Thanks to our PTA, we had a fun and exciting week participating in a special program with the National Circus Project!  All classes attended at least two sessions with circus performers.  Students in grades five and six attended several sessions geared to their particular circus interest, such as juggling, plate spinning, stilt walking, and MORE!!!  This fun-filled week was culminated with our fifth and sixth grade students performing in a school wide circus assembly!

     It is hard to believe that we are in the month of June already.  State tests and Field Day have come and gone, and we are now busy preparing for the Park Avenue Circus.  In the midst of all of these exciting events, we took time to honor students displaying the virtue of citizenship at our Town Hall Meetings.  Citizenship encompasses many important attributes which significantly contribute to our learning community, such as honesty and responsibility.  Many teachers stated it was difficult to nominate just three students from their class, because of the great number of excellent citizens in each class community.  We are confident Park students will continue to be excellent citizens throughout the summer! 

Park Avenue Kindergartners Travel Around the World!

We have enjoyed having many fabulous visitors in Mrs.Assande's, Mrs.Griffin's and Mrs.Obey's kindergarten classes. Our special visitors have shared music, dances, clothing, money, foods and interesting facts from several different countries. We have traveled to Canada, India, Italy, Jordan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Scotland right from our classrooms! Thank you to all our wonderful visitors!

As a culminating activity, the kindergartners took part in an International Festival. After singing special songs, they experimented at various International Centers. The students tasted foods, danced, played music, and tried new kinds of hopscotch. It was an incredible day!

NORTH BELLMORE SPANISH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

    Park Avenue fifth and sixth grade students celebrated Spanish language learning with a fantastic "fiesta". They enjoyed food that was "delicioso," listened to "música española" and played games using Spanish vocabulary they had learned during the year. What an "excelente" end to a "fabuloso" year!

     The following poem by one of our students was recently published in “A Celebration of Poets”.  Her poem, along with the others included in this anthology, was selected out of several thousand entries.  This is an incredible accomplishment.   The book contains many types of poems from haikus to free verse, and would be an enjoyable book to read for all poetry lovers! 

       Ms. McNamara, the Alpha instructor, worked with our student during the writing process.  CONGRATULATIONS!

     I walk on the long beaches, leaving my footprints behind.

     I hear the musical crisp tingle of the sand as it contrasts, leaving my foot to explore.

     I leave my footprint mark to say, "Thank you, you have let me hear the earth."

     The waves wash it away to seal my adventure in the depths of the sand,

     No way a man could walk and listen the way I did.

     They will have their own.             

NORTH BELLMORE STUDENT ARTS LEAGUE

     Several of our Park students participated in this program throughout the school year.  As a celebration of their work, talented drama students performed an absolutely outstanding and engaging version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda! 

     Additionally, guests were treated to an art exhibit, showcasing the talents and creations of our visual art students.   Ms. Lo Bosco is the director/instructor of this program. 

Park Paddlers

     Weather conditions were PERFECT as our sixth graders enjoyed both an educational and team building experience!  We maneuvered our canoes along the Peconic, Long Island’s largest river.  Paddling our canoes provided us with the chance to enter a unique habitat and closely observe some of Long Island’s wildlife.  Swans, turtles, otters, cranes, and muskrats were just a few of the animals we saw during this relaxing, meditative exploration of shallow waters and shoreline.  We cooperated with each other paddling and making strokes which propelled our canoes in the right direction.   THANKS to all the parent chaperones that assisted us in making this a sensational day! 

     When we woke to see blue skies and sunshine, we immediately knew we would have a fun filled day at the Sixth Grade District Track Meet, held at Mepham High School. We spent the day participating in track and field events, cheering at the tops of our lungs for friends, new and old alike, and creating memories that will last forever! 

     On Wednesday, May 19th our school community once again met to honor students who exemplified the virtue of COOPERATION in their words and actions!  Park students realize that when we cooperate together, we can achieve great goals!  Once, June's virtue - citizenship - was revealed, students had a chance to discuss their ideas regarding citizenship.  It was concluded, that this character trait encompasses all the ones we have highlighted throughout the year, such as:  responsibility, honesty, and so on!  We left the General Purpose room thinking of ways we can each contribute to our Park Avenue Community! 

Examples of kind, caring acts were shared with our Park Community at March’s Town Hall Meeting, and March’s Students of the Month were applauded for demonstrating this compassionate virtue.

     Next, the General Purpose room rocked with the sounds of the Rolling Stones singing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, as students reflected upon the meaning of our virtue for April:  patience.  Students at both Town Hall Meetings “defined” this virtue as the ability to wait, and to be okay with not getting what you want right away.  Our students shared strategies for developing patience, and the realization that while it is not always easy to demonstrate patience, it is an extremely valuable tool in life. We will utilize this virtue as each of us show perseverance and determination making our mark on the world!!!

     Students who exemplified the virtue of Patience throughout April were recognized and applauded at Thursday's Town Hall Meeting.   Later,  Mrs. Obey shared a definition of cooperation, May's virtue with students in kindergarten through third grade.  The children had a chance to talk to each other and brainstorm examples of cooperation displayed during our school day and at home!  Then Mr. Zucker shared a Chinese fable with the upper grades.  The moral of the fable is that a single arrow or stick by itself can be broken, but when several are bundled together they cannot be destroyed.  Students connected this with their lives, and concluded we are stronger when we include all, stay united, and work as a team!  We look foward to seeing our students  show cooperation with others, as well as all the virtues that make us a strong community!

Ranger Eric Powers visited the kindergartners to help jump start a special environmental project- The Bobwhite Quail Reintroduction Study. For the past six years, Park Avenue kindergartners and fifth graders have incubated and raised the Bobwhite Quail. The quail are then nurtured further by Mr.Powers and released into their natural habitat. Mr.Powers conducted an “in school field trip” with the kindergartners and presented the quail habitat, diet, and predators. 

          The children learned that quail eat seeds, grasshoppers and ticks. We can all agree that we could use less of a pesky bug like ticks! Supporting growth of the overall quail population has a direct effect on our Long Island environment (more quail=less ticks).

          We also learned about quail predators. Hawks, screech owls, foxes, hunters and cats all think quail are tasty treats! We were shocked to discover that domestic cats pose the biggest threat to quail. Many “outdoor/indoor” cats hunt quail for fun and then go back to their cozy beds in surrounding homes. Ranger Powers urged us to start walking our cats on leashes! It is against the law to let your cat outside unattended. Fifty million birds a year are killed by cats. Let’s protect the quail by keeping our cats within sight.

          Let’s cross our fingers for a great quail hatch rate this year!

     Pi, a Greek letter,  is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi Day is celebrated by math enthusiasts around the world on March 14th. Pi = 3.1415926535.  And our sixth graders are certainly an enthusiastic group, especially when celebrating their learning and accomplishments!  Since, "3.14" occurred on a weekend this year, we postponed the event to a school day so we could enjoy the occassion together.  We also watched, and then sung along with a pi rap, "Lose Yourself in the Digits."  Our learning about this important concept was reinforced by song, fun, laughter and sharing pie, of course! 

       The following article was written by Maura and Chris C., both sixth grade S.A.D.D. Club representatives.  S.A.D.D. stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions.  Mrs. Perrick is the moderator of the club. 

     On March 11th, the S.A.D.D. Club met with two representatives from Bide-a-Wee Animal Shelter, along with two therapy dogs.  Alf, is a retired greyhound, and the small collie is Brad!  They wanted to thank the club for collecting much needed supplies for the shelter.  We learned all about therapy dogs from their owners. These two dogs visit children in schools, and listen to them read.  We also had an opportunity to ask questions, and of course greet the dogs.  This was a wonderful experience for the S.A.D.D. Club, and for the dogs as well! 

Park Avenue’s Character Education Program

At our “Town Hall” meeting we recognized our students who were selected as February’s “Students of the Month” for displaying Honesty, in their words and in their actions. Their photos and reasons for earning this honor are posted on the bulletin board near the main office. Also, March’s virtue of the month, Kindness, was revealed at the meeting. Students shared ideas about how they can exemplify kindness at school, and at home!  They learned about “paying it forward”, and discussed how kindness can be contagious!  The importance of being helpful and concerned for others was illustrated by one of Aesop’s fables.   Additionally, our students were able to comprehend how one small, kind gesture can have a HUGE impact on others!  We are so proud to be a school community where character truly counts! 

     At our very first Town Hall Meeting of 2010, Park students demonstrating the virtue of determination were honored.  Some of the ways our students showed determination were improving penmanship, and in the ways they did not give up, even when things became difficult!  They learned to persevere.

     Next, February’s virtue was revealed:  honesty!  All agreed it was a perfect virtue to spotlight as we celebrate the birthdates of George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln.  Mrs. Obey shared a story about “Honest Abe” walking miles to return change to a person, and Mr. Zucker and our fourth through sixth graders reflected on the meaning of honesty. We look forward to celebrating honesty during February, and in being truthful always! 

     Park students generously participated in "Extend the Holidays", an annual program organized by Senator Fuschillo.  Toys are delivered shortly after New Year's Day, so that children in the pediatric ward at Winthrop University Hospital continue to receive gifts as the new year begins.  Our Student Council helped organize the event at Park, serving up a cup of delicious hot chocolate to students as they donated new toys!  We are delighted to be able to help Senator Fuschillo spread joy to others!

     We once more gathered to honor students who demonstrated the virtue of the month in all their words and actions.  December's virtue was generosity.  Students discussed ways they shared their time, talents, and even supplies with others throughout the month. 

    Next, January's virtue was revealed:  determination!   Students in the younger grades were able to connect this important trait with the story, "The Little Engine That Could".   That story, along with experiences in their own lives inspired them to be believe in themselves!  Fourth through sixth grades learned about two individuals who kept trying until they ultimately succeeded.  Thomas Edison had many, many setbacks before invented the light bulb.  And Thomas Demsey, despite being born without toes on his right foot, went on to set records in the N. F. L. 

     As we begin a new decade, our students will go forward confidently believing in their goals, and more importantly themselves! 

     While the snow on the ground may give many a chill, we at Park Avenue are lucky to be greeted each day by warm smiles on the friendly snow people that adorn our lobby.  All the snow people on display were created by our artistic students as a way of beautifying our entrance.  Each snow person, like each snowflake, is magnificent and unique!  Thanks to all who gave generously of their time and talents in this endeavor!  

Thank you PTA for an amazing animal assembly!  Students in all grades were

enthralled by having the opportunity to see, touch and learn about lizards, snakes, and alligators -

just to name a few of the species Erik educated us about! 

     Celebrities were abound at Park Avenue's Student Council Spirit Day!  We had a great time dressing as a favorite athletes, singers, and even super heroes!  Thank You Student Council! 

     Park Avenue's chorus and band members entertained  packed audiences at two school concerts on Wednesday, December 9th.  Under the direction of Mrs. Ng and Mrs. Behr, we were serenaded with a lovely selection of winter melodies, including:  Celebrating Chanukah, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, There's Someone in the Chimney, Merry Christmas Bells, and Chanukah Catch!  In addition, our talented orchestra members performed last Wednesday, December 2nd at the district orchestra concert, conducted by Ms. Uckardes.  What a joyful way to welcome winter!    

Character Counts

     Once again, members of the Park Avenue community joined together for a Town Hall meeting celebrating our character education program.   Students who displayed the virtue of empathy throughout the month of November were recognized and received certificates.  In addition, their pictures will be displayed on our Character Education Bulletin Board, near the main office.  Next, December’s virtue – generosity - was revealed.  This was followed by a discussion of what generosity entails.  Our students contributed many excellent examples of generosity, such as:  letting classmates borrow supplies, giving kindness to those in need, and sharing our talents with others.  All understood we can be generous without giving material items, but by giving of ourselves!  We look forward to having our hallways and classrooms filled with acts of caring and sharing! 

          Our Spectacular Circus Assembly

                  This article was written by several

                   of our students:  Maura, Iqra, and Michael

     Kids from grades Kindergarten through sixth Grade were invited to watch a colorful and amazing circus, with tricks from all around the world!  The performers entertained us with devil sticks, juggling, skating, spinning plates, and lots of amusing acts which amazed students of all ages!

Thank you PTA for providing us with a fabulous treat!

On Wednesday, October 28th, our students attended October's Town Hall Meeting.  October’s “Students of the Month” who displayed the virtue of courtesy were recognized with a certificate and their photo will be displayed on the bulletin board outside the main office.   Next, November’s virtue was revealed:  empathy!  Both Mrs. Obey and Mr. Zucker shared stories which illustrated empathy to the students.  Students were able to understand that empathy is first being able to understand someone else's feelings, and then trying to make the other person feel better.   Our empathetic, caring students discussed the importance of inviting others  to play with them at recess, and cheering up someone who is having a difficult time.    Park Avenue students are excited to show everyone that character  counts!                                         

The Park Avenue Pumpkin Patch

                The Park Ave.  School library recently held its 3^rd annual pumpkin decorating contest and this year’s entries was a bumper crop of 57 book characters! The characters ranged from traditional favorites such as The Little Engine That Could, Little Red Riding Hood, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears to more contemporary favorites such as The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pinkalicious and Skippyjon Jones.  Every single entry was creative and utterly amazing! It was very hard to choose a winner from each grade level but after some deliberation Mrs. Squicciarini and Mrs. Michel choose the following pumpkins:  K,  The Kissing Hand; 1^st grade,   Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs; 2^nd grade,  One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish; 3^rd grade,   the full cast of Alice in Wonderland; 4^th grade, The Wicked Witch of the West; 5^th grade,  Dumbo & Timothy ; and 6^th grade,  Humpty Dumpty.  Congratulations!  And many thanks to the PTA for their continued support of the Park Avenue Pumpkin Patch.

   Picture "retakes" will take place on Wednesday, October 28th - for those who have returned their proofs, and requested to have photos retaken.

     Additionally, our sixth graders will be posing for the yearbook "playground" picture on that day.  Students will come to school dressed as usual for this picture. Then, they will pose for a "Class of 2010" group photograph.  Students have been asked to bring a change of shirts for this photo, as follows:

Mrs. Byrne's Class:  Royal Blue

Ms. Merlini's Class:  White Shirts

Mrs. Howe and Mrs. Levine's Class:  Girls should wear white,

                                                          Boys will wear royal blue

We look forward to seeing your best smiles! 

     Kindergarten students had a wonderful time learning with apples!  The children baked delicious apple cookies, and had the opportunity to taste other  apple foods.  They incorporated math by measuring ingredients and even graphed apples! Our kindergarteners had fun creating various apple art projects!

Character Counts at Park Avenue!

On Wednesday, September 30^th, our students attended our first Town Hall meeting of the 2009 – 2010 school year.  September’s “Students of the Month” who displayed the virtue of responsibility were recognized with a certificate and their photo will be displayed on the bulletin board outside the main office.   Next, October’s virtue was revealed:  courtesy!  Students shared their ideas regarding how Park students can show courtesy throughout each day. Some examples the students came up with were:  greeting people “Good Morning” and “Hello”, being considerate of others, using “I Care” language, looking at someone when they are speaking, holding the door for others, using good manners in the lunchroom and halls, and using the important magic words – “Please” and “Thank You!”  Park Avenue students are excited to show everyone that character counts!

     As shown by the smiles of our students, the entire school community is excited to be back at Park Avenue learning and growing together!  We look forward to another wonderful year!

Kids Help Keep Ticks in Check with Quail Chicks!

This was the third year Park Avenue students participated in this successful environmental initiative—the bobwhite quail reintroduction project.  It was developed by outdoor educator, Eric Powers, as a means to control the growing tick population—since quail eat ticks.   The results have been extremely successful. 

            Last spring, once again Park Avenue kindergartners buddied up with fifth grade classes to learn about the life cycle process through authentic, interdisciplinary hands-on experiences. During the incubation period the children watched the quail embryos develop, shining flashlights to see inside the eggs. After hatching, the quail chicks were cared for in the classroom until they were about 2 weeks old, at which time they were brought to the 543-acre Caleb Smith Park Preserve in Smithtown.  Environmentally concerned volunteers helped to raise them until the quail were between 8 and 10 weeks old.  On a sunny Saturday morning in July, a number of Park Avenue students came to join students and teachers from 15 other schools across Long Island to witness the release of 500 quail.  It was an exciting moment when the children watched the birds discover their new home and newly found freedom!