Friday, May 2 was a day full of excitement and smiles at Theodore Roosevelt School as we welcomed the kindergarten class of 2025-2026 and their families for kindergarten orientation. The event offered a warm, engaging introduction to the OBEN community and a glimpse into the joyful learning experiences that await our newest students.

Upon arrival, families were greeted with colorful folders—each color corresponding to a different rotation schedule. Throughout the morning, students and their parents explored five of our vibrant “special” subject areas: art, library, music, physical education, and science/technology. At each stop, students were invited to participate in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Adding a special touch to the day, students from Ms. Rotbart and Ms. Lubin’s class welcomed the incoming kindergartners at their first stop. As part of their class service project, these thoughtful student ambassadors also created a heartwarming video introduction (check it out below!).

After visiting each special subject, the children had the chance to spend 15 minutes in our kindergarten classrooms alongside current students and teachers. Meanwhile, parents gathered with Principal Devra Small for an informative session highlighting the exciting pre-kindergarten activities they and their children will be invited to participate in over the coming months.

We are thrilled to begin building connections with our future students and their families. The energy and enthusiasm we saw on Friday are just the beginning—we can't wait to welcome the Class of 2038 this fall!

 

Date Added: 5/5/2025

The halls of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School were transformed into a vibrant gallery during this year’s annual Art Show, which was the largest in the school’s history.

More than 2,200 pieces of student artwork were proudly displayed throughout the building, including in the newly completed extension. From colorful paintings to detailed mixed media projects, the exhibits reflected the creativity and hard work of our students across all grades.

This year also marked the debut of artwork from our full-day Pre-K program. We were pleased to feature the imaginative creations of our youngest students, whose contributions added a new dimension to the event.

We extend our sincere thanks to the parents who volunteered their time to help hang the displays, and to our K-2 Art Teacher, Ms. Meredith Brustman, for her dedication and leadership in bringing the show to life.

The Art Show was a meaningful celebration of student creativity and the vibrant arts program at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School.

 

Click here to view the Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Hosts Largest Art Show to Date slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/28/2025

Second graders from Ms. Rotbart’s and Ms. Lubin’s classes took to the stage on Apr. 8 to perform a heartwarming Reader’s Theater production of “Charlotte’s Web” for an audience of proud families and staff.

The performance marked the culmination of a month-long project led by school librarian Ms. Roseann Davidson, who spearheads the school’s Reader’s Theater program. As part of the school-wide initiative, each second-grade class selects a book to read and then prepares a staged reading, complete with character assignments, a few props and a live audience.

With scripts in hand and hats featuring portraits of their characters, students brought E.B. White’s classic story to life. Their matching t-shirts—printed with spider webs—added a playful, thematic touch. A beautifully illustrated banner, inspired by the book’s original cover art, hung above the stage to set the scene.

The students took turns at the microphones, delivering their lines with confidence and expression. The performance included both solo and group readings and concluded with a joyful song-and-dance number to “Wherever We Go” from the musical “Gypsy”, prepared under the guidance of music teacher Ms. Brenda Murphy. Art teacher Ms. Meredith Brustman worked with students to create the character illustrations for their hats and the striking banner overhead.

The show was filled with laughter—and even a few tears when Charlotte said her final goodbye—showcasing the students’ ability to convey both humor and to tug at the audience’s heartstrings.

In a fun nod to the school’s growth, Reader’s Theater was held on the cafeteria stage, now available once again for performances. The stage—formerly used for various learning support services—has been returned to its original purpose, thanks to the addition of new dedicated instructional spaces in the recently opened wing.

Following the presentation, families were invited to stay for refreshments and celebrate the students’ achievement together—a sweet ending to a memorable morning.

Click here to view the Second Graders Shine in “Charlotte’s Web” Performance at Theodore Roosevelt School slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/11/2025

On Apr. 7, students at Theodore Roosevelt School were treated to a unique and entertaining performance—an original play about protecting the environment, written and performed by none other than their own teachers and administrators!

The story followed two lovable polar bears—portrayed by Principal Devra Small and librarian Roseann Davidson—who discover that their Arctic home is in trouble. As they journey to understand the changes in their habitat, they encounter several other animals facing environmental challenges, including a bee (played by kindergarten teacher Holly Janoska) and a monarch butterfly (played by reading specialist Michele Taube).

The polar bears also receive guidance from Mother Earth (played by ENL teacher Kim Kaufman) and Mother Nature (played by science and technology teacher Regina D’Orio). But every good story needs its villains, and in this tale, the mischievous forces threatening the environment were Carbon and Methane (played by technology coach Brian Agostini and gym teacher Jeff Schiereck).

By the end of the play, the polar bears come to a powerful conclusion: the future of the planet depends on the help of Roosevelt’s students.

To encourage eco-friendly behavior, students were challenged to take small but meaningful actions—like recycling, using reusable water bottles and turning off lights when leaving a room. These actions are included as part of a special “Golden Coupon Book,” which every student received. As they complete each task, students can bring in the corresponding coupon to enter a raffle. Winners will be drawn on Earth Day for a chance to receive exciting prizes.

The performance was both fun and impactful—a memorable way to energize students around environmental stewardship and show them that even small actions can make a big difference.

 

Click here to view the Roosevelt teachers take the stage to inspire earth-friendly habits slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/9/2025

On the evening of Mar. 19, first graders and their special guests gathered at Theodore Roosevelt School for the fourth annual Social Studies Night, an interactive event designed to encourage family participation in learning. The night featured a series of engaging activities focused on civics, community, local history, and geography, reinforcing the importance of being active and informed citizens.

Teachers from various disciplines led the activities in five different classrooms, with assistance from high school members of the Social Studies National Honor Society (Rho Kappa), under the guidance of adviser David Pontillo. Throughout the evening, students and their guests rotated through stations that made learning both fun and interactive.

Among the activities, participants assembled a jigsaw puzzle map of the United States, played social studies bingo, and learned patriotic songs, which they performed in a lively parade. They also crafted teddy bears while listening to a story about Theodore Roosevelt and explored his legacy in conservation by planting seeds to take home.

As a special keepsake, each student received a small globe, serving as a reminder of the broader world and their role in it.

Social Studies Night has proven to be a popular and enjoyable tradition at Theodore Roosevelt School. By blending hands-on activities with key social studies concepts—history, geography, economics, government, and civic participation—the event fosters a deeper understanding of citizenship and community engagement among young learners and their families.

 

Click here to view the Theodore Roosevelt School Hosts Engaging Social Studies Night for First Graders slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/24/2025