Students in Sue Williams’ second grade class at Jackson Heights have been working hard on December’s Character Education words: Caring/Compassion. The students organized a school-wide food drive for the Salvation Army, and each wrote a letter to other classrooms in the building explaining why they wanted to help others. “I hope the food drive helps people who are sick and who are lonely,” wrote Careese Charles-Williams. “I like doing the food drive, because we help people that need it," said Jack Barry (pictured above with Sam Sztorc and Sam Corey-Walker)."Sam, Sam S and I sorted them. There are 175 cans and boxes of food all together.”

Second-graders also made signs for the third grade's paper angel sale for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each morning for two weeks, the students made reminder announcements and staffed the sale table. Sales went so well, they ran out of angels! $200 was raised for this organization that helps grant special requests of children with life-threatening conditions.

Jackson Heights second-graders literally stepped into their social studies curriculum as they experienced life in the 1700's during Colonial Day in November. As a capstone to the students' study of the colonial time period, they got to hand-dip wax candles, practice quilting, perform traditional tin smithing activities, make butter and corn bread, and play colonial games. Teachers Amanda Clough and Sue Williams even set up a colonial school. (at left, Mrs. Clough's student-teacher Miss Carpenter reads a story to students as part of the colonial school experience.)

"The activities make it more real for the children," says Mrs. Clough, noting that she enjoys the students' enthusiastic -- and sometimes surprised -- reactions. "You would think in the era we live in that the children would find making a top or using a spoon, string and button for a skill game to be boring," says Mrs. Clough. "But the kids love the simple toys they made."

At right, second-grader Careese Charles-Williams uses a small tool to "tin smith" aluminum foil over a paper plate. "Colonial Day is one of my favorite days of the year," says Mrs. Clough. "It's also really nice because we mix both second grade classes. The kids get to be with more of their friends."

The creative talents of Brian Donohue’s fourth-grade students (pictured, at left) were on display over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at the North Country Festival of Trees at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. The Jackson Heights students’ tree featured gingerbread men, candy canes, ribbon and other ornaments in a red and gold color scheme. The Festival of Trees features decorated trees, wreaths, and other holiday goods to benefit the Prospect Child and Family Center.

The Jackson Heights PTA hosted its third annual Halloween Fall Fun Fair on October 20th. This laughter-filled event featured a haunted house, games, food, prizes, a costume contest, raffles and an auction – all put on by the hardworking parent volunteers of the PTA. Smiling faces were everywhere as students, parents and Jackson Heights staff members enjoyed the Fun Fair.

Jackson Heights students may know her from her “Cubby Says” songs about character education. But now the entire region knows about the caring and gentle nature of Jackson Heights first grade teacher Sheryll Hagy, who was recently named a “Teacher of the Week” on local radio stations.

Representatives from Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union visited Mrs. Hagy at school Thursday to present her with flowers, a plaque and gift cards in recognition of her outstanding efforts. Her nomination spoke of her classroom discipline style of gentle reminders, and beautiful voice that combines with her ukulele in the classroom and at kindergarten through second grade Friendship Assemblies.

“My students inspire my teaching,” says Mrs. Hagy. “Each and every day it's all about them and what I can do to make learning exciting for them. I use music a lot in my classroom and the students love it!” Congratulations, Mrs. Hagy!

On Monday, September 26, fourth-graders from Jackson Heights Elementary helped former district Superintendent Dalen Showalter and former Principal and Administrator Thomas Ford launch a hot air balloon from the school's side lawn. Jackson Heights Principal Paul Berkheimer stands with the fourth-grade class, above. 

Balloon pilot Mr. Ford is the district's former Director of Special Education and also served as Principal at Sanford Street, Kensington Road and the Middle School. Dr. Showalter served as Superintendent prior to Thomas McGowan, who just retired in June. 

Mr. Ford has been a balloon pilot for nearly 20 years. He gave the students an introduction to ballooning Monday morning, and then gave tethered rides to Jackson Heights staff members.