Students across the Sachem Central School District celebrated the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with hands-on activities, parades, performances and service projects. These authentic learning experiences got students excited about Thanksgiving while teaching them about its history and traditions.

Students at Lynwood Avenue Elementary School said, “Move over Macy’s!” as they held their own Thanksgiving parade on Nov. 21. Fourth and fifth graders paraded the hallways with handheld balloons and creative floats. The students followed a parade route which first took them into the gymnasium filled with an audience of kindergarten, first and second grade students. Next, they marched to the second “grandstand” in the cafeteria where third graders and special guests including district administrators looked on. For the first time this year, the High School East pep band and Sagamore Middle School Arrowettes joined the elementary school students for performances.

Click here to view the Lynwood photo slideshow.

Similarly, Hiawatha Elementary School held a Thanksgiving parade for its kindergarten students. They dressed in costume following class themes as they marched outside the building in front of friends and family.

Click here to view the Hiawatha photo slideshow.

Second graders at Wenonah Elementary School performed a play that highlighted the history and origins of Thanksgiving. Students incorporated several Disney songs into their performance in front of their families.

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Tamarac Elementary School kindergarten students participated in a Thanksgiving Adventure event. They explored different aspects of Native American and pilgrim culture through hands-on STEAM projects including a Mayflower Challenge where they had to create a boat with aluminum foil, log cabin and teepee building, and a turkey-themed problem-solving activity.

Click here to view the Tamarac photo slideshow.

Date Added: 11/21/2023

Students and staff members across the Sachem Central School District recently honored those who have served in the U.S. military through lessons and activities.

Several elementary schools invited current and former service members to their buildings to be thanked and honored. Veterans who are family members of Sachem students gathered for breakfasts which were followed by a parade. Students lined the hallways and outside of their buildings with American flags and thank-you cards as the veterans walked through. Following the parade at Tamarac Elementary School, students presented candy donations to the Farmingville Fire Department to be sent to troops overseas.

Other buildings invited veterans to be guest speakers and share their experience in the military with students. At Chippewa Elementary School, fourth and fifth graders participated in a question-and-answer session with vets. Tamarac Elementary School invited Staff Sergeant Dawn Amato to the building. Amato served in the military for 22 years and now works as a bus driver in Sachem. Alongside her service dog Peaches, Amato shared her journey about how she joined the United States Army and served her country.

Through these interactive events and in-class lessons, students learned about the different branches of the military. They connected with local heroes and expressed gratitude for the sacrifices they have made.

Click here to view the Cayuga photo slideshow.

Click here to view the Chippewa photo slideshow.

Click here to view the Grundy photo slideshow.

Click here to view the Lynwood photo slideshow.

Click here to view the Merrimac photo slideshow.

Click here to view the Tamarac photo slideshow.

Date Added: 11/15/2023

October marked Fire Prevention Month and elementary students across the Sachem Central School District learned about ways to prevent fires and steps to take in case of an emergency. Local first responders paid visits to several schools to show students the equipment they use and some of the emergency vehicles they may see on the road.

The Holbrook Fire Department visited Tamarac Elementary School for an interactive presentation. Firefighters demonstrated how to stop, drop and roll and dressed up in their equipment. Students then got to check out a firetruck and ambulance, and even received junior firefighter helmets to wear during the visit.

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Date Added: 11/2/2023

Students and staff at Tamarac Elementary School wore pink and participated in a walk to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 27. Students were excited to take advantage of the fall weather and come together to support a good cause.

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Date Added: 11/1/2023