Edna Louise Spear Elementary School recently held a successful and engaging PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) celebration, inviting parents and students to unite through the joy of reading and artistic expression. The event, coordinated by the school’s PTA, was held with the theme Rainbow Connection, emphasizing the celebration of Port Jefferson’s diversity through children’s literature.

During one of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s PARP events, music teacher Riley Mulligan and art teacher Laurel Zimlinghaus provided an opportunity for students and families to connect through creativity. Participants enjoyed creating beautiful landscape paintings on canvas while being serenaded by classroom instrument performances, further enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere. Through these hands-on activities, families were able to bond and explore their artistic sides while celebrating the power of books and art.

The evening kicked off with a special reading by Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts, who set the tone for the event by reading the inspirational book Be You by Peter Reynolds. The book, which encourages children to embrace their authentic selves and view themselves as unique works of art, ties perfectly into the event’s focus on self-expression and individuality.

To further ignite excitement for reading, the PARP celebration continued with a Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day, where students arrived in costumes as beloved literary figures. This fun and imaginative kickoff led to another highly anticipated event, PJs in Port. Students and parents, dressed in their cozy pajamas, visited various classrooms to hear teachers read aloud stories that aligned with the Rainbow Connection theme. Tom Zimmer, the school’s paraprofessional, and Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools joined the event as guest readers. The evening was a huge success, with positive feedback from attendees who appreciated the creative energy and community spirit.

In addition to the engaging activities, parents had the opportunity to contribute by decorating bulletin boards throughout the school, transforming them into vibrant displays that mirrored the Rainbow Connection theme. The end result was a welcoming and colorful environment that further promoted the celebration of creativity and diversity.
The Edna Louise Spear Elementary School PTA would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, teachers, and families who participated in making this year’s PARP event so memorable. Their creativity, energy, and enthusiasm ensured that the celebration was a great success, inspiring students and parents to embrace reading, creativity, and self-expression.

Click here to view the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s PARP Celebration slideshow.

 

Date Added: 2/18/2025

Several string musicians from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School and Port Jefferson Middle School were selected to participate in the prestigious Intermediate Long Island String Festival (LISFA) held on January 26 at Elwood Middle School. This outstanding group of student musicians represented their schools with pride and showcased their musical abilities.

The selected students were:
* Seyanna Cerar (Grade 7)
* Ethan Park (Grade 6)
* Luke Peterson (Grade 8)
* Maxwell Quartararo (Grade 8)
* Sebastian Salzman (Grade 8)
* Addison Schmettan (Grade 5)
* Leilani Von Oiste (Grade 8)

These students were chosen based on their exceptional NYSSMA scores and teacher recommendations, competing against other talented musicians from across Suffolk County. Their hard work, dedication, and musical passion were on full display at the festival, and the Port Jefferson school community is extremely proud of their accomplishments.

The LISFA festival provided an invaluable opportunity for these young musicians to collaborate with peers from around the region, enhance their performance skills, and experience the joy of making music at a higher level. The event was a testament to the dedication of students and their teachers. The Port Jefferson School District continues to support and celebrate the musical achievements of its students. Congratulations to all the selected string students for this remarkable achievement!

Photo 1: Port Jefferson Middle School LISFA Student: Ethan Park (grade 6)
Photo 2: Port Jefferson Elementary/Intermediate Festival LISFA Students: Addison Schmettan (grade 5), Luke Peterson (grade 8), Leilani Von Oiste (grade 8), Maxwell Quartararo (grade 8), Seyanna Cerar (grade 7), and Sebastian Salzman (not pictured).

Date Added: 2/4/2025

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School embraced the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year with a series of exciting and culturally enriching activities for students across various grade levels. From crafting fortune cookies to participating in sensory bins and dragon dances, students all over the school engaged in hands-on learning experiences that brought the celebration to life.

Third graders in Ms. Erickson's and Ms. Gandolfo's classes put their creativity to work by making paper fortune cookies. These homemade treats served as a fun and meaningful way for students to learn about Lunar New Year traditions while adding their personal touches to each cookie. Meanwhile, students in Ms. Lilimpakis’s class explored the holiday through sensory bins and fine motor activities. By interacting with materials related to the Lunar New Year, students practiced their fine motor skills and gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind the celebration.

Pre-kindergarten students had an engaging day filled with learning and play. They started by watching videos and reading books to learn about the history and customs of the Lunar New Year. Children then made colorful Lunar New Year crowns and crafted playdough dumplings, while also participating in math and fine motor activities based on the holiday theme. To bring the festivities to life, students listened to music and danced with scarves, mimicking a dragon dance. The day ended on a sweet note as they enjoyed fortune cookies together. In Ms. Shannon's first-grade class, students created their own Lunar New Year masks, which helped them connect to the cultural elements of the holiday while allowing for imaginative self-expression.

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where students can celebrate and appreciate diverse cultures. The Lunar New Year festivities provided a unique opportunity for students to explore traditions from around the world while building a deeper understanding of global cultures.

Click here to view the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School Celebrates Lunar New Year with Creative Activities slideshow.

Date Added: 2/5/2025