Second graders at Roosevelt Elementary recently dazzled the school community with their Balloons Over Roosevelt parade, a culmination of a month-long, interdisciplinary project-based learning experience.

Working in teams, students selected and researched an animal, developing literacy, science and research skills. They created detailed posters highlighting key facts about their chosen animal, then designed and engineered large, colorful balloons to resemble them. The balloon-making process integrated both art and STEM, as students planned structures that not only captured their animal's likeness but also floated evenly during the parade.

In preparation, students read “Balloons Over Broadway”, the inspiring story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Their work was supported by classroom, ENL, special education and special area teachers, who collaborated to guide students through every step of the project.

Before the parade, students hosted a museum exhibit, showcasing their research posters to teach their peers about various animals. The grand finale was a schoolwide parade, where the second graders proudly displayed their creations to cheers from fellow students, staff and parents.

This hands-on project not only ignited creativity but also fostered teamwork, problem-solving and a love of learning across multiple disciplines.

Click here to view the Second Graders Showcase Creativity and Collaboration in Balloons Over Roosevelt Parade slideshow.

Date Added: 12/4/2024

On Nov. 6, Theodore Roosevelt School in Oyster Bay held its annual Kindergarten Math Night, inviting kindergartners and their caregivers to enjoy an evening filled with hands-on math activities and family bonding. Coordinated by Principal Devra Small and Elementary Curriculum Associate Jennifer Capogna, the event celebrated its eighth year as a cherished school tradition.

Students and their families were divided into five groups, rotating through classrooms featuring engaging math games. Each room offered a unique activity designed to spark problem-solving and creativity. Proudly wearing their Expert Kindergarten Mathematician crowns, students participated in games like kindergarten Yahtzee, a Lego building challenge, a race-to-fill-the-cup game and a “craftivity” station.

As students explored each math station, they developed skills and had a great time learning alongside their caregivers. The event concluded with each child taking home a special math goodie bag to continue the fun and learning at home.

Click here to view the Theodore Roosevelt Kindergarten Math Night Brings Fun and Learning for Families slideshow.

Date Added: 11/7/2024

On Wednesday, October 29, students at James H. Vernon School and Theodore Roosevelt School in Oyster Bay had a unique opportunity to meet Joe Weigand, known as the “world’s premiere Theodore Roosevelt reprisor.” Accompanied by directors from the Friends of Sagamore Hill, Weigand brought history to life, engaging students with his authentic portrayal of the 26th president of the United States.

The event began at James H. Vernon School, where Mr. Weigand, in character as President Roosevelt, engaged in a lively mock debate with third-grade students, discussing topics close to Roosevelt’s heart and captivating students with his energy and passion.

Afterward, President Roosevelt made his way to Theodore Roosevelt School, where he visited each second-grade classroom. The president took this opportunity to thank the students for their involvement in last year’s Teddy Bears for Kids initiative, which was part of their first-grade Social Studies Night. The project, which encouraged donations for children in need, resonated with Roosevelt’s own values of compassion and service.

The students were thrilled to meet “President Roosevelt” in person and showed their appreciation by wishing him a happy 166th birthday. The visit was not only an exciting way to celebrate Roosevelt’s legacy but also a powerful reminder of how history can come alive and inspire young minds.

Click here to view the Theodore Roosevelt Makes a Memorable Visit to Oyster Bay Schools slideshow.

Date Added: 10/31/2024

Oyster Bay’s Theodore Roosevelt School marked a special occasion on Oct. 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new wing, perfectly timed to honor the legacy of its namesake, President Theodore Roosevelt, whose birthday would follow the next day on Oct. 27. The event, held in the school’s gymnasium, brought together building administrators, parents, students and members of the Board of Education, all celebrating the latest addition to the school on this momentous weekend.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Deputy Superintendent Ms. Maureen Raynor, who acknowledged the community’s crucial support in making the new space possible. In keeping with the patriotic spirit, second graders Jack Kotowski and Madelyn Akel led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful and the school song, conducted by music teacher Ms. Brenda Murphy and performed by Theodore Roosevelt’s second graders.

Principal Ms. Devra Small, Board of Education member Ms. Nancy Castrogiovanni, and Superintendent Dr. Francesco Ianni each spoke about the importance of the new wing, thanking the community for their support in the 2021 bond vote and expressing excitement for the new opportunities this space will bring to the students.

After the indoor ceremony, attendees gathered in the new courtyard for the ribbon-cutting, led by Dr. Ianni, followed by an open house of the eight new classrooms and various support spaces, which house the school's first full-day pre-kindergarten program. The new wing stands as a fitting tribute to Roosevelt's spirit of progress and commitment to future generations, just in time for his 166th birthday.

Click here to view the New Beginnings slideshow.

Date Added: 10/28/2024