Technology took third-grade students at Grundy Avenue Elementary School on a trip across the world during a recent activity that utilized Google Expedition headsets to explore the Great Wall of China. 

With help from technology integration specialist Claudia Camassa, the third-graders used the virtual reality headsets to visit iconic locations along the Great Wall such as the Gubeikou Pass, the Long Fortress, the Simatai Section and the Tower. At each stop along the virtual trip, students learned interesting information about the area. 

The virtual visit to the Great Wall served as a culminating activity to lessons on China that explored economy, government, geographic features, tourist areas and culture. 

Grundy Avenue Elementary School recently celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss with a special celebration of literacy, as students across the building listened to stories read by prominent members of the school and community as part of the building’s annual Readers as Leaders event.

During the collaborative event, multiple guest readers shared stories with students that promoted literacy and learning. Those in attendance included, but were not limited to, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay, New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith, New York State Sen. Phil Boyle, Suffolk County Police Officer Keith Murphy and Newsday sports writer Tom Rock. 

After each guest concluded their chosen story, students asked questions related to their specific careers and roles within the community, gaining interesting insight from the distinguished visitors.