California Avenue Elementary School opened its doors to families on March 19 with its “March Into Excellence Night,” an evening designed to showcase student achievement, instructional workshops, academic programs and the school community, highlighting opportunities to students.
The third through fifth grade performed on the ukulele, while other students demonstrated the school’s band, orchestra, step and cheer programs, giving families a firsthand look at the range of extracurricular and arts opportunities offered for students. The performances concluded with a short fashion show, where students walked the “runway” showcasing the schools attire.
Principal Bryan Bruno opened the evening by emphasizing the school’s commitment to supporting every child.
“Tonight is really about celebrating our scholars, our staff and our incredible school community,” he said.
“Our commitment is simple — we want every student to feel safe, challenged, supported and inspired,” he added, pointing to the school’s focus on strong academics, the arts, technology and extracurricular opportunities.
Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil reinforced that message, outlining the district’s broader vision and long-term opportunities for students.
“Our promise is that every Uniondale scholar is empowered, responsible, resilient and prepared for leadership, college and careers,” she said. “Even in pre-K we know they can be responsible, resilient and can explore college and careers.”
Darrisaw-Akil highlighted the district’s commitment to a well-rounded education that includes science, technology, the arts and project-based learning, as well as advanced opportunities at the secondary level.
She pointed to dual enrollment programs and partnerships with colleges and universities, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. The district also offers Advanced Placement courses, music programs recognized for excellence, athletics, and extracurricular activities such as debate and mock trial.
A video presentation during the evening further highlighted the student experience at California Avenue School, emphasizing a culture centered on collaboration, inclusivity and active learning.
The video also featured a former student, Sara Ramirez Calderon now a Uniondale senior and valedictorian who credited the school with shaping both her academic and personal development.
Preparing to attend Brown University, for politican science, she said the support she received from teachers and staff was instrumental in her success.
“I loved being a student at California Avenue,” she said. “The school environment, especially the staff were always so supportive about our growth.”
She was in various programs in the school that opened her to her artistic side, anything she wouldn’t have got in the classroom. She was also in the orchestra and played the violin, which she continues to this day.
One of the highlights of the evening was a special kindergarten session, where the school welcomed its youngest future learners in a symbolic and celebratory way.
Rising kindergarteners were invited to sign certificates, marking their commitment to begin their academic journey. With the help of teachers and family members, children carefully wrote their first names gripping an oversized pencils as they took part in the milestone moment.
Among them was Sariah, who proudly wrote her name before posing for a photo with her certificate and the school’s cougar mascot. Asked what she was most excited about for kindergarten, she had a simple answer: learning.
