Students at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School recently combined math skills with compassion during this year’s St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon, raising an impressive $4,500 to support children with cancer and their families.
As part of the annual event, students solved math problems in their Math-A-Thon Funbooks while also helping to spread awareness through a schoolwide poster contest highlighting the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Sponsors pledged donations based on the number of problems or pages students completed, while others contributed fixed donations to support the cause.

JQA’s students have raised more than $80,000 over the years through the Math-A-Thon, demonstrating the school community’s long-standing commitment to helping others.

“Our school community is proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” Grieco said.

Date Added: 2/17/2026

Christy Villalobos’ ENL students at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently participated in a meaningful cross-classroom collaboration that celebrated language, creativity and community. Students authored a wordless book titled “The Snowman,” which allowed them to tell a story using illustrations and sequencing skills. After completing their books in Villalobos’ class, the students visited Rachel Burkel’s life skills classroom to share their stories by reading and discussing them with the other students.

To continue the experience, the ENL class led a hands-on craft activity in which the life skills students created their own “melted snowman.” Students worked together, practiced social language and supported one another throughout the activity.

This collaborative lesson provided an engaging, low-stress opportunity for both groups of students to practice English in an authentic social setting while building connections across classrooms. The activity ended with cupcakes and cookies to celebrate everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm. Smiles, learning and teamwork were on full display.

“It is so important for students to have opportunities to practice English in a nonthreatening, supportive environment,” Villalobos said. “Experiences like this allow students to build confidence while learning from one another. Collaboration between teachers also strengthens learning – we are better when we work together for our students.”

Click here to view the Robert Frost Students Share Stories and Smiles in Cross-Classroom Collaboration slideshow.

Date Added: 2/13/2026

Prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School recently welcomed their families into the classroom for special winter craft workshops, turning the schools into spaces of creativity, collaboration and community connection. The events gave students the opportunity to share their classroom experiences with loved ones while working together on seasonal projects that celebrated the winter season.

At JQA, students and their guests worked side by side to create winter lanterns, while families at May Moore constructed cheerful sock snowmen together.

“We love hosting multiple pre-K family workshops each year, as they provide meaningful opportunities for families to build connections with our school and engage in positive experiences alongside their children within the learning environment,” May Moore Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “The turnout is always wonderful, and our students are genuinely proud to share and complete projects with their special guests.”

“It was wonderful to welcome our prekindergarten families into the classroom for the winter workshop,” JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “This experience strengthens connections between home and school while celebrating creativity, joy and togetherness.”

Click here to view the Deer Park’ Winter Workshops Bring Pre-K Families Together for Creative Fun 2026 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/11/2026

Kindergarteners at May Moore Primary School recently learned songs and poems about snow as part of their winter classroom activities. The songs were taught in music class by Kristen Lombardo, while the poems were practiced with their kindergarten teachers. Students proudly performed their selections for their families during a special “Blizzard Day” concert at the school.

Date Added: 2/10/2026

Congratulations to Robert Frost Middle School seventh grader Jayden Rivers for finishing in first place in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Concerto and Vocal Competition on Feb. 4. Rivers has earned a $500 award and the chance to perform as a vocal soloist with his MYO ensemble during the 2026-2027 season.  

Date Added: 2/9/2026