Seventh graders – who have been studying the engineering process and exploring forces, speed and energy transfer in their science classes – recently put their knowledge to the test by building vehicles that could sustain a collision while protecting their fragile passenger, an egg. 

After conducting extensive research, the students worked in groups to design their cars and construct a safety restraint system for their passenger using a variety of materials, such as cardboard, bottle caps, sponges, straws, paint, cotton balls, plastic wrap and bags, bubble wrap and rubber bands. 

“They have been very creative with their designs, and it has been great to see how they work together to design, organize and build their projects,” science teacher Jessie Vega said. 

Students said they enjoyed the hands-on learning experience that allowed them to collaborate with their peers. 

“Some of the vehicles’ best features are bumpers and seat restraints,” Vega said. “Keeping the egg in place and having some material at the front of the car can absorb the energy from the collision.” 

To test their designs, the students will push their vehicles down an 8-foot ramp, record the time it takes them to reach the end to determine the speed of their cars and inspect their egg for any “minor injuries” to “fatal injuries.” 

After Rye Neck Middle School students gathered in their school’s dining hall, they collaborated in groups to imagine and react to different scenarios, identify emotions and gain the necessary tools they need to thrive in school. 

Under the direction of Principal Dr. Eric Lutinski, school counselor Meegan Lawlor and teachers Chris Macli, Allison Reynolds and Cathy Toolan during grade-level assemblies on Oct. 15 and 16, the students participated in activities and lessons on why emotions matter. The assemblies were the first major step in student training as part of the schoolwide RULER program. 

“The name RULER is an acronym for recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing and regulating emotions,” Dr. Lutinski said. “Mastering these skills has been proven to make teaching and learning more effective, and to help improve students’ decision-making, as well as physical and mental health. These benefits have been directly linked to success in school and in life. RULER is not a quick fix, a one-time assembly or class presentation. It is the foundation to develop a community where students feel safe, are encouraged to make good decisions and work cooperatively.” 

Rye Neck’s involvement with the RULER program, which is an evidence-based means of bringing social and emotional learning to the school community, has progressed from staff training to students’ education. Throughout the school year, Rye Neck Middle School will put last year’s professional development to work by entering phase II, where RULER is introduced to the student body and shared with families.  

“We are excited to create an environment where students learn the soft skills that they need in order to be successful in school and in life,” Lawlor said. “In order for students to learn, they must be emotionally available. If they are upset, anxious, angry or even too happy or excited, the best teaching in the world won’t get through.” 

Developed by Dr. Marc Brackett at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, the program is based on the idea that if students can correctly identify emotions, they can effectively work through them.

Second graders at Daniel Warren Elementary School – who have been studying Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s artwork – drew inspiration from it to create their own Zentangle pumpkins. 

The students first drew their pumpkins in pencil, then emphasized their lines with a Sharpie marker and continued to work in black permanent ink to create their Zentangle designs. To complete their pumpkin designs, the students worked in watercolors, adding color in layers to develop a sense of shadow and highlight.

“We are further developing their artistic skills by not only focusing on dots, but also use of line, details and patterns by creating Zentangle designs throughout each segment of their pumpkins,” art teacher Dara Goodman said. 

Rye Neck High School senior Giulianna Miceli has earned special recognition for her accomplishments in the Italian language. During an awards ceremony at the Westchester County Board of Legislators headquarters in White Plains on Oct. 7, she was recognized for her excellence in and appreciation of the Italian language.  

Miceli, a student in Rosina Martinelli’s Advanced Placement Italian language class, was among 17 students to receive the award. 

“The world language department of Rye Neck is extremely proud of this outstanding accomplishment and recognition of Giulianna Miceli as October is Italian Heritage Month,” Martinelli said.

First grade students at Daniel Warren Elementary School – who have been learning about artist Mara Morea, who is known for creating pop art, colorful, painted monsters – recently created their own “friendly monster” projects. 

The students first designed and drew their artworks in pencil before outlining the lines in permanent Sharpie marker. Then, they added color with colored pencils and reflective highlights in the eyes of their monsters to make them stand out and look cartoon-like.

“I created this lesson, which focused on making friendly, kind monsters, to help spread color and kindness throughout the building,” art teacher Dara Goodman said. 

The students’ projects are displayed around the building.