Music teachers found a new way to get students excited about the instrumental and vocal music programs at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in the Amityville Union Free School District.

Typically, the school hosts an assembly for fourth graders to encourage students to join the band, chorus and orchestra. But due to gathering restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the teachers had to find a new way to recruit students for the music ensembles. So they went virtual. 

Band director Brian Wishin, choral director Megan Ashe and orchestra conductors Bianca Ferrante and Dr. Christine Klimek created videos introducing students to the groups. In Mr. Wishin’s introduction to band, he showed and played all of the instruments that students can select. Ms. Ferrante and Dr. Klimek showcased the cello, double bass, viola and violin. 

The teachers also discussed how music lessons are structured and how full ensembles come together. Students received a band and orchestra sign-up form with all the available instruments. Teachers encouraged them to listen closely so they can choose wisely, as playing an instrument is typically a multi-year commitment. 

All third, fourth and fifth graders, including the upper grade students who play in band or orchestra, are eligible to join the chorus. Ms. Ashe reviewed the differences between alto and soprano. Vocal lessons will be pre-recorded and shared on Google Classroom with all the music they will learn and perform this year. 

Classroom teachers played the videos on Sept. 24 and 25, and the video links were also provided to virtual learners. Students could then submit their interest forms the following week.

Students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School are Florida-bound – in spirit. Third, fourth and fifth graders are participating in a health and fitness initiative that has them simulating a trip down south.

It is 1,108 miles from the school to Disney World, and each class is charged with completing that journey. Physical education teachers Colleen Charles, Robert Claps and William Maisel created a course behind the school for the “Run to Florida” initiative, and each time a student completes a lap, they get credit for one mile. Children participating in remote learning are also invited to participate by doing laps in their yards. 

To begin the year, physical education teachers visited classrooms to talk to students about the importance of exercise and teach them how to strengthen different muscle groups and take their heart rates. They also discussed health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Before circling the back field each day, students do warm-up exercises and stretching. 

Mr. Maisel said he expects that the competitive spirit of the students will get them to complete more laps as the distance for each class is posted and updated. He also noted that “Run to Florida” has math and social studies components. In addition to tallying up the miles for each class, students will discuss historical and geographical facts as they reach different destinations along their trip. 

Joshua Atlas, an experienced elementary teacher and administrator, has been named the new assistant principal of Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

Mr. Atlas comes to Amityville after 17 years in New York City school. He has been an elementary classroom teacher, new teacher mentor, literacy coach, early literacy specialist and, most recently, an assistant principal in the Bronx. He holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and elementary education from SUNY Oneonta, a master’s degree in education of students with disabilities from Brooklyn College, and a school building leadership certificate from Baruch College, which he earned as a participant in the Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program through the New York City Department of Education.

He arrives at Park Avenue as the school transitions to a new grade configuration this year. With sixth grade moving to Edmund W. Miles Middle School, Park Avenue gains third grade, in addition to continuing to house the district’s fourth and fifth grade students. 

Mr. Atlas said what drew him to Amityville was the close-knit community and the dedication to student success. He added that he is proud to be part of a team of educators who have the best interests of children in mind on a daily basis, and is looking forward to meeting Park Avenue’s students and families.