Wheeler Avenue School Events

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Wheeler Percussion Clinic

2008 Wheeler Percussion Clinic

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Wheeler Celebrates Earth Day

Fourth grade students from Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in the Valley Stream UFSD #13 recently celebrated Earth Day with a theater performance.†Through the group’s skit, which supported the science curriculum and expressed how the world needs to reuse and recycle, the students learned how air, water, and soil move in cycles in order for the earth to function.

Each group of students expressed themselves artistically through colorful posters and the fourth grade performed the skit outside in a circle to demonstrate the significance of the circles of the earth. Additionally, the fourth graders also visited classrooms throughout the school to share their important message.

Artistic Talents on Display

Four students from Wheeler Avenue School, under the direction of art teacher Monica Nedab, recently showcased their talents at the All-County Art Exhibit, an event sponsored by The Art Supervisors Association. The exhibition, which honored more than 1,250 kindergarten through twelfth-grade students, was hosted by Adelphi University and geared toward highlighting students who have demonstrated excellence in a wide variety of two-dimensional visual art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, computer graphics, and photography.

The artwork submitted by the Wheeler students was created following the theme “winter pictures using crayon and white tempera paint,” and was in line with the New York State Standards for Visual Arts.

Congratulations to Julian Tineo (grade 3), Matthew Wong (grade 4), Hannah King (grade 5) and Erin Sullivan (grade 5), who are pictured here with their winning submissions!

Technology Connecting States Together

Through the use of cutting-edge videoconferencing technology, second through fourth-grade classes at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School recently had the chance to connect with friends in another state.

Mrs. Corr’s second-grade students and the school’s third-grade classes paired up with Camden Children’s Garden in Camden, New Jersey to expand learning beyond the classroom. The second grader’s lesson, entitled “Are You My Mother?”, provided the students with the opportunity, through reading and touching, to sort seeds into a variety of shapes and sizes, while the third graders learned about the life cycle of butterflies.

Additionally, Mrs. Gorman’s fourth-grade class videoconferenced with Smithsonian Institute of Art for a lesson entitled “Young America”, learning about the landscaping portraits of artists who depicted life in “young America.”

Puppets, Myths, and Theatrical Experiences

Sixth-grade students at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in the Valley Stream UFSD #13 learned about Ancient Greek theater in a whole new way when HV Puppets, a theater group, recently visited the school.

Learning from puppeteer and the program’s presenter, Lois Boshoevsky, the students learned about the myth of Orpheus and Euridice, the finer points of Greek theater, and even had the chance to construct masks for characters included in different myths. The construction of the masks not only enabled the students to learn about the roles of each character on a deeper level, but also educated them on each of the different myths.

As a special treat, towards this hands-on experience, the students learned how to properly participate in an Ancient Greek theatrical experience, and even tested their newfound skills by performing several myths.

This program was provided by Friends Of The Arts (FOTA), a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the cultural life on Long Island by providing world-class artists and captivating arts education programs for young adults.

Who Will Be the Next Head of the Gods?

In today's political climate, being King isn't as easy as it used to be. That is why the mighty Zeus, supreme ruler of the Greek gods and goddesses, has decided to retire to Florida to spend his golden years basking in the sun. Amidst this sudden decision arises the question of who will rule in his place. Will it be one of his brothers or sisters the Olympians? Perhaps one of the elder and more experienced Titans? Or maybe the Greek people are ready for a change and will elect a young nymph to revolutionize the system.

As part of their social studies curriculum, sixth graders at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School have been busy over the past several weeks studying Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. As a culminating project, students were asked to prepare a speech as well as create a costume, poster, and prop symbolizing the god or goddess of their choice. Before their teachers and peers, the students ‘transformed’ into the god or goddess they researched and presented a speech persuading the other gods, goddesses, and mortals to elect them to become the next head of the gods.

Student Wins State Competition

After a rigorous evaluation process, Wheeler Avenue Elementary School first grader Matthew Manza has been selected as a winner at the New York State level of the National PTA Reflections Contest. Matthew, who was previously selected as a district winner, will now have his photography submission judged at the national level in Washington, D.C.

Using Science To Uncover A Mystery

Fifth-grade students in Ms. Scialabba's class at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School recently conducted a science experiment to figure out what a "mystery powder" found in their science test tubes was. The class complied a list of questions that they had about this powder and performed an experiment to test some of their questions. After using a variety of materials to experiment with, the class concluded that the "mystery powder" could absorb 160mL of water and it turns into a gel-like substance when mixed with water. At the conclusion of the project the students were surprised to discover the "mystery powder" was the absorbent material put into baby diapers.

Let’s Go On A Dig!

Students in Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s Enrichment/Gifted Program recently became fledgling archaeologists when they participated in a simulation of an archaeological dig created by their Enrichment/Gifted teacher, Karen Skolnick.

Student teams excavated stratified layers of a “dig box”, utilizing the tools that archaeologists employ to uncover “ancient” artifacts. Students measured, mapped, described, and recorded their findings on sheets and site grid maps. The simulated dig gave the students a hands-on opportunity to understand the role of archaeologists and the importance of keeping accurate records and preserving the context of historical evidence. Students were engaged in scientific reasoning, analysis and meaningful interpretation of the significance of the artifacts.

AMAZING AMERICANS OF THE 18TH CENTURY

Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Patrick Henry and other famous Americans who lived during the time of the American Revolution recently came back to life at Wheeler Avenue School when the fourth-grade students in Mrs. Skolnick’s Enrichment/Gifted Program class prepared testimonials to show honor, admiration and gratitude to these amazing Americans who made important contributions to our nation.

In preparation for their projects, students researched biographies through primary and secondary sources and evaluated the achievements of individuals who helped create our country’s identity at the birth of America. After gathering evidence, students wrote speeches to persuade the audience of the significance of the contributions made by their “Amazing American”.

Students Deliver Overview of Science Curriculum

During the February 26th Valley Stream Union Free School District #13 Board of Education meeting, Wheeler Avenue Elementary School Principal Christine Zerillo and students presented an overview of the district’s science curriculum. Before the public audience and members of district administration, the school’s Student Council officers explained what it means to be a “Wheeler student” and introduced other young scholars in grades 1-6 who presented grade-level projects.

First graders supplied their Accrostic for “STOMACHS,” detailing all they learned and proving that “the way to a first grader’s brain is through their stomachs”. Second graders showed silhouettes of their bodies that they produced after measuring themselves while third graders explained their project on electricity. Fourth graders presented their project on “Owl Pellets” and what they learned about the life and food chain of owls. Fifth graders spelled out their “Mystery Substance Experiment” results, while duplicating the experiment for the audience. Finally, sixth graders showed what they have learned about atoms, molecules, and protons.

Helping Make Homework Fun

Although homework time may not be every student’s favorite part of the day, it is a very important time because it provides an opportunity to review and practice skills learned in the classroom in order to ensure that concepts can be built upon the next day. It is noted that students who come to school prepared are more likely to be engaged in subsequent lessons, which result in growth both academically and in their self-esteem.

At Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in the Valley Stream Union Free School District #13, students and families recognize the value of completing nightly homework. Four years ago, Mrs. Stirrat, a special education teacher at Wheeler, recognized the need for some students to have support with homework completion, at which time the Wheeler Avenue Homework Club was started.

Through the recommendation of their classroom teachers, two to three students from each of the school’s fourth, fifth-, and sixth-grade classes are currently participating in the club. The organization, which meets after school each Monday and Tuesday during the months of October to May, works to provide students with a structured environment within which to complete their homework. Additionally, a classroom teacher, either Mrs. Stirrat or Ms. Dorsi, and Valley Stream Central High School students whose goals are to become teachers, provide homework support.

Wheeler Homework Club participants value the time and support that they receive with homework completion as they readily attend each session. The school is proud of the gains that each of the students has made and hopes that the skills and discipline that they have learned will be carried with them throughout the remainder of their school careers.

One Hand Helps Another

The Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s School Spirit Committee has initiated a schoolwide campaign to highlight acts of kindness done by students both in and out of school. The campaign, which is called “One Hand Helps Another,” is based on the pay it forward philosophy, where one person’s good deed causes another person to do a good deed for someone else. The kickoff for the campaign was held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, in an effort to reinforce the message of his dream and how it translates to acts of kindness.

During the campaign, each Wheeler student will be asked to complete at least one pair of colorful helping hands to tell of the kind act done for themselves and the kind act he/she did for someone else in return. The One Hand Helps Another campaign will continue throughout the school year. The pairs of hands will be linked together to decorate the school’s halls, showing how kindness is contagious at Wheeler!

A Sea of Red

On Friday, February 1, the Wheeler Avenue School faculty and staff proudly joined the American Heart Association and concerned healthcare providers, organizations, and celebrities across America in the Go Red for Women movement, to fight against heart disease, the #1 killer of women and men.

Everyone in the school, including students, wore red clothing to school to help spread the word about women and heart disease. The movement provides a chance for women to arm themselves with knowledge about this devastating disease and to raise funds that will help advance research and education efforts. Wheeler’s American Heart Association fundraising continued throughout the month of February, as Wheeler students prepared for the annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser.

Songs & Music Kick Off Wheeler’s PARP Program

As a kickoff for Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s annual Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program, students were treated to a special performance by award-winning singer songwriter Patricia Shih, accompanied by Stephen Fricker.

During the performance Ms. Shih performed a variety of songs in her more than 250 song catalog that captivated the students and had them, and their teachers, on their feet dancing and singing along.

Ms. Shih wrote her first song at age 12 and hasn’t stopped since. At the age of 15, she signed a recording and management contract with Unicorn Records of Washington, D.C. as half of a duo. This marked the start of her professional career, including her own PBS special, Patty Shih – Music from the Gallery. She starred for a year on Cablevision’s “Tell Me a Story”. Her songs have been recorded and performed by numerous other artists, have been published in national magazines, and have won awards and accolades. In 2004, Patricia was honored with a Woman of Distinction Award in New York.

Dressing Up & Learning About History

Four third-grade classes at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in the Valley Stream UFSD #13 recently celebrated BIO-Day. For the program, the students read a book, researched and produced a report on a person of interest, and dressed up as that individual when presenting their report.

Bringing History to Life

As a part of the grade-level curriculum, the fourth-grade students at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School have been busy learning about our nation’s history through the study of Native Americans, primarily the Iroquois and Algonquin tribes.

The students stepped back in time and learned about what life was like for many Native Americans by creating projects in addition to reading about the Native Americans in their history books. Each student chose a topic that was covered during the study and made a model to represent the item. Additionally, the students wrote the procedure of how they created their project.

Reflections Winners Announced at Wheeler

At Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in the Valley Stream UFSD #13, five students were recently announced as being selected as winners at the county level of the PTA Reflections program competition and who will now advance to the New York State level of judging.

The Reflections program offers students in preschool through grade 12 with the opportunity to submit original artistic pieces to the program, which offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition in four areas: literature, musical composition, photography and the visual arts. Submissions are initially judged by the school’s local PTA, with winners proceeding to the Nassau County PTA, then New York State PTA, and finally the National level for judging.

Congratulations to this year’s Wheeler Avenue district-level winners, who will now advance to the state level of judging:

Kelvin DeLeon – Film Production
Sarah Goldberg – Literature
Matthew Manza – Photography
Francesca Strojan – Literature
Ariana Tzunun – Dance Choreography

Music Clinics With a Professional

Wheeler Avenue Elementary School music students recently had a special chance to participate in a cello clinic led by Dr. James McWhorter. During his visit, Dr. McWhorter conducted two workshop sessions, one for beginning fourth-grade cellists and bass players, and the other for the advanced fifth and sixth graders.

Mr. McWhorter is from Utah and teaches elementary school strings in addition to working for the Southwest Strings Company. He is a cellist who has also played at the White House as part of the President's Own. After his instruction, Mr. McWhorter played a few selections for each class.

District using Web to its fullest

By Andrew Hackmack

District 13 teachers are raving about the newly redesigned Web site, which offers numerous links to other academic sites. After a year of planning, the district's new site was unveiled a few weeks ago a features a totally new look.

"There is such a wealth of resources for all of the content areas," Wheeler Avenue reading teacher Mary Ellen Vella said. Because students are so computer savvy, Vella explained, she uses technology to its best advantage.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elizabeth Lison explained the numerous resources available. She said links to academic sites are broken down by grade level and by subject area on the district Web site, making it easy to navigate. Additionally, curriculum guides, district policies and upcoming lunch menus are available to view as are the
district's state report cards for the past six years. A library database allows parents from home to see if a particular book is available in any of the four school media centers.

There are listing of PTA officers and contact numbers, as well as complete contact information for the building's four schools and all administrators. An art gallery is updated quarterly and highlights student art work at each school.

"Parents do not have enough time to navigate our Web site to the fullest," Lison said, "because it is intense." For teachers, there is access to curriculum map, student IEP information and their e-mail. All of that information is password protected, Lison explained.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Linda Roth said the biggest benefit of the revamped Web site is the access to a wide variety of academic resources. She explained that they tried to make it very easy for parents to be able to use the Web site and stay in tune with what their children are learning.

"We try to create avenues for parents to be able to be in touch with what is going on in the school, at their convenience," she said.

Vella said that the site is rich in resources that allow parents to help support their children for homework assignments. "I like to reach out to the parents," she said. "I can't do it alone here in the classroom."

Wheeler Avenue second grade teacher Diane Corr said her class recently studied about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was able to play for them his famous "I Have a Dream" speech through a link available on the district's Web site. Like other teachers, Corr raves about the amount of resources available for each subject area.

"It is such a wonderful experience for you and the children," she said. "You could get lost in learning."

Corr explained that another advantage of the Web site is being able to see what goes on in other schools. That is one of the top benefits on Lison's list too. The superintendent explained that the Web site is updated every Thursday evening with news flashes, upcoming events and recaps of events at the different buildings. The site is maintained by Syntax Communication.

Fifth grade teacher Enrico Perciballi said as soon as the new Web site was launched students wanted to spend time exploring all that was available. He said fifth graders do a lot of research projects and students have found the online encyclopedias, available through the district Web site, to be very beneficial.

"The kids find it quite useful," he said. "Everything is at their fingertips."

Lison said that as budget season approaches, that information will available on the site including dates of upcoming budget discussion meetings. She hopes all parents and community members will visit the Web site regularly to keep up with all that is going on in Valley Stream District 13.

"So far it's been just a few weeks and we've already gotten wonderful feedback from parents and staff about its ease and the amount of material that can be found," she said. "It's not only informative for parents but our children are using it everyday." The district's Web site is www.valleystream13.com

Valley Stream Herald, Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2008

Secret Snowflake

As a unique and creative literacy lesson, the third-grade students in Ms. Dellapina’s class at Wheeler Avenue School in the Valley Stream Union Free School District #13 celebrated this holiday season in a memorable way. Each student in the class selected a classmate as a “Secret Snowflake,” who they were assigned to observe for a week and write about each night. During their observations, the students were asked to notice all of the positive things this person did and then create a literary gift for their “secret snowflake”.

In class, the students also had the chance to make two gifts for their secret person, which would be given along with the literary gift they wrote. On December 19, each student read what he or she wrote about his or her “secret snowflake”. Once finished, the rest of the class had fun trying to guess who the author was talking about. When everyone finished sharing, all the students went home with gifts that were more valuable than anything money could buy -- a sense of who they were in the eyes of their classmates and wonderful feelings about themselves.