MARCH 7, 2024

Throughout the day Wednesday, Pleasantville High School students “cut loose,” singing, dancing and acting out the story of a young man trying to fit into a new environment.

High school and middle school students gathered in the PHS auditorium for assemblies that offered a special sneak peek of the upcoming high school performances of Footloose. (Due to inclement weather, students at Bedford Road School will get their preview next Wednesday.)

With toes tapping and smiles beaming, audience members enjoyed the energy of the musical. The performance also provided an opportunity for younger students to get a taste of what awaits them in high school and witness the joy on stage that is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. Over 200 people helped bring the fictional town of Bomont,Texas to life, from creating stage sets and props to perfecting hair and makeup.

Colin Rubsamen, a junior, said he is enjoying his time on stage playing Reverend Moore. “Believe it or not, it’s a very dramatic role, and demands a lot of work to portray the character,” he said.

As the assembly concluded, seventh graders Julianna Zaino, Adeline Cassidy, and Nicole Kang shared their impressions of the preview. All three are involved in theater at the middle school and aspire to continue their journey in high school. Julianna praised the quality of the acting. A dancer since she was a toddler, she particularly enjoyed the dancing. Adeline marveled at the well-executed harmonies and vocal ranges of the actors, while Nicole admired the expert costuming and outfits that added to the authenticity of the performance.

For those eager to experience the magic of Footloose in its entirety, get your tickets here for performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 8-10, as well as the following weekend on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16.

As part of their observance of National Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week, fourth graders at Bedford Road School participated in “Finding Your Happy Place.” The interactive educational program, sponsored by Northern Westchester Hospital/Northwell Health, aimed to equip students with tools to navigate stress and anxiety.

Facilitated by Angela Toni Russo, a holistic nurse from the hospital, the session kicked off with a blend of lighthearted and thought-provoking "what if" scenarios. Drawing from her extensive experience as a critical care nurse that included interactions with veterans grappling with stress, Ms. Toni underscored the universal struggle with worry and anxiety.

Guiding students through a series of stress-reducing techniques, Ms. Toni introduced four practices. From cyclic breathing to the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, each exercise was designed to empower students to manage their emotions effectively. Chair yoga and visualization exercises further underscored the importance of self-awareness and self-appreciation.

One particularly intriguing exercise involved students closing their eyes and envisioning the sensory experience of holding a lemon. Despite the absence of an actual lemon, students recounted their sensations, highlighting the connection between thoughts and physical responses.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Toni emphasized the power of positive thinking and the importance of confronting issues head-on rather than allowing them to fester. “In these exercises, your body reacted to one thing and one thing only: your thoughts,” she said. “Your thoughts are powerful,” she emphasized. “By shifting your focus to what you love and what brings you joy, you can cultivate a sense of calmness even in challenging situations.”

The session equipped the fourth graders with tools to navigate the complexities of their emotions and complemented the strategies already in place at BRS, including the Zones of Regulation and “Getting to Green'' coping skills that are shared on posters throughout the school. 

PHOTO ABOVE: Students in Christopher Marsden’s class enjoy a session of chair yoga with Nurse Toni

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