Students in JAE took a creative approach to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Fifth graders in Leah Larson and Laura O’Mahoney’s class used shoeboxes to create dioramas and designed Freedom Towers using other materials, including cardboard, Styrofoam and even Legos.

“Each one is unique and is an amazing tribute to the heroes of that fateful day in American history,” Ms. Larson said.

The students also held a commemorative museum walk in the classroom with patriotic music playing in the background. Students walked around to view their fellow architects’ work and write positive comments on Post-Its. The class also included some literary selections to reflect on the important day in history, including “The Little Chapel That Stood” and “14 Cows for America.” They culminated the readings with a discussion on the themes of hope, selflessness and sacrifice.

Four Rocky Point High School seniors took their talents to the next level with a performance at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Ceremony. With just five days of rehearsals under the leadership of music teacher Jessica Spitz, who joined the faculty in September, Tessa Cunningham, Alexandra Kelly, Brenna Kiernan and Samantha Leversen performed beautiful arrangements of the national anthem and “God Bless America.”

“I know the community is very appreciative of our students’ participation in these events, and it is a great way for our students to give back to the community,” Amy Schecher, Rocky Point High School/Middle School music chairperson, said.

Rocky Point Middle School students returned to school with an enhanced educational locale – an outdoor classroom. A ribbon-cutting took place the first week of classes to celebrate the unique learning environment for students in grades 6-8.

Several years in the making, with leadership and planning reins taken by the PTA, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott O’Brien, Principal James Moeller and Assistant Principal Dawn Meyers, the space is a welcome addition that highlights the advantages of outdoor learning and access to nature, both known to increase student enthusiasm and as being beneficial to social, emotional and physical health and an important component of education in the COVID era.

The space, work surfaces that can be grouped together to form 15 tabletops, or with a simple maneuver, turned into benches with comfortable backs that can seat 30 students in a socially distant manner, are surrounded by freshly planted greenery. It is also an excellent accessible space for students with special needs and comes complete with a dry erase whiteboard. Teachers can reserve the space for lessons through the school’s Google calendar. According to Mr. Moeller, it has already been met with much enthusiasm by staff and students as a place that will spark creativity and motivate a different perspective on science and nature.

The district is grateful to many in the Rocky Point community including Bill Barber Masonry and Decorative Gardens, local organizations that supported the efforts by donating the labor for the project. The district also thanks the PTA and especially members Kristine Susmin and Kathi Heggers for a vision that has turned into a beneficial reality for Rocky Point students.