The inaugural edition of the “Woodhull Student Newspaper” was distributed last week, thanks to the hard work of the newspaper staff: Rebecca, Kennedy, Danny and Milana. Every student, faculty and staff member received a copy, marking a proud moment for the newspaper team.

In a recent interview, the team shared their vision of creating a newspaper that all students, regardless of grade level, could enjoy. They emphasized their desire to include the voices and perspectives of many students throughout the school, ensuring that everyone has a platform to be heard.

The student-driven initiative is an excellent opportunity to highlight the value of free press in a democratic society. By encouraging student journalists to express their ideas freely, we foster critical thinking, creativity and an understanding of the importance of an informed and engaged community.

Click here to view the Extra, Extra! Read All About It! 24-25 slideshow.

Date Added: 10/6/2024

Students had the unique opportunity to learn about and participate in the making of challah bread with local Ocean Beach resident and Rachel’s Restaurant and Bakery owner Rachel Doering. With all the ingredients prepared and ready, each student had the chance to knead, shape and braid their own loaf of this traditional bread.  

The activity was a hands-on experience that connected students to a long-standing tradition cherished by many in our community and brought creativity and joy to the classroom. The activity was not just about baking but a meaningful way to explore cultural traditions and the importance of gathering. 

Rachel shared the significance of challah in celebrations, explaining its roots in Jewish tradition, and helped our students appreciate the beauty of preparing food together. This experience was a memorable highlight for all involved, giving students a taste  - both figuratively and literally – of community, culture and connection. 

Click here to view the Baking up Tradition: Challah Bread with Rachel slideshow.

Date Added: 10/3/2024

Woodhull School students in grades PreK-2 participated in a special environmental program facilitated by Eastern Suffolk BOCES educators.

Second graders explored the fascinating world of insects, their life cycles, adaptations and crucial roles they play in the local ecosystem. Through fun games, hands-on investigations and outdoor exploration, the students discovered the characteristics that make insects and insects and how they contribute to nature.

PreK and kindergarten students learned about vertebrates. As part of this exciting activity, the students traced their teacher’s outline on the floor and carefully constructed a skeleton within the tracing, helping them learn about bones and how vertebrates differ from other animals.

Second graders also delved into a hands-on exploration of local pond water. Working in pairs, the students carefully searched for tiny organisms and then used electronic microscopes to zoom in on their fascinating finds. With a reference guide, they eagerly identified each organism and examined its unique characteristics up close. The room buzzed as the students shared their discoveries, enthusiastically collaborating and learning together. This interactive study not only enhanced their scientific skills but sparked curiosity about the hidden world within the local ecosystems.

As the students gently touched stick bugs and Madagascar hissing roaches, they eagerly observed the creatures’ hard exteriors, vibrant colors and unique textures. Through these observations, students learned how exoskeletons protect these insects, offering both armor and camouflage in the wild.

Programs like these offer students valuable, real-world science experiences. They foster curiosity about the environment, instill a sense of responsibility for Fire Island natural world and make learning memorable.

Click here to view the Exploring Nature’s Wonders slideshow.

Date Added: 9/23/2024

Woodhull School students had the incredible honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance at Fire Island National Seashore’s inaugural naturalization ceremony. Held at the picturesque Fire Island Lighthouse on Sept. 11, this special event marked the 60th anniversary of the park’s establishment, originally signed into law during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency. It was a powerful moment, set against the backdrop of the historic lighthouse, as 69 individuals from all walks of life became American citizens.

The students displayed tremendous leadership and patriotism, guiding new citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance with poise and pride. Following the ceremony, the students gifted each new citizen an American flag as a personal token of welcome and congratulations. Their warm smiles and thoughtful gesture helped make this once-in-a-lifetime event even more memorable for everyone involved.

Superintendent of Schools Travis Davey congratulated the students for representing Woodhull School with such grace and respect. “Their participation in this significant event is a true reflection of values we cultivate at Woodhull – patriotism, kindness and service to others,” Mr. Davey said. “We hope this was a day the students will never forget, and the district is honored to have been a part of it.”

Date Added: 9/16/2024

Woodhull School students headed back to school last week, eagerly reuniting with former teachers, meeting new teachers and catching up with new friends while welcoming new faces into the school community. Students excitedly shared summer adventures, from sleep-away camps to riding ocean waves and spotting sea creatures at the beach.

Each classroom has been busy building connections with one another and to Woodhull School in unique ways. Some students toured the building for the first time, others shared learning experiences, and many set both class and personal goals for the school year.

Special area teachers reintroduced their creative and active spaces, sparking students’ imaginations for all the exciting possibilities the school year holds.

During the morning meetings, students and staff greeted each other by name and discussed how they can come together as a schoolwide family. On Friday, the school hosted a special conversation centered around what it means to be safe, respectful, responsible and kind in the shared spaces.

From Prekindergarten to grade six, students demonstrated these key values and expectations through skits, thoughtful reflections and collaborative discussions, setting the tone for a welcoming community from week one.

Click here to view the An Incredible Start to the 2024-2025 School Year slideshow.

Date Added: 9/9/2024