Washington Street School fifth graders participated in a “Day in Clay” workshop with professional ceramic artist and educator Cliff Mendelson from Jan. 8-9, as part of the school’s Artist-in-Residence Program.

Mendelson demonstrated the art of creating pottery by hand, sharing traditional techniques by Native American potters and often-used symbols, patterns and imagery. Each fifth grader created their own Native American-inspired vase or textural bowl clay piece.

“Our cultural arts program of creating Native American-influenced pottery fosters self-awareness and cultural appreciation, helping students connect with their emotions and heritage,” Principal John Stella said. “Through collaborative pottery-making, students practice social skills like empathy and cooperation, aligning with our SEL goals.”

Date Added: 1/15/2025

Washington Street School’s band and chorus students treated audiences to festive holiday tunes during three performances of their Winter Concert, held on Dec. 18 and 19.

The show began with the third and fourth grade chorus, under the direction of music teacher Kelly Tesar. With cheerful smiles and dance movements, the group sang “Ready, Set, Snow!” “Feel the Joy of Hanukkah” and “Who Put the Christmas Presents Under the Tree?”

The band, under the direction of teacher Jason O’Connor, followed the younger chorus members with performances of “Winter Winds,” “First Winter’s Sleigh Ride” and “All for Chanukah.” Members of the Jazz Band showcased their skills in a rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock,” as well.

Chorus students in fifth and sixth grade took their turn on the stage, singing “Beboppin’ Santa Claus” and “A Hanukkah Wish.” Their final song, “Hot Chocolate!” also featured a dance routine by some of the chorus members.

The concert concluded with a holiday medley sing-along and the band finale of “Feliz Navidad.”

The chorus and band students dedicatedly rehearsed for the concert for about two months and performed for their peers and families over the course of the three shows.

Click here to view the Winter Concert at WSS 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 12/23/2024

Our December Kids Corner  has been posted! Please read our student reporters’ stories here: https://www.franklinsquare.k12.ny.us/resources/kids_corner

Date Added: 12/20/2024

To celebrate the holiday season and encourage time spent with family, Polk Street School hosted a gingerbread decorating activity with second graders and their families on Dec. 18.

To prepare for the activity, the second grade classes read gingerbread-themed books, including “The Gingerbread Girl” by Lisa Campbell Ernst.  

Each student received a gingerbread person, generously made by a parent, to decorate with frosting, candy and marshmallows.

Click here to view the PSS Hosts Gingerbread Decorating slideshow.

Date Added: 12/20/2024

John Street School students in grades pre-K through sixth grade enjoyed the festive multicultural show, “Mistletunes,” performed by the Squeaky Clean Band on Dec. 17.

The music group, led by singers Suzanne Smithline and Glenn Manion, discussed the multiple holidays and traditions often observed in December, including Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. The students clapped and sang along to energetic renditions of classic holiday tunes, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “The Dreidel Song” and “Feliz Navidad.” They also learned the seven principles of Kwanzaa, reciting them in Swahili.

Date Added: 12/19/2024