4
Getting Energized
SUFFOLK ZONE 5 - NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS - WEDNESDAY MARCH 14, 2018 • www.southbaysneighbor.com
The third-grade students at Blue Point Elementary School are immersed in a new science unit focused on energy and have been spending time investigating the subject along with its many forms. Working in small groups, the students performed
experiments designed to show that energy can change from potential to kinetic and back again. As visual demonstrations of the topic, the third-graders built their own roller coasters and measured the distance a toy car traveled after making its way down
a ramp. They observed that an object moves slowest at the highest point, thus utilizing the least kinetic energy and most potential energy; and if a car’s stored energy increases, then the distance it travels will increase.
GETTING ENERGIZED - Blue Point Elementary School third-grade students took part in scientific activities and lessons surrounding kinetic and potential energy. Photo courtesy of: Bayport-Blue Point School District
Connetquot Celebrates In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Helen B. Duffield Elementary School recently welcomed 108 Connetquot High School students as part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America program. The high schoolers visited each classroom, entertaining students ranging in grade level from kindergarten to fifth by
reading them Dr. Seuss’ popular works, such as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” Duffield’s faculty and staff members joined in the day’s fun activities by dressing up for this very special birthday celebration. Principal Lisa Farrell was very pleased with the day’s festivities and remarked that when high school students began
Seneca by Storm
celebrating with Duffield students several years ago, there were only 30 that took part. With each passing year, more and more high School students look forward to celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with their new Duffield friends. The NEA launched the Read Across America program in 1998 to promote the importance of reading to school children.
Prior to midwinter recess Seneca Middle School in the Sachem Central School District transformed into a literacy pop culture convention center as established authors and illustrators came to share their specialties with students. To begin the day, all seventh-grade students gathered in the auditorium for an assembly presentation by award-winning author Paul Volponi. During the assembly, students gained expert insight into the creative process and answered various trivia questions highlighting different aspects of world cultures. As the students continued through the day, a number of classrooms were dedicated to additional presentations led by authors and illustrators from multiple
disciplines. Origami artists Shrikant Iyer and Jacqueline Billig taught students precise folding sequences to form origami art creations. Graphic designer and illustrator David O. Miller shared beginner tips for drawing in three dimensions. He continued his tutorial on the fundamentals of sketching by guiding students through several “Star Wars” character drawings. An art workshop presented by Imagine That! introduced students to famous artists, such as Jackson Pollack. Following the brief art history lesson, students went on to recreate artwork using Pollack’s unique drip painting style. Representing the Manga style of drawing prominent in Japan, comic artist Misako Rocks! demonstrated the unique
techniques associated with the medium. Maintaining the focus on literature and art, Marvel artist William “Billy” Tucci spoke to students about his approach to art and the hard work that lead to the position he holds today. In a captivating combination of art and storytelling, Christopher Agostino painted students’ faces to coincide with folktales he told from around the world. Complementing the presenters of art and literature were members from the Sachem Public Library that made books available for checkout and brought various studio robots for students to experiment with. Concluding the funfilled pop culture event, students and teachers faced off in an exciting “Star Wars”-themed trivia game.
KINDNESS ROCKS - Idle Hour Elementary School kicked off DASA week with a schoolwide assembly. The students were joined by their friends from the Arbors Assisted Living Facility of Bohemia as they took part in singalongs, a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos of the students with their “Grandfriends” and an introduction to the Kindness Rock Project with the reading of the book “Ishi.” Additionally, the fifth-grade CONNETQUOT CELEBRATES - Connetquot High School students visited their girls were recently visited by Counseling and Psychological Services representative younger peers at Helen B. Duffield Elementary School in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Vickie Moskowitz for a brainstorming session about the importance of maintaining 114th birthday on March 2nd. Photo courtesy of: Connetquot Central School District/ healthy friendships, entitled “Friendship Matters.” Photo courtesy of: Connetquot Central School District/Joe Maniaci Joe Maniaci