Watson kicks off an RVC ‘roots’ project

The Rockville Centre Education Foundation is organized to provide support and funding to villageschools. This funding is not easily acquired—detailed grant proposals are judged by a foundation committee. It is a competitive process, and the Watson Elementary School has received project grant funding for more than 10 consecutive years.

This year’s Education Foundation-funded grant at Watson will lead students to explore the roots of Rockville Centre, utilizing multiple intelligences in various projects over the year. They will become better acquainted with the village and how it’s grown and changed. In so doing,village residents will become more aware of Watson and its position within the educational community.

On Oct. 14, students, teachers and administrators kicked off the project with a Watson pep rally, designed to spread spirit and enthusiasm. School Superintendent Dr. William Johnson and assistant superintendents Christopher Pellettieri and Robert Bartels were among school district officials who attended.

Fifth grade cheerleaders, wearing white t-shirts emblazoned with big blue “W”s, pumped up the energy in the gym. Two fifth grade boys read heartfelt recollections of their most meaningful Watson memories. All students next participated in writing an acrostic poem spelling out W-A-T-S-O-N. The strongest vocabulary words were chosen, and one student from each grade was selected to complete the group effort. The poem was proudly read on stage by its authors.

Watson’s students then filed out to the blacktop where they formed a giant letter “W,” and were joined by adults in a spirited rendition of the Watson school song.

Certificates of gratitude were given to Eileen McHugh and Karen Ryan of the Ed Foundation. Sarah Speechley, Watson PTA co-president also accepted a certificate on behalf of the group’s members.These organizations were praised for encouraging creative teaching and fun learning. Liz Dion, the Board of Education’s newest member, was also presented with a certificate thanking board members for their work to ensure that district students receive a quality education.

A “Getting to Know You” visit was held the following day. Senior citizens from the Sandel Center arrived and were interviewed by second grade students.The children wanted to know about what second grade was like when the seniors were growing up, and they gladly contributed to this “living history” interview. After the interviews, the students led their guests on a tour of the building before the new friends gathered for refreshments.

In November, fourth grade students will venture out into the village as photojournalists with the help of a professional photographer. They will capture images of important buildings and locations throughout the community. These images will be compared and contrasted with old photos of Rockville Centre. The contrasting photos will become an exhibit, “Rockville Centre, Then and Now” that will be displayed at the Phillips House Museum for all to enjoy.