Valley Stream 24 School District Celebrates Spring with Joyous Student Concerts

In a heartwarming celebration of the season, all three schools in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently hosted their annual spring band, orchestra, and chorus concerts. These highly anticipated events welcomed the arrival of spring with vibrant musical performances, showcasing the exceptional talents of students across the district.

Under the expert direction of music educators Joanna Milanese, Ashley Wilkey, Gary Garzetta, and Nicholas Shmorhun, students presented a diverse selection of musical pieces that reflected months of hard work and dedication. The concerts were attended by enthusiastic audiences of peers, staff, families, and community members, all coming together to support and celebrate the young performers.

One particularly memorable moment featured a chorus performance in which students sang an enchanting piece in dim lighting, their faces softly illuminated by flashlights. The creative staging added a magical atmosphere to the already moving performance and earned resounding applause.

Each concert served as a meaningful and enriching experience for both performers and audience members. The events highlighted not only the musical talents of the students but also the district’s commitment to fostering creativity and the arts within its schools.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict #MakeTheConnection #VS24 #InnovatingOurFuture

Valley Stream 24 Sixth-Grade Students Explore the Ashokan Center

Sixth-grade students from all three schools in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently embarked on an enriching educational journey to the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, New York, where they experienced a dynamic integration of science, history, and nature.

“Throughout their time at the Ashokan Center, students participated in a variety of hands-on learning activities that encouraged critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and an appreciation for the historical significance of the region,” said Brooklyn Avenue School Principal Dr. Scott Comis. “Through collaborative problem-solving and team-building exercises, students were able to connect classroom learning with real-world applications in an engaging and meaningful context.”

Students from Brooklyn Avenue School, William L. Buck School, and Robert W. Carbonaro School came together for the immersive experience that fostered not only academic exploration, but also the formation of new friendships that are expected to flourish as students continue their education in middle and high school.

Activities ranged from hiking trips to hands-on encounters with the various animals and wildlife that inhabit the 385-acre preserve. The day’s events also featured several games and opportunities for students to acquaint themselves with one another. To cap off the excitement, students gathered around to roast marshmallows, concluding a day filled with enriching experiences and cherished memories.

The Valley Stream 24 School District is proud to offer educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. The shared adventure to the Ashokan Center stands as a testament to the district and Board of Education’s commitment to holistic education—one that nurtures intellectual growth, social development, and environmental awareness.

Valley Stream 24 Students Design Prosthetic Arm to Support Northwell Health

Sixth-grade students in the Valley Stream 24 School District’s Challenge Program, led by Ms. Risa Miller, are engaging in a powerful act of innovation and service by designing and building a prosthetic arm to donate to Northwell Health’s occupational and physical therapy providers. As part of this project, students recently participated in a virtual meeting with physical therapist Taylor Jensen and occupational therapist Rob Carafo to gather insight into the design of prosthetic devices and how they support individuals with physical disabilities.

“This meaningful work was sparked by our Vision 2030 pilot project planning,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Our sixth-grade students partnered with younger peers to co-design early prototypes, embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our district. We are incredibly proud of our teachers and administrators for cultivating these forward-thinking, cross-grade initiatives. We are also proud of our students, whose curiosity, compassion, and dedication to making a difference shine through. By engaging with Northwell providers, our students are not only learning how prosthetics improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, but also how to apply emerging technologies to design functional prototypes that may one day serve others.”

During the session, students engaged with the providers about their careers, the differences between occupational and physical therapy, and important considerations in prosthetic design. Students enthusiastically shared their own ideas, including color-coded sensors to simplify the use of the prosthetic, and motors that enable movement for everyday tasks such as gripping or holding objects.

Building on this knowledge, students will now develop a purpose-driven plan for their prosthetic arm, sketching blueprints to guide their design. Using robotic LEGO materials, they will construct their prototypes and create custom coding sequences to bring their device to life. The final phase will include testing, refining, and presenting their completed prosthetic device to Northwell Health professionals.