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

Excitement filled the multipurpose room at Centre Avenue School as kindergarten students marked a major milestone—the 100th day of school! Parents were invited to join in the festivities, creating a special morning of fun, creativity, and celebration.

The event kicked off with a lively parade, followed by a presentation on stage where students proudly showcased their handmade posters featuring the number 100. Each poster was crafted with care, using 100 objects such as stickers, paper clips, buttons, and pom-poms. The creativity on display brought smiles to the faces of families and teachers alike.

After the presentation of their posters, students and their families worked together to string colorful necklaces made from 100 Froot Loops, a hands-on activity that reinforced counting skills in a fun and engaging way. The celebration concluded with a heartwarming musical performance, as the kindergarteners sang “This Little Light of Mine” and “What a Wonderful World,” filling the room with joy and pride.

It was a memorable morning for all, and a big congratulations goes out to the kindergarteners for reaching their 100th day of school!

Click here to view the Centre Avenue School Kindergarteners Celebrate 100 Days of Learning! slideshow.

Date Added: 2/10/2025

The auditorium at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School was transformed into a delightfully eerie setting on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 as students from across the district took center stage for their production of “The Addams Family.” The musical, known for its quirky humor and unforgettable characters, captivated audiences with outstanding performances, creative set designs and toe-tapping musical numbers.

Directed by Christina Pace, the production showcased the incredible talent of East Rockaway's student body, featuring a diverse cast that included a few talented sixth graders from Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue schools alongside the junior/senior high school students. The collaboration highlighted the district's dedication to fostering the performing arts across all grade levels.

The musical's plot, centered around the Addams family's interactions with Wednesday Addams' normal boyfriend and his family, offered a perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt moments. Students demonstrated impressive vocal abilities, especially during standout numbers like When You're an Addams and Pulled, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Behind the scenes, the production benefited from the hard work of the stage crew. The gothic-inspired sets and meticulously crafted costumes transported the audience into the Addams' spooky world, while the lighting design added an extra layer of atmosphere to the performance.

The pit orchestra, conducted by ERHS music teacher Noah Luft-Weissberg, provided dynamic accompaniment that enhanced each scene, with music department chair Peter Ceglio adding flair on percussion.

The success of “The Addams Family” highlights the vibrant arts culture within the East Rockaway UFSD, inspiring both participants and audience members alike. Bravo to the cast, crew and directors for bringing this spooky, spectacular show to life!

Click here to view the East Rockaway UFSD Stages Spooktacular Production of “The Addams Family” slideshow.

Date Added: 2/4/2025

On Jan. 17, the Centre Avenue School library buzzed with creativity and innovation as fifth graders showcased their Government on Mars projects. Under the guidance of teachers Ms. ToniAnn Donald and Ms. Kirsten Scalercio, the students delved into this engaging project-based learning experience, a cornerstone of the East Rockaway School District's educational approach.

The Government on Mars project is part of the fifth-grade social studies curriculum, designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. Project-based learning enables students to actively engage with complex challenges by developing solutions through research and teamwork. Instead of rote memorization, PBL emphasizes learning by doing, allowing students to build a deeper understanding and transferable skills like communication and critical analysis.

In preparation for their projects, East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox visited the fifth graders earlier in the week to share his own experiences in government. He discussed the intricacies of elections and the practical day-to-day responsibilities of running a government, providing valuable insights to help the students as they developed their own projects.

In this imaginative assignment, students were tasked with envisioning a new society on Mars. Each student created a unique world, complete with its own name and governmental structure. The governments ranged from dictatorships and monarchies to democracies, reflecting the diversity of their ideas. To bring their visions to life, the students designed brochures detailing the features of their Martian domains, which they presented to their classmates.

The event drew enthusiastic attendance from Principal Ms. Calia Kelly, Superintendent James DeTommaso and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Sean Murray, who were all impressed by the students' creativity and understanding of governance concepts.

The Government on Mars project not only deepened students' understanding of social studies but also allowed them to develop practical skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. It was a testament to the power of project-based learning to inspire curiosity and engagement in young learners.

Click here to view the Fifth graders present Government on Mars projects at Centre Avenue School slideshow.

Date Added: 1/21/2025