless. In Sayville School District, Cherry Avenue Elementary students learned this first-hand when they participated in a week-long cultural arts program, The National Circus Project, which was sponsored by the Cherry Avenue PTA upon the recommendation of Principal Dr. Lisa Ihne. For 25 years, the National Circus Project has delivered their curriculum for circusskills instruction and circus-education training program to schools and summer camps. With their unique program, the students don’t just watch the performers, they become the performers, by learning circus techniques that promote overall coordination and confidence. Practicing all week in workshops during Physical Education classes, every Cherry Avenue student from Kindergarten to Fifth-grade trained with the National Circus Project experts Al “Renaldo” Calienes (Staff Trainer) and Liam Selvey, who taught them more than just circus acts. Encouraging the students to test different skill sets, the
instructors made sure there was something for everyone. No matter whether they were selected for juggling, dish spinning, balancing, stilt walking, acrobatics, or, of course, clowning, every student grew personally as he or she learned self-discipline, hand-eye coordination, selfmotivation, and most importantly a positive attitude.
Working with the professionals was an amazing opportunity thanks to the educational specialists who have linked circus-training skills with the physical education component in schools. According to their website: “We developed a revolutionary method of
SUFFOLK ZONE 4 - NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS - WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2014 • www.southbaysneighbor.com
Coast Guard Lesson
diagnosing and correcting physical issues of hemispheric synchronicity and laterality, using juggling and object manipulation. And we presented circus as great way to given non-athletes a physical profile.” Cherry Avenue Physical Education teacher Jennifer Fee observed how beneficial the sessions were for the students. “It was very nice to have experts show the kids new skills. The instructors kept their attention, and the kids learned confidence by doing things they never thought they could do.” By the end of the week all the Cherry Avenue students had enjoyed the workshops, but the Fifth-grade students showcased their newfound abilities during an evening Circus Performance (sans elephants) in the Middle School gym before a live audience of 400 guests. Every act was an accomplishment that amazed friends, family, and Cherry Avenue staff members who witnessed the transformation from typical student to extraordinary performer. While receiving tremendous applause from the dazzled audience was immediately gratifying, all the Cherry Avenues participants should share in the pride knowing that their new sense of achievement, which they gained through practice and persistence, was the greatest reward.
Bite Out Of Science Academy Street Elementary School second-grade students dove deep into the ocean during a nonfiction unit of study on sharks. The students selected a shark of interest and completed research projects based on
their chosen fish. From the great white to hammerheads and tiger sharks, the students learned about their physical characteristics, habitat and diet before writing a research paper. At the end of the project,
the students created dioramas to artistically display their findings. Visiting classes from the building toured a shark tank museum to view the completed projects and learn about the sharks on display.
BITE OUT OF SCIENCE - Academy Street Elementary School second-grade students learned about different types of sharks during a nonfiction unit of study. Pictured here are several students displaying the dioramas they created. Photo provided by: Jennifer Kuefner, Syntax To garner excitement and enthusiasm for higher learning and future employment opportunities, Woodhull Elementary School students in prekindergarten through third grade visited the Coast Guard Station on Fire Island as part of the school’s college and career readiness program. The Fire Island Coast Guard Station is comprised
of one officer in charge, Commander Wendt, and 33 enlisted personnel, several of whom have children attending Woodhull. During the visit, the students were given an overview of the responsibilities of Coast Guard personnel and had the opportunity to board two of the five boats staged at the location. The visit also included
an interactive guided tour made especially for younger visitors. To their delight, the students were able to don safety gear, helmets and flotation suits. The tour ended with a question-and-answer opportunity during which time the officers emphasized the Coast Guard’s values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
Connetquot Public Library
The Connetquot Public Library will present the following events: Buddy Merriam Presents A Mandolin Experience Sunday, February 16th, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Come and enjoy what the mandolin can do. *** Blood Pressure Screening Tuesday, February 18th,
from 10 to 11 a.m. A registered nurse from the Visiting Nurse Service will be available in the library to take your blood pressure. No appointment necessary. *** Willie Lynch Band Sunday, February 23rd, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with native son Willie Lynch and his lively band.
*** Iceland: The Land Of Fire & Ice Tuesday, February 25th, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Bob and Irma Mandel introduce you to the wonders and customs of Iceland. *** For information, contact 631.567.5079. The library is located at 760 Ocean Avenue in Bohemia.