Third graders in Mary Beth Eichin’s class at JFK are learning to practice nurturing ways to handle stress by doing yoga and mindfulness for 10 minutes a day.

“This helps everyone get refocused and redirected in the afternoon,” Principal Deborah Smith said. “The students are learning to be responsive and not reactive in situations, to not let outside situations control their mood, and to make choices with intention while thinking about the outcome. Healthy minds lead to healthy, productive lives.”

Students at Connetquot  participated in the first CES Jigsaw Walk for Autism Awareness on April 7.

Seven students from the high school, all members of the National Art Honor Society, were recognized in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Brianna Li was awarded three Gold Keys, four Silver Keys and an honorable mention for her work “I Mattered, Voice Heard,” and Julian Covarrubias won a Silver Key in photography for “Start of a New Era.” Also earning honorable mention were Jillian Bradley in digital art for “Asking Too Much of Myself,” Robert Camlet in digital art for “Surreal Self-Portrait,” Nathaly Molina in photography for “No Escape,” Mia Oquendo in drawing and illustration for “Allegorical Still Life” and Sarah Piccinini in art portfolio for “The Cycle of Life.”

“Even though these are hard times, it’s always nice to take photographs to remember the moments we live in,” said Covarrubias. “I am honored to be chosen from the many other artists who also applied and be recognized for my photography.”

“I am incredible proud of all of our students who participated and very impressed that so many of them were recognized for their talents,” said art teacher Heather Toomey. “Their hard work on their art pursuits, both during class and outside of school, is deserving of these awards and recognition.”

“We are so proud of these seven students,” said art teacher Daniel Figliozzi. “Their artwork reflects their efforts and talents and I see an awesome future for every single one of them in the arts.

A student in the Cleary School for the Deaf, Li is enrolled in electronic illustration class at East Islip High School and attends Saturday art study at MorningSun Art School.

“Brianna is an exceptionally talented artist,” said MorningSun Art School educator Oliver Zhao. “Over the past three years, she has constantly improved and has developed her own unique visual style. Despite her hearing impediment, she has always strived to communicate with the community around her, making her a great role model and showing a true testament to her bravery. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been moved by how hard she has worked and how well she has communicated through online learning. We are very proud of her accomplishments this year and see a bright future ahead for her.”

Guest readers virtually joined classes at JFK on March 16 to celebrate Read Across America by reading Caldecott Award-winning books and sharing them out loud with students.