Rye Lake Lower Campus students move up to middle school

Teachers offer tips for success to five 'electric personalities'

Those being honored in the latest graduation ceremony at the Rye Lake Lower Campus had several choices: 2023 glasses? A miniature mortar board? What about a 2023 tie?

Each of the five graduates - Jahzelle Johnson, Riyaan Goeder, Anthony Frietas, Gabe Simon and Gianni Valdez - had fun making their selection of a celebratory prop as they stood in front of a confetti backdrop so family and friends could take photos.

Soon after they were being celebrated for their accomplishments as their principal and teachers shared their well wishes.

“Today we are honored to celebrate you,” Principal Julia Dolan told those who were moving on from the TSP-I program here.

Their teachers offered tips to help them adjust to the middle school level students.

“We are so happy to be standing here celebrating you today,” teacher Danielle Schwartz said. “The five of you each will be entering new environments. There will be different social challenges and academic pressures. We've compiled a list on how to survive middle school.”

“Build relationships with your friends and teachers," teacher Heather Salinger of her number one tip. "The five of you have electric personalities that everyone enjoys. You have made friendships over your time here that have been tried and tested. You have learned how to take responsibility for your words and actions while thinking about your classmates’ perspective.”

“Tip two,” Ms. Salinger continued, “Never be scared to ask for help.”

“Your families, teachers, friends and administrators and service providers are all rooting for you. They are there to support you,” she said.

Ms. Schwartz offered tip three.

“Be a leader,” she said. “According to your classmates a good leader A) Always tells the truth, B) Participates appropriately, C) Helps others with their work, and D) Stays in the green zone.”

And for tip four, the most important tip is, “Always remember to be yourself,” Ms. Schwartz said.

Finally, it was the moment everyone in the room was waiting for. One by one, the students’ teachers called up their respective students to receive their certificate and a small gift.

“This student has shown tremendous growth. He has been a kind and thoughtful friend and is actively engaged in our class discussions,” Ms. Salinger said of  Anthony.

“He makes me smile daily with his fantastic outfits,” social worker Nicolette Carriero said of her student, Gabe.

“Gabe has shown such strength and bravery in truly meeting the big changes and positive choices to reach his goal,” she said. “I know he will be a strong leader at the middle school and in life.”

According to his teacher, Ms. Schwartz, her student has been “electric in the classroom.”

Gianni, she said, “We’ve been really proud of all you’ve been able to accomplish in your one year here, and we are very confident you will be successful in middle school.”

“I’ve had the joy of working with her since she walked into our doors of Southern Westchester BOCES,” Ms. Carriero said of her other student, Jahzelle. “She has grown into a beautiful young lady, always smiling and so excited tell me about her family. She has shown me, and all of us, her ability to light up a room. I know Jahzelle can do anything she puts her mind to.

“It has been a pleasure to see this student blossom socially this year,” Ms. Salinger said her student, Riyann. “His smile lights up our classroom, and I will miss our frequent 'exploding fist bumps.'”

Before those gathered were invited to enjoy some refreshments, social worker Michelle Insalaco had one last message for the students.

“I’ve been lucky to witness your hard work, dedication and your growth,” she said. “My hope for you is that you will always be comfortable with who you are.”