camp and school: october 26, 2012

CAMPS & SCHOOLS

CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - OCTOBER 26, 2012

Making Halloween A Treat Instead Of A TrickAdvice from early childhood professionals on helping children who are frightened by the holiday

By Ronald [email protected]

For most children, Halloween is one of the most eagerlyanticipated days of the year. After all, it’s a chance todress up in a costume, participate in the fun activities

that are held in schools, go trick-or-treating with friends, andbring home candy to enjoy. However, there is another side toHalloween, the spooky side. While adults may enjoy scarycostumes and bloodcurdling tricks, for children, especiallyyounger kids, some Halloween activities can be terrifying.

“Walking around at night with scary costumes, theyounger you are the less you are able to differentiate realfrom fiction,” says Dr. Robert Dicker, associate director ofchild and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital,part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. “For a 2- or 3-year-old, it can be really frightening.”

Marcy Safyer, MSW and director of the Institute for Plan-ning at Adelphi University, concurs that while Halloweencan be fun for many children, others will find it very scary.She adds that some of the fear may not be related to scarycostumes but is simply a result of the responsible advice thatchildren are given to be cautious of strangers.

“To go up and knock on the doors of strangers is counterto what we tell them the rest of the year,” Safyer comments.

So what should parents do if terrifying costumes and decora-tions frighten their children? According to Dicker, Safyer, andKatie Henry, a pre-K teacher at Portledge School, parents shouldbe understanding of their children’s fears and be supportive.

“Respect children and their fears,” Henry advises. “It’s aprotection mechanism.”

All three experts concur that children should not be forced intoexcessive trick-or-treating. For some children, a visit to three orfour friendly houses may be enough for children to get some en-joyment from the holiday without being pushed excessively.

“Parents should pick up cues from their child,” advisesDicker. “If they’re in tears, getting candy is not worth it.”

Safyer adds that it is okay for parents to accompany their

children to the doors to trick-or-treat, if they are afraid to goon their own and they even may carry their children if neces-sary. She further says that homes, decorated so they appearscary, should be skipped.

“It’s really fine if you have a child who indicates that somethings frighten them, to give them some room,” Safyer ex-plained. “Some kids find it scary and if they do it’s probably justwhat they’re going through developmentally. If they find it scaryone year, it doesn’t mean they’ll find it scary the next year.”

In addition, Henry advises that there are other Halloweenactivities that might be a better solution for some children.Examples of such include pumpkin carving parties, or Hal-loween parties without costumes. Another suggestion she of-fers is trick-or-treating in a very friendly environment. Shecommented that Portledge School offers trick-or-treating inone of its buildings.

Dicker also advises parents to monitor the television shows andmovies that their children may watch on Halloween and the daysleading up to it. He cautions that there is some very frighteningand gory programming that is aired in October that children canbe exposed to. He says that some adults, who are otherwise re-sponsible about shielding children from such images, may not beso diligent when it comes to holiday-themed specials.

“It’s really basic common sense principles when all is saidand done, but sometimes, on the holiday, it’s forgotten,” saysDicker.

The choice of costume can also contribute to the anxietythat some children will feel about the holiday. Safyer advisesthat parents choose a whimsical costume, such as a princess,instead of scarier outfits. Henry adds that parents may lettheir children have input into the choice, and that a costumesuch as a superhero may allow children to feel empowered.

However, although parents need to be mindful that Hal-loween may be frightening for some, it can still be quite funfor many.

“I love Halloween and I love Almond Joy,” Dicker saidwith a chuckle.

1C

Although, many children enjoy Halloween, some kids,especially younger children, might be frightened by thespooky theme of the holiday.

CAMPS & SCHOOLS

CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - OCTOBER 26, 20122C

Westbury Friends School students enjoy a visit from Buster the Bus.

Buster The Bus Visits Friends

The new students at Temple B’nai Torah of Wantagh are welcomed at the ceremony.

Temple B’nai Torah Welcomes New Students

On Tuesday, Oct. 16th, Buster the Buscame to Westbury Friends School to

“speak” with students in nursery throughsecond grade. The topic, of course, was

bus safety. Buster is an animated remotecontrolled vehicle and a wonderful mes-senger for all on the important safety in-formation young children need to know.

Temple B’nai Torah of Wantaghwelcomed 33 new students to theSusanne E. Heiman Religious

School with a special ceremony. RabbiMarci Bellows, Cantor Steven Sher andRabbi Deanna Pasternak, director of edu-cation gave the students a special blessing

and each student received a certificate anda Torah. The Susanna E. Heimann Reli-gious School provides an enriching educa-tion from kindergarten through 12th gradeincluding a program for students with spe-cial needs, a full Bar/Bat Mitzvah programas well as art, music and dance electives.

Supplies Delivered To Westbury Students

Pre-K and kindergarten students atDryden Street School in Westburyare well-equipped for success

thanks to The Early Years Institute andAstoria Tools for School Drive. Recently,staff members of The Early Years Institutehand-delivered 33 backpacks to eachclassroom, complete with the right toolsto help make school days easier and en-sure every child is ready for success. Eachbackpack was filled with supplies and ma-

terials that would help improve the stu-dents’ fine motor skills (pencils, crayons,glue sticks, glue, etc.) Recent researchshows that the development of fine motorskills early in life sets the foundation forlater success in literacy, math and readingskills as children move from preschoolinto elementary school. The pack also in-cluded teacher-specific supplies such aspens, notebooks and other items to helpmake their day.

CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - OCTOBER 26, 2012 3C

CAMPS & SCHOOLS


Sacred Heart Students Receive AwardsIn National Merit Competition

Three Sacred Heart Academy students, GraceM. Agolia, Katelyn Glassman, and RebeccaA. Ruescher, have been named as Semifi-

nalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship com-petition. In addition, Christine S. Paul has beennamed as a Semifinalist in the Black American Na-tional Achievement Scholarship competition.

Additionally, Sacred Heart has eight 2013 Na-

tional Merit Scholarship Commended Students,Meghan Dodson, Mary E. Duffy, Emma M.Hegermiller, Clare E. Martin, Emma R. Smith,Christina A. Uria, Rosalie C. Caracciolo and Patri-cia Z. Dominguez. National Merit ScholarshipCommended Students placed among the top 5 per-cent of the approximately 1.5 million high schooljuniors who entered the competition.

Sacred Heart’s commended students. From (l to r) are Sister Jeanne M. Ross, CSJ – president, Meghan Dodson,Emma Smith, Clare Martin, Rosalie Caracciolo, Mary Duffy, Patricia Dominguez, Emma Hegermiller, SisterJoanne Forker, CSJ – Principal. (Not shown: Christina Uria)

Three Sacred Heart students who were named Semifinalists in the 2013National Merit Scholarship are congratulated by administrators. Pictured(l-r) Sister Joanne Ross, CSJ, president of Sacred Heart Academy, Rebec-ca A. Ruescher, Grace M. Agolia, and Principal Sister Joanne Forker, CSJ.

Christine S. Paul, Semifinalist in the Black American Achievement Schol-arship competition is congratulated by Sister Ross and Sister Forker.

CAMPS & SCHOOLS


Holocaust Memorial and ToleranceCenter Of Nassau County Names

Upstander Of The Month

The Cradle of Aviation recently opened the JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium. Scott Carpen-ter (right) a member of the original Mercury astronauts attended the ceremony, as did NewYork State Senator Kemp Hannon (left).

The Holocaust Memorial and Toler-ance Center of Nassau County rec-ognized a McGann-Mercy North

High School student who has used hisleadership position to encourage otherstudents to treat everyone with dignityand respect.

Kevin Butterfield has been a studentleader in a number of areas, but regardlessof the context, Kevin’s actions perfectlyembody his school’s motto — “Live Mer-cy” — according to his guidance coun-selor, Mr. Lombardi. Kevin’s leadershipincludes always challenging bigoted com-ments, recognizing the value of all cul-tures, peaceful resolution to conflict, andan attitude of inclusion. He encouragesothers to join him in his efforts to create awelcoming school through the Ambassa-dor Club and the East End Youth Leader-ship Conference. His commitment is per-haps exemplified by his long-term friend-ship with a young man from a differentreligious background. Together they wrotea poem, which has received a poetryaward.

“We are proud to recognize Kevin andwish him continued success during hissenior year,” says Dr. Sarah Cushman, Di-rector of Youth Education at the center.

Each month the center accepts nomina-tions from teachers, civic leaders, familyand friends of a Long Island youth thathas implemented the center’s mission by

advocating respect for all people. The stu-dent’s action as an Upstander could beone of intervention or prevention. Tonominate a student for “Upstander of theMonth” or learn more, email Dr. Cushmanat [email protected] call 516-571-8040 ext. 106.

The Holocaust Memorial and ToleranceCenter of Nassau County named KevinButterfield, “Upstander of the Month.”

Cradle Of Aviation Opens New Planetarium

Local Teachers Attend Google AcademyTwo area teachers were recently select-

ed to attend the annual Google TeacherAcademy in New York City. Lisa Parisi, ateacher at Denton Avenue ElementarySchool in the Herricks School District,and Lawrence Reiff, a teacher at RoslynHigh School, were chosen for the two-dayintensive program that recognizes educa-tors who are doing innovative and excitingthings in their classrooms with technolo-

gy, and gives these teachers the opportuni-ty to learn directly about the latest tech-nology from Google product managersand previous graduates of the pro-gram. The selection process was extreme-ly competitive as only 10 percent of appli-cants were accepted. Those selected werechosen based on their commitment andcreativity when it comes to incorporatingtechnology in the classroom.

CAMPS & SCHOOLS


Pictured (l-r) are Anthony Beckner, Kimberly Nicolas, Theresa Caffray, Caroline Brown,and Alexander Martinez. These five Holy Trinity seniors have been named as CommendedStudents.

Five Holy Trinity SeniorsNamed Commended ScholarsFive seniors from Holy Trinity

Diocesan High School in Hicksvillehave been named as Commended

Students in the 2013 National MeritScholarship Program. Anthony Beckn-er, Kimberly Nicolas, Theresa Caffray,Caroline Brown, and Alexander Mar-

t inez are among the approximately34,000 throughout the nation, who arebeing recognized for their academicpromise. These students placed amongthe top 5 percent of the more than 1.5million students who enetered the 2013competition.

CAMPS & SCHOOLS


Portledge Middle School Creates New Ice Cream Flavors

Portledge Open Houses Nov. 4 And 8

We all scream for ice cream, especially Portedge students who created their own flavors.

The 5th Annual Portledge MiddleSchool Founders Day Ice CreamContest was recently held at Por-

tledge School. Students worked in advisorgroups, concocting a delicious creationusing mix-ins. Gooseberry Grove suppliedall ice cream and toppings for this veryfun and tasty activity. Math teacher Mrs.Sillat calculated that there were 126 possi-ble combinations.

First place honors were awarded to Mrs.Cope’s eighth-grade advisor group (SanderDavis – Oyster Bay; Shaina Farahmand –Glen Cove; Julia Ritholz – Port Washing-ton; Sean Williams – Oyster Bay; DavidYardeni – Brookville; and Betty Zhu – Lo-cust Valley) for their What’s Not to Like?ice cream made with chocolate crunch,

Oreo cookies and caramel. Second place was awarded to Miss

Renwick’s sixth-grade advisor group(Cole Balacek - Manhasset; Spencer Boris– Old Westbury; Nicole Guarino – SandsPoint; Tae Han Kim – Glen Cove; JulietLove – Huntington Station; Angelina Ma-gin - Bayville; and Meg Weissman – MillNeck) for their “Blue Blizzard” ice creamwith marshmallow sauce, white chocolatedrops, Oreos and blue coloring.

The winning ice cream flavors werescooped out to hungry crowds at Por-tledge Founders Day. The What’s Not toLike variety will be sold at GooseberryGrove through October (or as long as sup-plies last) under the Portledge Pride 2012name.

Portledge School will be hosting twoopen houses this fall. On Sunday,Nov. 4, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30

p.m., an information session and tour willbe held for grades six through 12. Studentswill share their experiences during an inter-active panel discussion and tours of the 60-acre campus and buildings will follow. Arecent alumnus and a parent will speak andfaculty and division heads will be availableto answer questions throughout.

On Thursday, Nov. 8, an open class-room and information session will be held

from 9:30 until 11 a.m. All are invited tovisit toddler through fifth-grade classes inprogress, meet teachers and students, tourthe facility and campus, and learn moreabout Portledge’s programs.

Refreshments will be served. Pre-regis-tration is suggested but not required. Toregister or for more information or direc-tions, call Michael Coope at (516) 750-3202 or Leigh Farrell at (516) 750-3203or visit www.portledge.org. PortledgeSchool is located at 355 Duck Pond Roadin Locust Valley.

Fifth Graders Become

Head Of SchoolThis year, each fifth-grade student at

Westbury Friends School will have thechance to be head of school for a day. OnOct. 15, Sydney Walker had the opportunity.From 8 a.m. through 3 p.m., she followed afull schedule of appointments and daily ac-tivities that encompass this position. Hersense of purpose, her appreciation for the op-portunity given to her, her genuine excite-ment with the experience brought joy to allwho interacted with her throughout the day,including the school secretary, the director ofadmissions, and the business manager. Thefaculty and students were duly impressed bythe way in which she handled each situation.

Fifth-grader Sydney Walker assumed therole of head of school at Westbury FriendsSchool.

CAMPS & SCHOOLS


After a year long self-study that oc-curred during the 2011-12 schoolyear, Holy Trinity Diocesan High

School has been granted reaccreditation bythe Middle States Commission of Second-ary Schools. The team that visited and as-sessed the school concluded that HolyTrinity was “healthy, energetic and stable.”

The visiting team noted many strengthsduring their site visit. First is the “pro-found sense of community.” Additionally,the report stated that “the students note

how much they believe Holy Trinity hasprovided a foundation for them to achievegreat success in the future and how theywill be connected to the school well be-yond their graduation.”

The second point concerns the teachers,staff and administrators that “support thisculture of community through their very ev-ident dedication to one another, the schooland mostly importantly to the students.”

“Faith is palpable at Holy Trinity” findsthe team. “Students are eager and encour-

aged to deepen their relationship with Godthrough the fine work of the Campus Min-istry Office, the guidance of the religiondepartment, the retreat experiences, peerministry and the opportunity to participatein liturgies.”

When looking at the education providedat Holy Trinity, the team speaks of it as“vibrant.” It is stated, “There is a vast ar-ray of course offerings, graduation re-quirements that exceed the state expecta-tions, a resource room program, which

provides the opportunity for a Catholiceducation to students with learning differ-ences, a thriving arts program, a highlycompetitive athletics program and manyclub opportunities. Often a telling sign ofthe health of an institution is identified byhow many students are still in the buildingan hour after the last bell rang. It was veryevident to the visiting team that the vastmajority of students were certainly en-gaged with some activity well after thelast bell.”

Students and faculty at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, which just received reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission of Secondary Schools.

Holy Trinity Granted Reaccreditation By Middle States Commission

camp and school: october 26, 2012

Documents