Sixth-grade students from across Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen recently came together for the district’s highly anticipated annual 6th Grade Unity Event, a culminating celebration designed to foster friendships and strengthen connections before students transition to Valley Stream Central High School District next year.
The event was organized by the 6th Grade Unity Committee, chaired by Dr. Jasmine Shepard, Howell Road Elementary School principal. The committee works throughout the school year to create meaningful opportunities for sixth-grade students from all Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen schools to get to know one another.
One of the committee’s signature initiatives is the districtwide Pen Pal Program, which pairs sixth-grade students from different schools. Throughout the school year, students exchange letters, allowing them to develop friendships and learn about one another before meeting in person. Leading up to the Unity Event, each sixth-grade class worked with its school counselor to create a Unity Poster highlighting themes of friendship, inclusion, and community. The posters were proudly displayed during the celebration.
During the event, students had the opportunity to meet their future administrators from Memorial Junior High School and North Junior-Senior High School, helping to ease the transition to secondary education. Students also participated in a variety of team-building and sports-bonding competitions, enjoyed music from a DJ, and experienced the excitement of meeting their pen pals face-to-face for the first time.
Filled with laughter, energy, and school spirit, the annual Unity Event continues to be a memorable tradition that strengthens the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen community and reinforces the district’s commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
