October Community News

On Friday, October 7^th, 2010 the East Meadow Fire Department once again, visited Barnum Woods to kick-off the annual “Fire Prevention Week.” Firefighter, Mr. James Kane, generously provided the services of his fire department, in an effort to offer our students a week filled with fire safety activities and essential information. Firefighter Kane presented for each assembly program. Immediately following the conclusion of each assembly, teachers escorted their classes to the front lawn area, where students viewed vehicles such as, an ambulance, fire truck and ladder truck. At each station, students were introduced to each of the vehicles, the main components and how it was utilized in an emergency situation.

The Power of One provided performances on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 for grade levels one through five regarding “bully proofing” your school. The Power of One is a series of skits presented by actors who use boxes, colors, and masks to vividly portray what bullying is, what can be done about it, and how every child has the power of one, the power to report bullying when they see it. The Power of One:

• Explains the roles in bullying: Bully, Target, and Bystander
• Shows vivid examples of different types of bullying: Physical, Verbal, Exclusion, and Cyber-bullying
• Alerts children that” Targets” need help and intervention
• Encourages students not to be bystanders

Upon conclusion of each performance the students took “The Power of One” anti-bullying oath. As a follow-up activity, each grade level will sign a poster on which the oath is displayed. These posters will serve as reminders of the commitment students declared to “bully proof” their school.

Barnum Woods received a certificate, accompanied with a thank you letter from the Red Cross. This certificate was recognition and appreciation for the donation collected from the “Jog for Japan” fundraiser that was conducted in June. The donation collected totaled $4,316.79. The Red Cross explained “…the donation was put to work in communities affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. We are supporting relief work to meet critical needs. On behalf of those we serve through our humanitarian mission, thank you.” This fundraiser originated from our grade five students, who were anxious to make a global difference.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, all the students assembled in the All Purpose Room and the large gymnasium at 2:20 PM. The students participated in Let's Jump! which is the National Geographic Kids movement to encourage kids to go outdoors and live an active, healthy life. Students were encouraged to join National Geographic Kids and First Lady Michelle Obama to break the record for the most people doing jumping jacks. In order to contribute to breaking the world record, students were required to do jumping jacks for one minute. This initiative was coordinated by our Physical Education staff, Debbie Barbato and Don Whearty. In addition to Linda Forrestor reporting about this exciting event, Channel 12 News and Ken Grimball visited to report about this noteworthy event.