School Notebook: Open Spots, Bethpage Restoration Field Trip, Assemblies

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Fourth Graders from SEM went on a field trip to . The 209-acre village includes homes, farms and businesses and the children were able to experience life in a recreated mid-19th century American village. 

SEM students also participated in the annual Turkey Trot. In order to participate in the trot, students had to bring a can of food for the school’s Fall Food Drive, which was organized by the Wellness Club and supports local families in need during the holidays. Kindergarten through second grade students ran or walked one half of a mile, while third, fourth and fifth graders ran or walked an entire mile.   

Paralympic athlete Dennis Oehler spoke to Albany Avenue fifth graders about eliminating barriers that limit individual potential and creating a positive self-image. Oehler became a below-the-knee amputee at age 24 as a result of an automobile accident and became a member of the 1988 Paralympic Track and Field Team, setting a world record in the 100-meter event by running it in 11.73 seconds. He went on to win gold medals in the 200- and 400-meter events and four years later in Barcelona, he set another world record in the long jump and took silver in the 100-meters.

Oehler presented the award-winning program, “Changing Hearts and Minds,’ which described his journey, the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and empathy for others. 

Albany Avenue second graders learned about American Indians, courtesy of Long Island-based Journeys into American Indian Territory, a program provided through Albany Avenue PTA’s Arts in Education Programs. Students moved beyond stereotypes to a more accurate and sensitive understanding of Native Americans, and they learned of the difficulties they had living on the plains. They were able to try on American Indian garb and sleep like American Indians as well as listen to historical accounts from inside a large tipi.

For more information about Albany Avenue and the Albany Avenue PTA, contact the Albany Avenue PTA through its website at info@albanyavenuepta.org. 

A group raised more than $3,500 in support of AHRC, an organization that assists adults and children with developmental disabilities throughout Nassau County. The group assisted in the setup of the AHRC Walkathon at at Eisenhower Park. Students who raised $100 or more were entered into a drawing to win 10 tickets to a screening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I and a $50 gift card.

The universal pre-kindergarten program has two openings. First spot for immediate attendance. Second spot will be available on Nov. 28. If you are interested, please call Ellen Krammer at 516-752-6665.