To mark a summer of learning and international soccer fever, Oyster Bay-East Norwich’s Extended School Year program hosted a mini-World Cup at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School on Aug. 5. Families and friends were welcome to join the event in the school’s cafeteria.

Led by the district's dedicated behavior analyst, Daniel Gatto, students were divided into two teams – The GOALden Superstars and GOAL Getters. They wore T-shirts showing their family’s nationality and carried handmade flags. Countries represented included Italy, Honduras, Spain and Germany.

The teams took part in three activities: dunking colored balls into a tub, matching their country’s flag to a hidden flag in a sensory bin, and matching a colored ball to the same-color stand before kicking it into a net. Students showed enthusiasm and focus in each event, supported by their aides who offered encouragement and help.

Spectators showed support as students competed and cheered with pride during the medal ceremony, where each student received a gold medal for sportsmanship and participation.

Wearing their medals proudly and waving their flags, our youngest learners demonstrated that World Cup spirit and patriotism had inspired them, showing teamwork, national pride, and the joy of play.