(NOVEMBER 2022)—In the spirit of thankfulness, collaboration, and togetherness, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen students celebrated American Education Week through various lessons and classroom activities before heading into Thanksgiving.
American Education Week is celebrated each year and recognizes the value of public education as well as the dedication of the faculty and staff. As part of the District’s celebration of American Education Week, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen parents were invited to their children’s schools to see the engagement and positivity of the learning experiences their children are provided each day.
At Howell Road Elementary School, some families participated in a project-based activity centered around the book, Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet which tells the story of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. After learning how the balloons are made, students followed the design process and created their own balloons.
Willow Road Elementary School students created a giant “Thankful Turkey.” Each student added a feather and a post-it note about what they were thankful for. Willow Road families visited the school to work with their students to successfully solve “Toby the Turkey” math problems.
After reading Turkey Trouble by Wendi J. Silvano, the Wheeler Avenue Elementary School students acted the story out for Wheeler Avenue families that visited for American Education Week. Students also had the opportunity to color in their turkey activity sheets with their parents.
James A. Dever Elementary School students and their families completed Thanksgiving Day crafts, and students sang fall songs for their special visitors.