The Bulldog Blast April 2024

Singer-songwriter Brady Rymer gave two performances for the children at Heights School on Thursday, April 11, 2024. He had them smiling, laughing, and dancing. Brady Rymer sings about kindness, inclusion, and celebrating children of all abilities. The concert was scheduled to coincide with Neurodiversity Month.

East Hills Elementary School fourth graders concluded a STEAM unit on Energy Conversion with a challenge to design and build their very own wind turbine that would spin and lift a paper cup up and down. To prepare, they took a virtual field trip to a wind turbine field and learned the ins and outs of how one operates. Then, over several weeks, students worked in groups of four in the STEAM room to design, build, and test the wind turbines they created.

To celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, Harbor Hill Elementary School students participated in a schoolwide March Madness bracket to select their top rock artist. They listened to the music of 16 rock artists/bands, then voted for their favorites. After an immersive voting process, Long Island’s own Billy Joel won top pick for favorite rock artist of the year!

On Friday, April 12th, Roslyn Middle School students got the unique opportunity to pie their principals in the face. The event was a fun way to raise money during Neurodiversity Month.

Sponsored by the Roslyn Middle School PFA, the Pie in the Face Charity Day event raised funds for Pathway to Independence, Roslyn High School's new food pantry. Roslyn Middle School Principal Craig Johanson and Assistant Principal Christopher Roth were joined by a handful of middle school staffers who graciously agreed to be on the receiving end of a pie. Superintendent Allison Brown joined in the fun, pie-ing Principal Johanson in the face.

Led by faculty advisor Colleen Mastriano, Roslyn High School's Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) engaged with 7th-grade health classes at Roslyn Middle School to discuss the impact of substance abuse on their lives. They educated younger students about the challenges of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, emphasizing successful refusal strategies and promoting positive decision-making.

Roslyn High School hosted its first Apprenticeship Prep Program Expo on April 16, 2024. Held inside the library, the Expo welcomed representatives from companies such as PSEG Long Island, REDEFINE Fitness, Electrical and HVAC Training Center, and CVS Health. Students learned specifics about each company’s apprenticeship program, including some that offer apprentices and pay for education, in addition to their salary. Each company representative described in detail the apprentice and pre-apprenticeship opportunities they offer high school students, allowing students to learn about business environments and network with professionals.

Roslyn High School students, assisted by the Roslyn High School PFA, have added a touch of beauty to the hallways and classrooms with newly installed indoor planters. The students potted the plants and will nurture their growth. The project was held to coincide with Neurodiversity Awareness Month.

Roslyn High School students are making a big difference with their work running the newly established Roslyn High School Bulldogs Food Pantry. Not only does this in-school initiative provide valuable work experience, it also helps meet the needs of many in the community. From sorting and inventory tracking to distribution, these students handle it all, gathering items from school buildings and delivering them to local partners like the JCC and the New Development Storehouse. Personal care and household items are also gathered, making this ongoing program a win-win for all involved.

The Roslyn High School Spring Concert was held on the evening of Wednesday, April 17, 2024. with performances by the string and chamber orchestras, the symphonic band, the wind ensemble, and the choirs.

This was the last concert to be conducted by music teacher Michael Coffey, who is set to retire in June. "This is truly a bittersweet moment in my life. Although I am looking forward to my next chapter, I will miss the Roslyn community, my colleagues, and most of all, my students," said Mr. Coffey. "I cannot think of a better place to have spent the last 22 years of my 34-year career in music education."