The elementary schools were all privileged to take part in the Remembrance Bowl celebrations! This K-12 curriculum initiative was a cross collaboration districtwide. Age-appropriate lessons were held for Goosehill students who learned all about the American Flag and how important it is to show respect for the symbols of America. They also engaged in art projects across the curriculum and learned all about the universal symbol of remembrance, hope, and resilience represented by the red poppy flower. Lloyd Harbor and West Side schools participated in numerous lessons, grades 2-6 and had the privilege of hosting our Remembrance Bowl French Dignitaries, honored guests, board of education members and administration for a grade 6 assembly explaining the “why” behind the game being played on U.S. soil for the second time in history right here in CSH! The students learned the significance of this historic event, and listened as many details were shared to help them understand. Helen Patton (granddaughter of General George Patton) did a mock skit at West Side as students placed their footsteps in those of the soldiers – pretending to practice hard for the big Christmas Day game! The mood of the skit went from joy to sorrow as Ms. Patton acted out the part that the game was canceled! The students' joy soon turned to confusion, and it helped set the stage for “why” we are holding a revival game for those soldiers who never got to play.

 

Many speakers shared the history with the students, including our Superintendent of Schools Joseph Monastero, Board of Education trustee and Event Chair Kate DelliCarpini; Director of Humanities Megan Gieser; Maurice Renaud, son of the Mother of Normandy; Doug Stebleton, Director of the Mother of Normandy film; and Cathy Soref from Operation Democracy. Games were played with great delight as students were asked trivia questions on what they learned from our French visitors Angie Demoncy and Lea Dourche, representatives of Amis des Vétérans Américains (Friends of American Veterans) Next Generation. All grade 6 students have been learning about the history of D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and the legacy of those who fought. As part of this commemoration, they will also begin pen-pal exchanges with students in Sainte-Mère-Église, France. Amazing!

 

Lloyd Harbor Interim Principal Valerie Massimo expressed, “I was amazed to see the coordination that has gone into the planning and preparation for this event honoring the sacrifices of WWII heroes.” West Side Principal Dr. Barnes shared, “We are deeply grateful to our distinguished dignitaries. The engaging, interactive enrichment activities led by our presenters created meaningful learning experiences for our students.”

 

West Side fourth-grade students also had the privilege of launching Remembrance Bowl Week with an inspiring visit from a true hero, Mr. Jared Murray (father of fourth grader Wyatt). Mr. Murray, a Master in the United States Merchant Marine, also served as a Rifleman Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a Line Officer Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, exemplifying a lifetime of dedicated service to our country. What an incredible week of learning – that culminated with all these young K-6 students attending the big Remembrance Bowl Homecoming Game!