Research students in Jon Steigerwald’s scientific inquiry class at the middle school recently extracted DNA from strawberry cells.

“DNA extraction is a very important method in biotechnology,” Steigerwald said. “The purpose of the class is to introduce students to the techniques used in scientific research, and each student is required to enter a science fair project into the LISEF competition. It’s nice to see the excitement the students display when they use techniques that they have only read about in a textbook. My goal is to increase their interest in the sciences.”

Aided by teacher Rachel Burkel, students in Scott Surdi’s technology class at Frost recently had the chance to reach for the stars.  The students spent September creating model rockets from paper and glue while learning about forces and space travel, then launched their rockets on Oct. 1, many reaching as high as 100 feet.

 

Second graders in Jackie Stein and Ashley Varney’s classroom at JQA recently practiced their sight words for the week by playing a game called Sparkle.

“It was a fun way to get kids playing together while staying socially distant,” Varney said. “They ask to play it every day. This year, more than ever, we have to be mindful to get our young learners moving and make learning engaging, even if it’s from six feet away.”

High school senior Alia Naqvi was recently named an All-State musician by the New York State School Music Association. A clarinetist, Naqvi was chosen for the All-State Symphonic Band.

The selection process for students nominated for NYSSMA’s All-State Ensembles was different this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was based on evaluation scores and comments from the spring 2019 NYSSMA assessment as well as teacher recommendations. The festival itself will be virtual this year. Naqvi will rehearse and perform as a member of the virtual NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band during early December 2020, and a virtual 2020 All-State Concert will be recorded at the conclusion of these rehearsals.

“Alia is an outstanding musician, and I’m so happy that all of her hard work has paid off,” said Derek Schmelter, the high school’s band director.

First graders in Melissa Frischeisen and Tess Maloney’s class at JQA recently played 10 Frame Build It. After rolling a number cube, each student used counters to show the number on a 10 frame. The 10 frame tool helps students understand counting, addition and subtraction.