Music and literacy were highlights in both elementary schools in the Henry Hudson Regional school district this month, student representative Cole Harbison reported to the Board of Education at its regular meeting.
Harbeson, a senior at Henry Hudson, provides both a written and oral report at board of education meetings working with advisors Dawn DeSanto and Miranda Sryian in contacting the schools for information on some of their activities from the previous month.
With Read Across America Week celebrated through the nation, and March being Music in Our Schools Month, both elementary schools highlighted a number of special activities to mark the observances.
For literacy, and the love of reading, Atlantic Highlands hosted a successful Family Reading Night, bringing families together for an evening of reading and crafts. In his report, Harbeson cited both parents and faculty members who made the evening memorable. He also expressed thanks to the AHES Stars and the Student Council for helping with craft stations in the gym.
As part of Read Across America Week, the school also welcomed Atlantic Highlands police officers Det. Travis Morgan and Ptl. Joseph Labella to read with students and share in the celebration of literacy. Faculty and students alike expressed thanks to the police department for their commitment to building not only positive relationships with students and the school community but also by participating in a program that inspires a love of reading.
Harbeson reported that through the school’s pajama collection and monetary donations, 51 pairs of pajamas and three books were collected this month, raising $156.19 to purchase additional pajamas. All donations will be given to the Middletown Chapter of Beyond Bedtime, a national nonprofit that provides pajamas, books, and sleep support to children facing adversity.
The Student Council also hosted a Dr. Seuss–themed spirit week, with each day inspired by one of Dr. Seuss’s books to encourage school wide participation and to celebrate reading.
Staff also participated in a Door Decorating Contest, highlighting creativity and a love of literacy. Student Council members served as judges and selected winners in a variety of categories: Best Dr. Seuss Theme: Mrs. Wolff – Seussical the Musical; Best Whole Class Design: Mrs. Phair – Reading Rainbow; Most Creative: Mrs. Rodriguez – We Cereal-ously Love Books; Each winner received a movie ticket to Smodcastle Cinemas. Honorable mentions because voting was so close, went to First Grade- Thing 1 & Thing 2; 3rd Murphy- Horton Hears a Who; 5th Grade- Oh the Luck You Will Find When You Open Your mind; 2nd Grade Thompson’s Door- Oh, The Places You’ll Go! And Mr. Cochran’s Go Dog. Go Read! a door featuring
teachers reading with their dogs. Harbeson pointed out the activities helped promote literacy, community involvement, and school spirit.
Students at the Highlands school also celebrated Read Across America with a series of individual class activities in each of the classrooms, highlighting their love for reading. Students also donated gently used books for a school wide book swap, with students selecting books to take home in expanding their love for reading and the importance of literacy.
In addition to their accent on reading, Highlands students continued their thoughtfulness and generosity to others, Harbeson reported, by raising $5,775 for Finn’s Mission, celebrating their efforts by Silly Stringing and pieing faculty members Ms. Cook and Mr. Bill. Throughout February, students donated pop tabs which were then weighed and the equivalent dollar amount donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Mrs. Culp’s and Mr. Coviello’s classes donated the highest amounts, earning an ice cream party sponsored by Crazies.
Focusing on music, the Atlantic Highlands 5th and 6th grade students are continuing their practice for the musical, The Addams Family slated for Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets will be sold online through booktix and at the door. About 50 students in 5th and 6th grades are involved in either the cast or crew and Harbeson reported they have been working hard to bring you the “kookiest and spookiest show” and urging everyone not to miss one of the two the presentations.
Both elementary schools honored March as Music in Our Schools Month, by taking part in Music Madness where 16 songs are put into a bracket and narrowed down week by week. This year’s theme was songs from movies, with the winning song announced the last week in March!
The Highlands school Chorus performed in the borough’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, singing the classic Highlands Song together with a number of traditional Irish favorites as they marched past the record thousands who came to the borough to watch the parade. And the school’s Drama Club will be performing Willy Wonka Kids Friday, April 10 at 6:00 PM and Saturday at 12:00 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door at the school.
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