The holiday spirit was alive and well at Centre Avenue School during the annual holiday song sing-along, an event eagerly anticipated by students and staff on the final day before winter break. This beloved tradition brought the school community together to celebrate the season with songs that highlighted the diverse cultures represented within the school.

Led by the dynamic duo of Ms. Kelly and Ms. Lee, the sing-along featured an exciting lineup of holiday classics and pop favorites (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” was a favorite). Students were encouraged to take turns singing into the microphone, showcasing their voices to the applause of their peers. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Ms. Kelly even invited students to dance along with her, filling the room with energy and joy.

A highlight of the event was a heartfelt skit performed by the school’s Drama Club. Written and directed by the students themselves, the skit delighted the audience with its creativity.

Fun was undoubtedly had by all, as Centre Avenue School once again proved that the best way to celebrate the holidays is together!

 

The East Rockaway School District is committed to ensuring that every family has a joyful and supported holiday season through a series of community-driven initiatives. From food drives to toy collections and personalized family support, the district is working hard to make a difference for those in need.

At the elementary level, the Thanksgiving food drive, organized in partnership with the Student Council and K-Kids Club, was a resounding success. Led by Danielle Schaetzle and Mary Boll at Centre Avenue School, students collected a wide range of non-perishable food items, boxed goods and hygiene products. Additionally, Alycia Fahrenkrug secured donations from local businesses and restaurants, adding extra festive treats to the mix. These donations were assembled into holiday baskets and distributed to families during Thanksgiving week.

This month the district is collaborating with the Little Saint Nick Foundation to bring holiday cheer through a toy drive. Donation bins have been placed at both Rhame Avenue School and Centre Avenue School, where families can contribute new toys. These toys will be gifted to children in need, ensuring that every child experiences the magic of the holiday season.

In a heartwarming effort, the district’s social workers—Michelle Picciolo (Centre Avenue), Maureen Schutta (Rhame Avenue), and Lauren Boll and Lucy Gordon (East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School)—have partnered with Board of Education member Ozzie Lonergan to provide personalized support to families in need. After identifying specific needs such as clothing, winter gear, shoes, personal care items and even household appliances, Ms. Lonergan and her network of friends and family “adopt” these families, shopping for the items on their wish lists.

The district’s social workers then coordinate with Ms. Lonergan to arrange pick-up or delivery of the gifts, ensuring that families receive their much-needed support in time for the holidays.

Through these initiatives, the East Rockaway School District exemplifies the spirit of giving, demonstrating how the power of community can bring joy, warmth, and hope to families during the holiday season.

 

Click here to view the East Rockaway Schools Spread Holiday Joy with Community Support Initiatives slideshow.

Date Added: 12/18/2024

 

On November 8, Centre Avenue School held a moving Veterans Day tribute, inviting veterans from the local community to join in a celebration of gratitude and remembrance. Led by Principal Calia Kelly, students, staff, and honored guests gathered outdoors, with the program opening as everyone joined together for the Pledge of Allegiance. The school’s student orchestra then delivered a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful, setting a patriotic and heartfelt tone for the event.

Principal Kelly introduced each veteran by name, honoring their service and presenting each with a thank-you card created by students. Among those recognized was East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox, himself a veteran, who received a special tribute from the school community.

Following the assembly, students attended a presentation by Dr. Cynthia LaRocca and Angelica Cosme from Northwell Health Military Liaison Services.

The day served as a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces, leaving a lasting impression on the students and fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for the veterans within their own community.

 

Click here to view the Centre Avenue School Honors Veterans with Heartfelt Tribute slideshow.

Date Added: 11/12/2024

At the East Rockaway Board of Education meeting on Oct. 22, the community gathered to honor this month’s Hometown Hero, Mr. Neil R. Schloth. A lifelong resident of East Rockaway, Mr. Schloth has dedicated much of his life to serving the village and school community. His unwavering commitment was celebrated during the meeting as board members, students, and residents reflected on his decades of service.

Mr. Schloth’s connection to East Rockaway runs deep. He has been an active member of the East Rockaway Hose Company and the East Rockaway Fire Department since 1983, holding numerous positions of leadership throughout his impressive 42-year tenure. His dedication to the safety and security of his fellow residents has made a lasting impact on the community.

Beyond his role in the Fire Department, Mr. Schloth contributed to East Rockaway’s school system by serving on the Board of Education for 12 years, from 2008 to 2020. He held key positions as trustee, vice president, and president, where he worked tirelessly to advocate for students and staff.

Now enjoying retirement after 40 years with the New York State Court System, where he served as both a Court Officer and Court Clerk, Mr. Schloth continues to educate others. He currently serves as an instructor at the Nassau County Fire Museum, sharing the rich history of the Volunteer Fire Service while imparting critical fire safety and prevention knowledge.

In addition to the recognition of Mr. Schloth, the meeting also included a heartwarming performance by kindergarteners and first graders from Centre Avenue School in celebration of Board Appreciation Day. The young students serenaded the board with a song and presented thoughtful gifts, creating a joyful and appreciative atmosphere.

The evening was a fitting tribute to both Mr. Schloth’s outstanding service and the dedicated efforts of the East Rockaway Board of Education.

Click here to view the East Rockaway Honors Hometown Hero Neil R. Schloth and Celebrates Board Appreciation Day slideshow.

Date Added: 10/24/2024

On Oct. 21, students at Centre Avenue School in East Rockaway participated in a special assembly focused on the importance of kindness. The event, titled “Cultivate Kindness”, was hosted by Rich Specht, co-founder of the ReesSpecht Life Foundation, who delivered an inspiring message about the lasting impact of kind actions. With two separate assemblies—one for Pre-K through 3rd grade and another for 4th through 6th grade—students of all ages learned valuable lessons about compassion, community and respect.

Rich Specht used a simple but powerful analogy to explain kindness: it’s like a seed. Just as a seed needs care and attention to grow, he told the students, “kindness must be cultivated. Through heartfelt stories and engaging examples, he showed the students how their actions, big or small, can create a ripple effect in their school and community. He emphasized that every action has a reaction, comparing kindness to a boomerang—when you put kindness out into the world, it will eventually come back to you.

The message hit home with the students as they learned that kindness is something they can choose to spread every day. As a visual reminder, Rich provided each teacher with special kindness cards for their classes. These cards are designed to encourage students to pay it forward, continuing the chain of kind acts. Since its inception, over 750,000 ReesSpecht Life cards have been distributed nationwide, sparking countless acts of kindness.

The ReesSpecht Life Foundation was created in memory of Rich’s son, Rees, who passed away in a tragic accident. The foundation's mission is to remind people of the importance of community, compassion, and respect. Through their work, Rich and his family aim to make the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.

The students left the assembly feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference in their school and beyond.

 

Click here to view the Centre Avenue Students Learn the Power of Kindness at Cultivate Kindness Assembly slideshow.

Date Added: 10/22/2024