It was a glimpse into a bright future for first-graders at Hiawatha Elementary School when they took the stage dressed in outfits signifying careers they aspire to have in the future.

Representing a vast number of professions, each first-grade student delivered a brief presentation to the crowd about the job they wish to have in the future. The careers chosen by the students included baseball players, construction workers, chefs, detectives, doctors, police officers, nurses, teachers and veterinarians. 

The event served as an engaging activity that coincided with the first-grade unit on careers. As part of the unit, students created their first résumé and researched the different careers that interested them. 

 

Hiawatha Elementary School fourth- and fifth-grade students explored the many wonders of science by creating crafty chemical concoctions during a workshop presented by Mad Science.

With the help of guest speaker Xenon Zach, students took part in experiments that tested different properties of chemicals. They learned about substances that are hydrophilic and are attracted to water as well as substances that are hydrophobic and repel water. Student groups participated in an experiment that showcased the hydrophobic properties of certain chemicals by pouring hydrophobic sand on top of water and gently putting their finger into the sand layer without getting wet. As part of an additional experiment highlighting the unique properties of various chemicals, students created colorful art using shaving cream and water-based paints. Shaving cream is both a hydrophobic and hydrophilic substance that absorbed and rejected the various colors that were then swirled in circles, creating vibrant artwork.      

Throughout the activity Xenon shared helpful tips with students so that they can recreate similar experiments at home with everyday household items. 

Sand and sun were plentiful for fourth-grade students at Hiawatha Elementary School during a recent trip to the Fire Island Lighthouse, where students explored various areas of the historic landmark. 

During the enriching adventure, students learned about important areas surrounding the lighthouse such as the shoreline and its ecosystem. As part of the visit, students, teachers, parents and Principal Kathleen O’Farrell climbed to the top of the lighthouse to experience the wonderful view and learn how light refraction influences the beam from the lighthouse’s lamp.  

The trip served as an excellent hands-on connection to the fourth-grade unit on the history of New York. 

Students and staff showcased their support for a worthy cause during Hiawatha Elementary School’s inaugural Autism Awareness Walk. 

Throughout the month of April, students celebrated autism awareness by participating in multiple interactive activities during the week leading up to the walk. Students decorated puzzle pieces, wore blue on Thursday and listened to daily facts about autism on the morning announcements each day. A sea of students dressed in blue circled the building in a show of collective support. Each class held a banner that was decorated with puzzle pieces and words of encouragement. 

Moving forward, Hiawatha Elementary plans to make the walk a tradition that continues to raise awareness for the cause.