By Andrew Hackmack
Each school was given a chance to showcase its programs and students achievements to interested members of the public.
North kicked off the program on Tuesday morning. The Breakfast Club, a string orchestra group of about 15 students under the direction of Rebecca Hayden, performed for the audience. After a few other speeches, students in the group shared how music has influenced their lives as well as their plans for after high school.
O¹Dell took community members on a tour of the school and answered a variety of questions about the many programs the school has to offer. ³It¹s a great opportunity for community residents to see North High School students in action,² he said of American Education Week.
On Wednesday, it was Central High School¹s turn. Before the presentations began, visitors were treated to a full breakfast prepared by culinary arts students. Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein noted how important that program is because the food service industry is fast growing.
Built in 1928, Bernstein said that the community has continued to support Central High School, which in turn has left the building in great shape. But it¹s not just new ceilings, lights and extra classroom space that make the building nice, he said. Continued upgrades to technology allow the district to meet their goal of preparing students for life in the 21st century.
³Our first mission is to teach the basic skills,² Bernstein said. ³But we don¹t end our goal there.² He cited the variety of programs such as art, music and occupational education which enhance each child¹s education.
Visitors to Central High School then got a chance to walk around the library, talk to students and learn about the many extra-curricular activities that are offered. Senior Ena Gimenez is president of the Future Business Leaders of America chapter. She talk about the conferences they attend, which simulate real-world business scenarios. ³The competitions do give us a little sense of reality,² she said.
Gimenez said FBLA also does many charitable activities such as raising funds for scholarships, doing advertising for other student organizations and collecting money for the Ronald McDonald House.
Before leaving, visitors were treated to a short performance from the Central High School musical production of ³All Shook Up.²
Principal Dr. Joseph Pompilio said that American Education Week is a great chance to showcase the many talents of the students. It also gives them the opportunity to make the public aware of programs that people might not know exist, such as sign language. Pompilio said although the turnout was a little less this year than in the past, there was still a strong showing of alumni. ³Central¹s alumni are particularly very loyal,² he said, adding that graduates from as far back as the 1930s and 40s attended last week.
Memorial Junior High School opened its doors on Thursday. Visitors watched two DVD presentations, one about the Central High School District and the other about Memorial Junior High. Five students shared with the audience their experiences attending the school.
American Education Week concluded on Friday with South High School. The program began with the weekly televised student new show, The Falcon Report. The Long Island Connection, a school vocal group, performed several selections. Siemens Science Competition semi-finalist Dimple Chhatlani discussed her project. The Advance Placement Literature Class presented a modern interpretation of Shakepeare¹s ³King Lear² and the Cultural Society Club performed a Chinese Lion Dance.
School District Public Information Officer Martha Carney said people felt that the programs were very worthwhile. Those who attended at more than one school noted the uniqueness of each building. ³The feedback that we got was good,² she said.
