The Bulldog Blast December 2024

Roslyn School District hosted a series of winter concerts in December, showcasing the musical and vocal talents of students from across the district.

Roslyn High School hosted an evening of music on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, with performances by the Jazz Choir, Jazz Project, Orchestras (String and Chamber), Symphonic Band, Choirs, and the Wind Ensemble.

Roslyn Middle School performed three evenings of music (hosted at the high school) beginning on December 5th, with music by the 6th grade band, 7/8th grade band, and 6th grade orchestra. On December 11th, 7/8th grade chorus performed, string ensembles, and 7/8th grade orchestra performed. On December 16th , the chorale, jazz band, and 6th grade chorus performed.

East Hills Elementary School hosted their winter concert on December 12th; Harbor Hill Elementary School held theirs on the 18th. The winter concerts included musical performances by the 4th and 5th grade orchestra, chorus, and band, who played and sang for an audience of parents, faculty, and administrators.

Leading up to winter recess, tables in the Heights cafeteria were piled high with colorful candy, tubs of frosting, and stacks of graham crackers for the most epic event of the season: Gingerbread House Making! Students transformed humble milk cartons into dazzling gingerbread masterpieces, with frosting "glue," gumdrops, and peppermint chimneys adding unique flair. It was a sweet celebration of creativity, teamwork, and holiday joy!

The first-graders in Ms. Puliafico's STEAM classes at Heights had great fun exploring the concept of reflection. They began by observing their own reflections in a mirror, then conducted an investigation by writing their names on paper and viewing them through a mirror. To their surprise, they noticed their names appeared flipped! This fun surprise sparked a wave of curiosity as they eagerly worked to solve the mystery of the backward letters.

In Ms. Favara's art classes at East Hills Elementary School, winter magic is in full swing! The 4th graders explored the dazzling Northern Lights and the cool world of arctic animals, bringing them to life with bright and bold mixed-media masterpieces. Meanwhile, the 3rd graders got creative with snowflakes, using watercolor techniques to play with positive and negative space. Together, these young artists are creating a winter wonderland of color and creativity!

Ms. Naughton’s varsity basketball team traded the court for the classroom during the holiday-themed Gumdrop Bridge STEAM Challenge at East Hills Elementary School, joining her fifth graders in designing and building candy structures. Tasked with creating the strongest bridge using gumdrops and toothpicks, the students combined creativity with engineering principles, while the varsity players acted as mentors, guiding and cheering them on. The event was a perfect blend of fun and learning, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and holiday spirit as both the younger and older students worked together, discovering new ways to collaborate and innovate, all while constructing bridges as sweet as they were strong.

Ms. Schwartz's fifth-graders got to play the role of writing mentors as they teamed up with their second-grade buddies in Ms. Tiernan's class to work on "how-to" writing pieces. The second-graders bravely shared their rough drafts, while their fifth-grade buddies stepped in with thoughtful suggestions to help make their work shine.

Ms. Hintermeister's class at Harbor Hill Elementary School learned all about the best gifts one could give, no matter the time of year. They weren’t wrapped in fancy paper or tied with bows. No, these gifts were intangible—gifts of support, quality time, and lending a hand. The students wrote about who they would give these precious gifts to during the season. Some chose family, others friends, and a few even chose strangers in need. As the class shared their heartfelt writings, they all agreed: these were the gifts that truly mattered.

We are thrilled to announce that East Hills and Harbor Hill schools have officially launched the 2024-2025 No Place for Hate initiative, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). This program unites students, staff, and families in fostering a more inclusive and respectful school community.

Before Thanksgiving, the schools hosted in-person kickoff assemblies to introduce the program to our first and second graders and provide a refresher for grades three through five. Based on feedback from teachers and students, the buildings pivoted away from virtual assemblies, opting for in-person events to create a more engaging and impactful experience.

These assemblies emphasized the importance of kindness, equity, and understanding, setting the tone for a year filled with meaningful activities and discussions. Together, the elementary schools are building a safe, welcoming environment for all. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to join us on this important journey!

Students at Roslyn Middle School participated in a service learning project as part of the FACS (Family and Consumer Science) curriculum They used their sewing skills to create toys for cats and dogs and donated them to the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington. Students also baked healthy treats for the dogs at the shelter.

Roslyn Middle School gathered board games, puzzles, and craft kits during their seasonal toy drive.

On December 12, 2024, Roslyn High School held its World Language Honor Society Induction ceremony to recognize 120 new inductees. The Society recognizes excellence in world language studies and the commitment to study both language and culture.

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, two Roslyn High School student musicians, Elizabeth Lee (Violin) and Victor Chan (Clarinet), were selected to perform with the All-State Symphony Orchestra at the 2024 NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Winter Conference in Rochester, New York. Following a rigorous seating audition process, both Elizabeth and Victory were appointed section leaders and were featured as soloists with the ensemble. They performed Rimsky-Korsakov's revered orchestral work "Scheherazade."

The NYSSMA Winter Conference is an annual event that showcases the top high school musicians in New York State. Students are selected through a competitive audition process and, if chosen, perform in one of several elite ensembles. Being selected for an All-State ensemble is a prestigious honor that highlights exceptional musical talent, dedication, and hard work.

Our Roslyn High School Chamber Singers had the incredible opportunity to perform at Radio City Music Hall before the Christmas Spectacular on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. They sang to a sold-out audience, showcasing their exceptional talent and representing our school with pride. It was a truly memorable experience for our students and a highlight of the season!

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, a recognition ceremony was held inside the Roslyn High School auditorium to celebrate the Roslyn High School’s Marching Bulldogs first place win in the Small School Division 1 category at the 2024 New York State Field Band Conference Championship and to congratulate the Roslyn Varsity Boys Volleyball Team for winning the Nassau County Division 2B Volleyball Championship.

Roslyn High School has embarked on a new opportunity for students to explore the world of sustainable agriculture. With a focus on hydroponics and micro-farming, students have begun growing food in an innovative and environmentally friendly way.

The program is underway, thanks to the enthusiasm of several students who have taken a hands-on role in setting up and managing the hydroponic systems. These systems allow plants to grow in nutrient-rich water without the need for soil, offering a glimpse into how agriculture might adapt to a changing world. This initiative represents more than just a science project; it’s a chance to explore the future of food production and sustainability.

When it comes to inclement weather, (or other unforeseen emergencies) the Roslyn School District will exercise good judgment to determine whether schools will transition to remote instruction or a full closure. Click the button below to familiarize yourself with the district’s guidelines for school closings, delays, and early dismissals. This information is also easily found on the homepage of our website.