Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa visited fifth graders at Hiawatha Elementary School to speak about community and government. As part of the social studies unit, students have been learning about the different roles of government and Legislator Caracappa’s visit helped students apply what they’ve learned in class.

Throughout the interactive presentation, students asked Legislator Caracappa questions ranging from, “What’s your favorite part of the job?” to “How did you become a legislator?” Mr. Caracappa took time to explain some of the things Suffolk County is doing to protect the environment and encouraged students to be stewards of the community.

Date Added: 1/20/2023

Fifth graders at Hiawatha Elementary School tapped into their brains during a special visit from Stony Brook University physician assistant students. The Stony Brook students taught the fifth graders about the basics of the nervous system and how brains communicate with the rest of the body. They also went over the different parts of the brain and their locations.

The fifth graders listened to the book, “The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal” before participating in an activity. Students applied what they learned to color a brain and nerve cell labeling worksheet. They then assembled the brain hemisphere worksheets to construct their own brain hats. Additionally, classes made their own nerve necklaces.

Date Added: 1/17/2023

Students in Patricia Puls’ art classes at Hiawatha Elementary School made meals a little brighter for some New York City residents. Students used class time to create cards to accompany the meal trays delivered to homebound residents as part of the Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors’ homes to support independence, while fighting hunger and isolation.

Students created “Thinking of You,” “Get Well Soon,” birthday and holiday cards to be delivered. They were enthusiastic about participating and were happy to send joyful messages to others.

Date Added: 1/11/2023

At the Dec. 14 meeting of the Sachem Central School District Board of Education, Hiawatha Elementary School staff member Jennifer Campanelli was honored for her life-saving efforts. Ms. Campanelli, a lunch aide, performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking while lining up after lunch. Thanks to her quick actions, the child was safe and able to return to classes. The district also thanked Hiawatha school nurse Mrs. Catherine Nicosia for caring for the child after the incident.

Date Added: 12/16/2022

Students in the Cricut Club at Hiawatha Elementary School are working to beautify the building through their own designs. Members of the club were challenged with creating a piece of art that they wanted to see in their own halls. Fourth grader Hailey Valentine’s sketch, which reads “Huskies Rule!” was chosen as the first piece to be brought to life.

Students worked together to print out the design using a Cricut, or a smart cutting machine. It was hung right off the main hallway for the Hiawatha school community to see as they walk the building.

The Cricut Club is working to add more artwork to the building. Next, students will be tasked with creating a design to be placed in the conference room.

Date Added: 11/29/2022