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February 1, 2024

Elementary Students to Participate in Long Island Sound Initiative

Trinity and Jefferson Elementary Schools are among 10 schools selected to participate in the Long Island Sound Schools network, committing to the protection of local watersheds, the Sound, and our one global ocean.

Given the schools’ proximity to the Sound, STEM teachers seized the opportunity to get involved in the project.

“We could not pass it by as we are one of the schools that is so close to the Long Island Sound and we visit it so often,” said Jefferson ENL teacher Lucia Brea, who is also a Westchester STEM ambassador. She joins forces with Bilingual School Psychologist Dr. Michelle Memoli on the project. 

This is the first year for the program, which is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Study and facilitated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University. The program supports schools that implement a project and create a plan to increase ocean literacy by engaging students, families, and the public.

“This will add to our students' experience with a comprehensive understanding of the local estuaries, watersheds, and the Long Island Sound's ecosystem and the interrelation of environmental factors,” said Brea. 

The Jefferson teachers plan to introduce environmental stewardship across grades K-5 with activities such as assemblies, author reads, and interactive field trips to Glen Island and other surrounding estuaries and waterways off the shoreline. 

“Focus areas include knowledge on the effects of litter, including plastics, for climate change, the importance of monitoring marine species distribution, and the integration of collaborative work to communicate results to the community at large,” said Brea. 

At Trinity, STEAM teacher Terri Agravat and third grade teacher Denise Larkin are creating a unit for third graders that focuses on the diversity of life and ecosystems in the Long Island Sound and how humans impact the sound in both positive and negative ways.

“We would like to create awareness among our students and their families about the issues affecting Long Island Sound. By learning more about the plants and animals of the sound, we will strengthen students’ connection to it and promote conservation and protection efforts,” she said. 

“The unit will include hands-on investigations, such as an oyster dissection, and field experiences, such as a trip to the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck,” she said. “The final project for the unit will be a community outreach project focused around the theme of 'Healthy Long Island Sound.'” 

“This project is a wonderful opportunity for school communities to strengthen their connection to Long Island Sound and our global ocean, inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Meghan Marrero, professor of secondary science education and co-director of the Mercy University Center for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education. 

Program funding will provide stipends for lead teachers at each school and up to $5,000 per school to implement projects. The schools will also have access to a network of educators, connections with scientists, community organizations and stewardship sites, and possible travel funds for conference presentations. 



“This opens us to a network of ocean schools from around the globe and provides us with a network of people that are linked through water. We are very grateful to be part of such an amazing community,” said Dr. Memoli.

Photos: Trinity fifth graders exploring the Sound last year; Dissecting oysters; Jefferson students on Glen Island.

Davis Third Graders Complete Mexican Dance Residency

The third grade classes at Davis Elementary School this marking period extended their social studies learning to the dance floor with the Calpulli Dance Company’s dance residency, continuing a longstanding tradition at the school. Throughout the residency, students explored traditional dance from each of Mexico’s regions, learning about their cultural significance. 

“The Calpulli team is passionate and engages students deeply in the cultural experience through dance,” said Principal Anthony Bambrola. “It’s fun, it’s energetic. At the end of the residency, families and guests were treated to a wonderful, hour-long performance.” 

Students had the opportunity to wear a variety of beautiful and traditional costumes and accessories as part of their performances.

“I loved learning the traditional dance, especially the El Tapatio,” shared Davis third grader, Coby Schwartz. “I was so cool wearing the costume and having my parents come watch it!”

The residency is one of several at Davis, where every student has the opportunity to perform on stage at least once each year. The Calpulli residency has been enriching third graders at Davis for nearly 20 years!

Some 40 families attended three evenings of science classes at Trinity Elementary in January for a bilingual STEAM program for kindergarten and first grade students and families.

Created by the Mercy University Center for STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), this is the fourth year that the FLORES program (Family Learning and Outreach for Research) has been conducted at Trinity. The classes were taught in English and Spanish.

The program’s goals include teaching families how to ask questions to facilitate science learning and to build science self-efficacy in both students and their parents. FLORES also helps develop students’ fundamental science knowledge and vocabulary, as well as building 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

The program was facilitated by Trinity STEAM teacher Terri Agravat and the classes were taught by Trinity teachers Rachel Collens, Kerry McKenna, Adrienne Quinn, Yesenia Sanchez, Maria Torres, and Deirdre Dillon.

In the first session, kindergarten students and their parents investigated different materials and their properties. First, families were able to explore different types of materials, such as aluminum foil, felt, wax paper, and construction paper. 

Next, each family used the engineering design process to create and test a doghouse. They tested out several different roofing materials by simulating rain with a dropper or spray bottle. The families then discussed their observations and determined which roofing material was the best for keeping out the rain.

The first grade students and their parents investigated earthworms. They placed different stimuli near their worm, such as apple juice or vinegar on a cotton swab and observed how their worm responded to the stimuli.  

Two IEYMS students had the opportunity to speak to Board of Education members at the January 23 meeting. 

Grade six Class President Rawan Abdelqader is interested in issues of diversity and inclusion. She is also the author of a short story titled, “Courage.” She expressed her desire to use her voice and writing to raise awareness about students who have different experiences than those in the majority. 

“Here at Isaac, I have come to realize that our school is a place where anything is possible and that we can make things happen if we try hard enough,” said Abdelqader. 

She shared her experience from a writing workshop at school with a professional writer and shared her book with the audience, which is about “student voice, inclusion, and achieving your goals, even when you feel like you can’t.” 

Abdelqader said her current project is centered around creating an understanding of holidays and beliefs that may not be well-known or popular in New Rochelle. 

Grade six Advocate Natalie Martinez spoke about her desire to help her community through civic engagement and advocacy. She has a passion for environmental conservation, dreams of attending Harvard University, and aspires to become a heart surgeon. 

“My future goal is to become a heart surgeon, but also to be an agent of positive social change,” Martinez said. “I know it’s important to talk about the problems we know in the world and to do something about it. In October, I was able to meet with New Rochelle City Council members. In that meeting, I shared my concerns about environmental conservation.”



Natalie described a kayaking trip where she saw pollution in the water. She expressed concerns that environmental protection is taking a back seat to economic development in our city.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Olivine Roberts, visited Trinity Elementary School last week and found children engaged in a wide range of activities.

Nancy Soto's 2nd grade class sharing their ELA learning Character Traits

Left: Joshua Michaels from Melissa Abate's 3rd grade class shared his project on Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist. Right: Kindergarten Paw winner Khadim Sylla, from Tania Labrosciano's class, explains to Dr. Roberts how to select his prize book from the book vending machine.

Denise Larkin's 3rd grade class rehearsing ballroom dancing

Jillian Ritacco's 2nd grade class celebrating STEAM Friday with Maria Torres

Rachel Collens 4th grade class sharing their learning about Longhouses.

Columbus Employee and Alumnae’s Artwork on Display

Angela Nelson was once a student at Columbus Elementary School, but sadly, her family moved to Mount Vernon and she had to start over at a new school. She missed Columbus Elementary so much that she cried for weeks after leaving. Decades later, she returned to New Rochelle and to her Columbus school as an employee working with students in the lunchroom. 

What most Columbus staff and students don’t know is that Nelson is also a talented artist. While cleaning out her family home this year, she happened upon a piece of artwork she created in college depicting the song, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.” 

Nelson shared her creation with school monitor Jamal Pryor, who insisted she show it to art teacher Leah Bernabei. Both were so excited about the piece that they brought it to Principal Michael Galland, who immediately launched a secret plot to share it with the whole school community. With teacher Stefanie Cordo on design, the trio conspired to have the artwork mounted, framed, and hung in the school’s cafeteria for all to see. Then they had students sing “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” at the artwork’s unveiling. 

“It is an example of what we do every day for each other at Columbus,” said Principal Galland. “Whether for a staff member or a student, we look out for each other, and we want our school to be a second home in their life.” 

Now everyone can enjoy another of their beloved lunch manager’s talents through her artwork. The moment brought tears to Miss Angela, but this time, they were tears of joy.

Trinity Custodian in National Contest

Trinity Elementary School custodian Brian Penn is in the running for the Tennant Company's 5th Annual 'Custodians Are Key' contest.

Tennant, a supplier of maintenance equipment for the school district, services districts throughout the United States and runs the contest “to recognize the unsung heroes who help make our schools cleaner, safer, and healthier places,” according to the company President and CEO, Dave Humi.  

Mr. Penn has worked in the district for nine years, all but six months at Trinity.

“I cannot think of a more deserving individual,” said Trinity Elementary School Principal Michael Hilderbrand. 

“Brian has been an amazing addition to the facilities department. His welcoming and warm demeanor coupled with a sixth sense of knowing what needs to be done has certainly allowed him to go above and beyond,” said Assistant Director of Facilities Raymond Casher. 

“Brian completely understands that students are our first priority. He has a great rapport with students and staff and brings a high level of energy and positivity to the workplace,” he added.

“This is very exciting, and I couldn't agree more that Brian is a very deserving candidate for this nomination and recognition,’ said Director of Facilities Keith Watkins.

Broadway Talent to Headline High School Musical

The Albert Leonard Middle School wrestling team has been on a roll, winning most of their matches. The team is made up of 22 dedicated and resilient wrestlers. Eighth graders Hendrix Rumph, Leon Yu, Tiago Colheo, and Avi Yairi have had an outstanding season. Seventh graders have also shown great ability and dedication to learning the sport and competing hard, including Ava Crino, Wyatt Guermann, Cooper Meyerhoff, and Stafford Woodley.

New Rochelle wrestling attributes much of its success to the youth development program, a K-6 program that exposes youngsters to the sport early on.

Volley for Victory 

Congratulations to the NRHS student team for winning the Volley for Victory volleyball game versus the faculty, 3-0. In addition to being a great time, the event raised awareness of breast cancer.

Check out all the great community events happening now!