Dirtmeister, a PTA sponsored science program presented by the entertaining Dirtmeister himself Steve Tomecek, who is also an accomplished geomorphologist and author of more than 45 science books for children and teachers, brought science to life for students at Willow Road School.
The show, titled "Science Around the House", explores the science behind gravity, air pressure and sound energy in and around our homes. With the use of simple items such as coffee cans, Rice Krispies, mixing bowls and even a toilet plunger in his experiments, Mr. Tomecek showed the students how air pressure helps the toilet flush, how gravity makes juice spill to the floor and how the phaser shooting sounds for "Star Trek" were created using a vibrating metal coil.
The Dirtmeister and his unusual science demonstrations captivated the students and showed how science is applied in everyday life. The Willow Road School wishes to thank the PTA for the program and Mr. Tomecek for his generous donation of autographed books for the school's library.
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Science is Everywhere
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Bridging the Generations over Brunch
In a tradition dating back more than 15 years, students at James A. Dever Elementary School hosted their annual Juniors Meet Seniors Concert and Brunch, honoring the adult volunteers who participate in the school’s intergenerational reading program.
The youngsters greeted their guests with flowers and escorted them to the auditorium, where they enjoyed performances by the orchestra, senior chorus, concert band and jazz band.
After the concert, the PTA served a festive brunch, to thank their esteemed volunteers for taking the time each week to read with students, while building bonds of friendship across generations.
As a fitting ending to day’s festivities, many of the senior guests then headed to classrooms to participate in intergenerational reading activities with their favorite junior partners.
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Saving the Planet One Old Printer at a Time
Students in L.J. Butler’s third-grade class at James A. Dever Elementary School did their part to help save the environment by participating in the West Hempstead District 6 E-Cycling Program.
Teaming up with Girl Scout Troop #2273, the students collected old printers, cell phones, computers and VCRs, which will be recycled by the town, to help keep harmful toxins out of the waste stream.
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Valley Stream Guides the Light for Education
Valley Stream Central High School District hosted the Council of PTA’s 55th annual Lights On For Education on April 21 at Memorial Junior High School. The evening featured comprehensive displays and presentations on the academic, performing arts, visual arts and physical education programs throughout the fourteen Valley Stream elementary and secondary schools. This year’s theme was “Be the Guiding Light for Others to Follow.”
Valley Stream Districts 13, 24, 30 and the Valley Stream Central High School District were all represented at this event. The opening ceremony featured students from each district speaking on the theme, as well as remarks from each superintendent and a ribbon cutting by Board of Education members to officially kickoff the evening.
“We’re all here for one reason and one reason only…the children,” said Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education President/Valley Stream District UFSD Thirteen Board of Education Trustee Dr. Frank J. Chiachiere. “You have all chosen to send your children to our schools, and as adults you have choices, and we thank you for choosing us.”
All visitors were urged to tour the school building, where interactive programs were featured in each of the first floor classrooms. Showcased programs included: culinary arts, family and consumer sciences, cosmetology, performance groups, physical education, STEAM-related activities, 3-D printing and Advanced Placement courses.
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Lead Test Results Community Letter - May 2016
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2016-2017 Budget Newsletter
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They Say Everyone Has A Twin
Morgan Jenkins, a student in Mrs. Rezek’s kindergarten class happened to pass Willow Road School Principal Stephanie Capozzoli in the hallway and complimented her on her dress. Mrs. Capozzoli returned the compliment and both posed for a photo to capture the moment.
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SCOPE Information
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Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen State Report Card
Click here for more information
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Community Residents Approved 2016-17 School Budget
On Tuesday, May 17, community residents approved the 2016-2017 school budget by a vote of 627 YES to 301 NO. Antoinette “Toni” Pomerantz was re-elected with 795 YES votes and Milagros Vincente was elected with 519 YES votes. Both were elected to three-year terms beginning July 1, 2016.
Thank you to all community residents who participated in the 2016-2017 vote.
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Literacy Night in Willow Woods
Willow Road School was transformed into Willow Woods as part of the school’s Literacy Night. The faculty and staff assumed the role of camp counselors as they guided eager student-campers through an adventurous evening of literacy activities.
Campers enjoyed the opportunity to visit a variety of activity stations where they read around a campfire, had their picture taken at a photo booth, created pet rocks and decorated picture frames. At the end of a fun-filled excursion into the woods, Willow Road was left with many happy campers. Remember… the S'more you read, the S'more you know.
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Dancing Brings Everyone Together
Willow Road School held its Eighth Annual Dance Cotillion, defined as a formal dance with frequent changing of partners, as the culminating event of for the fourth-grade classes who participated in a program called Dancing Classrooms. Dancing Classrooms is a ten-week residency that uses ballroom dancing as a tool to encourage children to break down social barriers, to treat others respectfully and how to improve self-confidence. In addition the children learn communication, cooperation and to how to accept others despite their differences.
Special thanks to educational liaison, Ms. Eileen Clarke and teaching artist, Angela Trivigno from Dancing Classrooms for their professional expertise and devotion while working with the students at Willow Road School. Physical education teachers Peter Gatto and Cindi Gomez also practiced with the students during their physical education classes during this ten-weeks course. Additional participants and support came from fourth grade teachers Maureen Byrnes, Matt Costantino, Karen Higgins and their classroom aides Randi Carcione and Toniann DiMartino. The Dancing Classrooms cotillion was a spectacular display of dedication, hard work and discipline, truly an incredible event at Willow Road School.
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Professional Development in Action
Teachers in the Willow Road School participated in a professional development activity enabling them to collaborate with their colleagues while acquiring a better understanding of how students learn most effectively.
The teachers participated in the district’s first Learning Walks event facilitated by instructional coach Laurie Salvatore. They worked collaboratively by watching and reflecting on student work and student behaviors in the classroom. As part of Learning Walks, the teachers also shared and discussed their best practices with one another. The four major elements in Learning Walks are: • A focus question• Classroom visits• Structured analysis• Next step planning
The focus question determined by the Willow Road cohort addressed student engagement or how to better engage students in the lesson and what evidence indicates student engagement. At the conclusion of the Learning Walks activity, the teachers expressed their appreciation to the administration for the opportunity to participate in this project and also shared how the lessons learned will be incorporated into their classroom instruction.
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Fun in the Springtime Sun at Dever’s Field Day
Celebrating the coming close of a successful school year and the onset of summer, students at James A. Dever Elementary enjoyed the spring sunshine and a cavalcade of competitive activities at the school’s May 20 field day. Events included a pole jump, a softball throw and three-legged races.
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Looking into the Future
Students in the fifth and sixth grades at Willow Road School were thinking about their future when they participated in the school’s first Career Day. The program was designed to inspire students to explore possible future careers and to learn more about what is needed to be successful in the future.
Several guests participated in Career Day by sharing information about their career choices, the education qualifications needed, as well as experiences they have encountered during their careers. Special thanks to guest presenters Mr. Biju Alexander, registered nurse for psychiatric emergency room; Mrs. Tara DiPalma, account and director budget and expense management; Mr. Luigi LaRocca, restaurant owner/manager; Dr. Shirley Martin, interim assistant superintendent for curriculum, assessment and technology, Mr. Terrence Meaney, retired police officer at Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Mr. Jonathan Pollard, theater producer.
Thank you to the members of the Willow Road Shared Decision Making Team and the fifth- and sixth-grade teachers for making this event so successful.
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Posting - Summer Custodial Helper
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Everyone Has a Friend on the Willow Road Playground
Students were smiling and the sun was shining on the playground at Willow Road School for a very special ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of the school’s new Buddy Bench.
The Buddy Bench project was supported through grants from both the Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union and the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen PTA. The eye-catching bench was designed by Mr. Alan Goldenstein of Valley Signs and was installed alongside the playground at the Willow Road School.
The purpose of the Buddy Bench is to ensure that no one feels left out or alone during recess. Volunteer Buddy Ambassadors will monitor the bench during recess to make sure anyone who is looking for someone to play with spends no more than a few minutes on the bench before someone invites them to play.
During the inauguration of the Buddy Bench, the Buddy Ambassadors gathered around the bench as Willow Road principal Stephanie Capozzoli cut the ribbon and declared the opening. The students recited the Buddy Bench Pledge promising to be kind to others, be a good friend and to never leave anyone alone on the bench.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was a member of the board and Director of the Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union Ms. Catherine T. Banigo, Interschool PTA board member Mrs. Christine Balsan, Willow Road School sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Mary Danna and school psychologists Ms. Mindy Berlin and Dr. Karen Jason.
The students look forward to enjoying their time on the Willow Road School playground where everyone has a friend.
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Application for Summer Recreation 2016
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Field Day Fun for Everyone
The colors green and gold took on a whole new meaning as students at the Willow Road School were placed into two teams before the start of the school’s annual field day events. The students enjoyed friendly competition including the potato sack race, tug of war, relay races, jumping rope, dancing and more. Each event was held in a different location in the Willow Road School.
In the gymnasium, students danced to the beat with DJ Ben from Signature Sounds, while both playgrounds and the ballfield were filled with students laughing and enjoying a picnic and other field day activities.
Field day would not have been possible without the hard work and detailed planning of Willow Road School physical education teacher Peter Gatto together with Principal Stephanie Capozzoli, PTA Co-Presidents Lisa Modica and Joanne Naumov, and representative Cheryl Cirri. Additional thanks to Applebees of Valley Stream and Rita's Ices for their very generous donations of lunch and ices for all the students to enjoy.
At the end of the day, everyone was a winner. Another field day came to an end, but the memories will last a lifetime.
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Fun for Everyone
Kindergarten students at the Willow Road School had an exciting time at their own annual kindergarten picnic.
The children were bursting with energy and could barely contain their enthusiasm as they waited their turn to compete in the day's races and activities. They entertained themselves in the playground, tested their skills with hula-hoops, and jumped rope. When it came time for lunch, everyone took a break from the activities to cool off and enjoy pizza and Italian ices. It was definitely a great way to celebrate the end of kindergarten.
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