March marks the beginning of Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) Month, a statewide family reading program that encourages students to read for at least 20 minutes a day with a partner—whether a family member, friend, or mentor. Originally developed in 1978 by New York State Senator James Donovan, PARP fosters a strong connection between home and school, reinforcing a lifelong love of reading in children.

East Rockaway students embraced the spirit of PARP this week with a special kickoff event. High school students visited Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue elementary schools, stepping into classrooms to read books with younger students and engage in some fun activities.

Excitement was felt as elementary students eagerly participated, hanging on to every word their high school reading partners shared. For the high school students, the experience was just as meaningful—many found themselves back in their former elementary school classrooms, reconnecting with the place where their own love of reading first began.

By bringing students of all ages together, East Rockaway’s PARP kickoff not only celebrated the joy of reading but also highlighted the bonds that make the East Rockaway community so special.

Click here to view the East Rockaway kicks off PARP Month with a special visit from high school students 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 3/14/2025

Students at East Rockaway’s elementary schools had a special opportunity to learn from professionals who are also family members in their school community during Career Week.

At Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue schools, kindergarten through sixth-grade students explored a variety of careers, ranging from law enforcement and healthcare to construction and the arts. Among the fascinating professions highlighted were a musical theater director, a respiratory therapist, an author, a civil engineer, an NYPD lieutenant, and even a Radio City Rockette!

Throughout the week, students were captivated by the firsthand accounts of these careers and gained valuable insight into the many paths they can pursue in the future. A huge thank you goes out to the family members who took the time to share their expertise and inspire the next generation.

 

Click here to view the East Rockaway family members inspire students during Career Week slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/7/2025

East Rockaway’s music department proudly kicked off Music in Our Schools Month with its annual 6th grade music orientation on Mar. 4. The event brought together 6th grade music students from both Rhame and Centre Avenue schools for a morning filled with music-making and engaging activities.

The morning began with a brief icebreaker activity, where elementary students had the opportunity to meet the high school music teachers and student mentors who would be guiding them throughout the event. Following the icebreaker, the students participated in rehearsals alongside their high school mentors, working diligently on pieces they will perform in their upcoming spring concerts. These joint rehearsals gave the younger students the opportunity to experience the structure and energy of a high school music rehearsal. The rehearsals then culminated in a special performance, where each group showcased the music they had been working on.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session between the 6th grade students and their high school mentors. This session provided a valuable opportunity for the younger musicians to ask questions about their musical journey ahead, gain insights into high school music programs, and receive advice from experienced student musicians.

Click here to view the East Rockaway Music Department Kicks Off Music in Our Schools Month with 6th Grade Orientation slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/6/2025

The East Rockaway School District came together on Feb. 25 to honor this year’s recipients of the PTA Founder’s Day award—an esteemed recognition given to individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to the children of the East Rockaway community.

This year’s honorees included Centre Avenue secretary Angela Prisciandaro, East Rockaway librarian Heather Massa, East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School community member Michael Thorgersen and staff member Jennifer Isik, as well as Rhame Avenue teachers’ aide Carolyn Fernandez and special education teacher Debbie Iannico. Each of these individuals has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of students.

The celebration was a heartfelt tribute to their dedication, filled with appreciation and gratitude from colleagues, families, and community members. Their contributions, whether through education, support, or service, continue to enrich the school district and inspire those around them.

It was a truly special evening to recognize these outstanding members of the East Rockaway community and their impact on the next generation.

 

Click here to view the East Rockaway Honors PTA Founder’s Day Award Recipients slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/4/2025

On Friday, Feb. 14th, the first graders at Rhame Avenue hosted a literary café for a special Book Tasting event. Families and loved ones were invited to celebrate the young authors' hard work in crafting personal narratives, enjoying an engaging and interactive morning filled with storytelling and creativity.

The event began with a heartfelt performance, as the first graders sang a song for their special guests. Following the musical welcome, the students proudly shared insights into the process of writing personal narratives, explaining how they developed their stories based on real-life experiences.

Guests were then ushered into Café Read-a-Latte, where they participated in a unique three-course meal—sampling a variety of student-authored books. Parents first read their own child's personal narrative before rotating to other students' books between courses. As they explored the different stories, guests left feedback on special menus, providing words of encouragement and appreciation for the young writers.

Adding to the immersive experience, the first graders took on the roles of waiters and waitresses, serving up literary delights with enthusiasm. They eagerly presented their work, beaming with pride as they watched their guests enjoy the stories they had carefully written and illustrated.

The Book Tasting event was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their writing, build confidence, and receive positive reinforcement from a supportive audience. Parents and children alike had a fantastic time celebrating storytelling in such a creative and interactive way.

Date Added: 2/27/2025