Setting their students up for success in their future careers and beyond, the Copiague School District held a College and Career Day for all of their schools.

Students at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School had the opportunity to learn about college life firsthand when members of the Class of 2019 visited the school. The recent graduates spoke about their college experiences so far, including courses, dorm life and being away from home. The college students answered questions and provided an inside look into the first year of college for the soon-to-be graduates.

Throughout the elementary schools, students engaged in different activities related to their potential college and career choices. Younger students dressed up in their aspiring profession, with classrooms filled with doctor, nurses, teachers, firefighters, artists and even astronauts. 

The younger grades learned all about different colleges, vocational schools and occupations, while fourth and fifth graders researched different colleges and conducted virtual tours of the campuses on their laptops. Deauville Gardens East students used their math skills and knowledge of area and perimeter to design their own dorm rooms, while first graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School participated in career stations and explored what it was like to be a fashion designer, architect, chef and writer.  

To prepare for the district’s upcoming College and Career Day on Jan. 3, students in Mrs. Kelly’s second grade class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School read “Judy Moody Goes to College” by Megan McDonald and “Mahalia Mouse Goes to College” by John Lithgow. On Dec. 17, the students dressed up as “rad” college students. The students have been discussing their future and what profession they would like to have when they grow up. 

This school year, the Copiague School District is highlighting different themes each month to reinforce best practices, share ideas and connect school and community. December’s theme is understanding community and to that end, Deauville Gardens East Elementary School invited local police officers in for a lunch and learn session.

Select fifth grade students had lunch with one of the three officers in attendance – Officer Melgar, Officer Boyle and Officer Amon. During lunch, the students asked questions about their careers and what they enjoy about being a police officer. They spoke about community and civic responsibilities and learned ways they can be good citizens and help make their community a better place. The fifth graders will use the information they learned to speak to the younger grades in December. 

Third grade students in Dawn Masure’s class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School are learning about history while also working on their nonfiction writing. The students recently learned about the first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621. The class spoke about how things have changed since the first Thanksgiving to how we celebrate today. In their writer’s notebooks, the students used Double Bubble Maps to compare the holiday tradition in the past and today. Students then used these maps to create their essays.