The second graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School are learning all about water cycles and the different states of matter this December. 

Students in Ms. Orlando’s class conducted a science experiment, filling a clear bag with water taped on the window. Each day, they observe the changes in the water line.

Students in Ms. Bennett’s class built structures using different blocks to represent the different particles that make up matter. Another group worked with mystery bags, using their senses to hypothesize what was in each bag. 

In Ms. McCormack’s class, students worked on their Chromebooks to study different stages of matter. They also created diagrams using dots to represent the way the atoms look in a solid, liquid and gas.

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.  

Fourth grade students at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School are fusing their literacy lessons with social-emotional learning and STEM-based activities. 

The classes began by reading “The Recess Queen,” a book that teaches positive behavior on the playground and acceptance. Since the book was about an experience on the playground, the teachers incorporated a hands-on STEM lesson to coincide with it. Students were tasked with designing their own playground out of paper and cardboard materials. The playground had to incorporate at least one simple machine, such as an inclined plane, wheel and axle or pulley. Working in small groups together, the students created their own see-saws, slides and swing sets using the paper materials.

In an effort to promote literacy across Long Island, the Long Island Nets representatives, along with their mascot Dale, visited with students at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School. 

As part of their Read to Achieve program, the Nets visit local school districts to help students get excited about reading. The assembly was coordinated by Wade Richardson, a Copiague graduate who was looking to give back to his school community. Richardson serves as the Nets community relations and game presentation coordinator. 

After a few tricks by Dale, the students listened to two books, “The Five Little Monkeys” and “The Brave Fish.” All students were given a bookmark to take home to track their reading. If they read three books in a month, they are given one free ticket to a Long Island Nets game.