Classroom celebration caps a successful school year

Parents invited as awards recognize individual student achievements

Students in   Teacher Janeelia Henry‘s class at Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrated the end of the school year with an awards ceremony recognizing their accomplishments and talents.

A beautiful display of student artwork inspired by Teaching Assistant Sherrie Goldstein greeted visitors. Joseph led the class in the Pledge of Allegiance and in singing My Country ‘Tis of Thee, later performing The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love. Assistant Principal Nickolas Villano welcomed and thanked parents for their commitment to, and involvement in, their children’s education. He also thanked Teacher Ms. Henry for organizing the event.

“We’ve had a wonderful year,” Ms. Henry told students, parents, and staff. “We are truly blessed to have Mr. Donald, who has helped us to identify some of your children’s amazing talents, some of which you will see in performance today, and provided us with the tools to nurture them throughout the year.”

  Music Teacher Donald Stevens from the Music Conservatory of Westchester gave the event a festive vibe with guitar and drums. Taking the audience on a trip around the world, from African drumming to Jamaica with student Matthew Morales and staff member Jhonny Bruno, singing Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds (Don’t Worry About a Thing). Students and parents sang and played along on their own drums and danced to the cultural rhythms. Everyone was invited to wear something that reflected their heritage. Ms. Henry’s attire celebrated her Jamaican heritage. Others hailing from Haiti, Ireland, Italy and elsewhere did likewise.

  Mr. Stevens presented awards for students’ participation in Music Therapy. He encouraged parents to continue to nurture their children's talents in the arts.

Occupational Therapist Katelyn Spahn presented awards to Alijah for Greatest Dancer, Joseph B. for Best Piano Player and Fastest Typist, and Evelyn for Greatest Clean Up.

Ms. Henry gave trophies to Matthew for the Math Whiz Award and the Master Chef Award, Joseph B the Friendship Award, and Evelyn and several others the Most Improved Award. Joseph A took home the Perfect Attendance and Reading Excellence awards. Teyvaughn received the Happy Award, and Alijah the Dancing Star Award and the Achievement Award.

Ms. Henry expressed thanks to her staff, crediting their efforts for the class’s success this school year. The event ended with everyone dancing to Danza Kuduro followed by lunch.

View more photos from the celebration: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jST1Ej1aT6dGyQP4A