Valentine’s Day at Rhame Avenue School was extra special this year for the third graders, who participated in a heartwarming “puppy adoption” event on Feb. 14.

Each student selected their very own stuffed animal puppy, giving it a special name and receiving a personalized adoption certificate to make it official. To complete the experience, the young adopters crafted custom collars for their new furry friends using pipe cleaners and colorful beads.

The activity brought smiles and excitement to the classroom, providing a creative and engaging way for students to celebrate the holiday. The puppy adoption not only embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day but also encouraged imagination and responsibility in a fun and meaningful way.

Rhame Avenue’s third graders will surely remember this lovable celebration for years to come!

Click here to view the Rhame Avenue Third Graders Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Puppy Adoptions slideshow.

Date Added: 2/20/2025

On Feb. 14, Centre Avenue School students and staff came together for a lively and lighthearted assembly to celebrate before heading into winter break. The highlight of the event? A classic pie-throwing spectacle that brought joy and laughter to the entire school community.

Four dedicated staff members, including Principal Ms. Calia Kelly, bravely volunteered to take part in the fun, allowing students the opportunity to throw whipped cream pies in their faces. The chance to be a pie thrower was determined through a raffle, with students purchasing tickets for a shot at this unforgettable experience. In the end, eight lucky students were selected to participate, much to the delight of their peers.

Beyond the laughter and excitement, the event served a meaningful purpose. The funds raised from the raffle were directed toward helping those in need within the East Rockaway Schools community, reinforcing the school’s commitment to kindness and generosity.

This festive and charitable event was a perfect way for students and staff to wrap up the first half of the school year, heading into winter break with smiles on their faces and a strong sense of community spirit.

Click here to view the Centre Avenue School Celebrates with a Sweet Send-Off Before Winter Break slideshow.

 

Date Added: 2/19/2025

East Rockaway High School’s long-standing tradition of Rock Rivalry officially kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 13, with the highly anticipated Quiz Bowl. Held in the school auditorium, the event set the stage for an exciting season of friendly competition among the classes, a tradition that has been celebrated since 1936.

Rock Rivalry is a unique intra-school contest that fosters school spirit, camaraderie, and creativity. The multi-event competition includes the Quiz Bowl, a volleyball game, Sports Night, and the much-anticipated Entrance—a spectacular showcase of murals, refreshment stands, costumes, and original 30-minute musical skits. Each class competes for points throughout the events, with the ultimate goal of winning the coveted silver cup.

The Quiz Bowl itself is a test of academic prowess, with students answering questions from various subject areas studied in school. The auditorium was filled with energy as students cheered on their classmates, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere. This year, the junior class dominated the competition, earning a decisive victory and setting themselves up as strong contenders for the rest of Rock Rivalry.

With the Quiz Bowl complete, the excitement now shifts to the upcoming Rock Rivalry events. As students prepare for the remaining competitions, the anticipation builds for the grand finale, where colorful murals, intricate backdrops, and entertaining skits will take center stage.

As always, Rock Rivalry remains a highlight of the school year, bringing together students in a spirited celebration of talent, teamwork and tradition. With the juniors leading the charge, all eyes are on the next round of events to see which class will claim the ultimate prize and etch their name into East Rockaway High School history.

 

 

Date Added: 2/18/2025

On Feb. 14, East Rockaway High School hosted its annual Future Fair in the high school gym, providing students in grades 9-12 with a valuable opportunity to explore post-high school options. Representatives from colleges, trade schools, places of employment, the military, law enforcement, and healthcare organizations attended the event, offering insights into various career paths and summer employment opportunities.

The Future Fair featured a diverse array of participants, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy and Hofstra University’s ROTC Program for students interested in military service. Local employment and training opportunities were also highlighted, such as the Lifeguard Training Program, Rolling River Day Camp and TSA at JFK Airport. Additionally, students had the chance to connect with representatives from healthcare institutions like Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, as well as local colleges, including Adelphi University and Molloy University. Law enforcement agencies such as the Nassau County 4th Precinct, New York State Troopers and the East Rockaway Fire Department were also in attendance, providing students with information about careers in public service.

To help students make the most of the event, the East Rockaway counseling department provided question guides tailored to each grade level, ensuring a structured and purposeful experience. Freshmen were encouraged to explore different opportunities and discover their interests, while sophomores were guided to start thinking about their future and ways to prepare. Juniors focused on narrowing their interests and gathering specific information for college or career planning, and seniors used the fair to collect final details and prepare for their next steps.

The Future Fair was an invaluable experience for students, helping them engage with professionals across various fields and gain a deeper understanding of the paths available after high school. By facilitating these meaningful connections, East Rockaway High School continues to support students in making informed decisions about their futures.

Click here to view the East Rockaway High School hosts Future Fair for students in grades 9-12 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/18/2025

During their Feb. 11 meeting, the East Rockaway Board of Education recognized the winners of this year’s Andrew J. Stern Memorial Essay Contest. This annual contest honors East Rockaway Class of 1978 alumni Andrew Stern who was killed during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It was created by members of the Stern family who attended the meeting and presented the awards. 

The contest winners were East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School senior Joey Lu and eighth grader Christopher Devine, and Centre Avenue Elementary School sixth grader Eshal Abeer.

Each year, students are asked to submit an essay based on a specific topic or reflection relating to 9/11. This year the question was “How can acts of kindness help us remember and honor the heroes of 9/11?” Scholarships are awarded in three categories: high school, junior high school and elementary school. 

Following an induction by the Stern family, each student read their essay and was presented with a certificate and check. (ERHS Richard Schaffer read Joey Lu’s essay in her absence).

 

 

Date Added: 2/18/2025