The District’s elementary school students participated in the democratic process on Nov. 4 by casting their votes in mock elections.

At Dayton Avenue School, fourth grade students learned about the voting process and about making informed decisions before voting for their favorite cookie, Chips Ahoy or Oreos. During an assignment called The Great Cookie Debate, they were also instructed to write an essay defending their decision. The essays were placed on a bulletin board for peers to read. Additionally, students voted schoolwide on whether they want revised school hours.

Eastport Elementary and Tuttle Avenue students also voted for their favorite sharks. Tuttle Avenue students voted between the great white and tiger shark. Student ambassadors lead the voting process by explaining to peers how to vote and awarding “I Voted” stickers. Eastport students chose between the bull shark and hammerhead shark. Using the school’s new Glowforge machine and inspired by the book “Who Would Win,” the winning shark will have a cutout printed out and displayed in the cafeteria.

After the votes are counted and the winners are announced, students in all three schools participated in further discussions about the results.

Click here to view the Elementary Students Go to the Polls slideshow.

Date Added: 11/6/2024

Dayton Avenue School students received a loud round of applause as they walked down the red carpet during the school’s annual Readers Walk of Fame. The event was a culmination of the school’s summer reading program which encouraged students to read daily and record the number of minutes read. 

In all, 50 participants read a combined 57,200 minutes. Principal Dr. Shelita Watkis and library media specialist Cheryl Skidmore congratulated the students for taking the time to hone their reading skills during the summer months.  

Click here to view the Reading VIP’s Walk the Red Carpet slideshow.

Date Added: 10/23/2024

District students are taking time in their foreign language in the elementary schools classes to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, from Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

At South Street School, Latin ballroom dancing instructor Michelle Vicale-Smith treated students to a Flamenco performance and discussed the various styles and history behind Latin dance. Several teachers volunteered to demonstrate the dances with the instructor and students then line danced to the music.

During a lesson with fourth grade students at Dayton Avenue School, teacher Chris Battista discussed the importance of National Hispanic Heritage Month and what it means to have a “heritage.” The students then rotated to several stations where they learned about various famous Hispanic individuals such as Isabelle Allende, Frida Kahlo and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

The district’s FLES program has expanded this school year to include fourth grade and is designed to foster early language learning and cross-cultural connections. The program also promotes a love of language learning through song, dance, culture and technology.

Date Added: 9/25/2024