Lower School (Grades K-4)

Kindergarten students look forward to the unique tradition of Queen/King Bee Days every spring. This special event allows each child to enjoy a moment in the spotlight, complete with a crown and scepter to signify their reign. During their designated day, students share personal stories using an "All About Me" project prepared at home and present a photo slideshow highlighting memorable moments from their lives. They also bring a cherished item for "show and tell" and host a question-and-answer session with their classmates. This festive occasion celebrates each child's uniqueness and fosters a sense of community and confidence within the classroom.

Every year, 1st Grade students participate in the special tradition of 'Endangered Species Day' that explores the world of endangered species through creative and educational projects. Utilizing digital media tools like Adobe Express, these young learners create short videos to showcase their research on various endangered animals that captivate their interest. The comprehensive project includes producing a research-based movie, crafting thematic headpieces, and performing a musical rendition of "Colors of the Wind." Students also construct lifelike habitats to represent each animal's unique biome to deepen their understanding. This annual tradition enhances their digital literacy and research skills and fosters environmental awareness and empathy toward endangered species while building public speaking skills. The project's completion often aligns with Endangered Species Day, inspiring students to consider how they can contribute to the protection of threatened animals worldwide.

As a special tradition, 2nd Grade students culminate their year-long study of world maps by selecting world landmarks to research and recreate in diorama form. Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, Iguazu Falls, Shanghai Tower, and the Hollywood Sign are among the diverse choices. Students gather information from multiple research sources. They create presentations using tools like Google Slides or images and descriptions displayed on trifold boards and construct detailed dioramas to showcase their knowledge. As tour guides for visitors and special guests, they practice public speaking skills while sharing their landmark projects, making the event engaging.

As a cherished tradition, 3rd Grade students immerse themselves in an annual State Fair Presentation to enhance their knowledge of the United States. Each student selects a state and a notable "State Star" to research, diligently creating Google Slides presentations to educate others about their chosen state. They also participate in a "Living Wax Museum," embodying the role of their State Star to bring history to life. This event culminates in a lively presentation where students host family, teachers, and friends, sharing their hard work and enthusiasm. The experience reinforces their understanding of U.S. geography and history and fosters public speaking skills and community engagement.

The 4th Grade students present "On the Road With Fourth Grade," a culminating event where they share their experiences from various trips throughout the year. They write a script to accompany a slideshow, showcasing their adventures to parents at the year's end. The presentation highlights their exploration of the Fire Island Lighthouse, where they climbed 182 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding areas. They recount participating in a scavenger hunt at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, learning spy codes at Raynham Hall connected to Revolutionary War espionage, and experiencing colonial life at Epenetus Smith Tavern by dressing in period attire. Additionally, they share insights from visiting historic homes like Joseph Lloyd Manor, where they learned about the lives of enslaved people and Sagamore Hill, the summer home of notable president Theodore Roosevelt, where they discovered the origin of the "teddy bear." This engaging presentation allows students to reflect on their hands-on learning experiences and share the knowledge they've gained with the East Woods community, continuing to strenghten their public speaking skills.