top left, clockwise: Gratitude for … read alouds and book chats at Increase Miller Elementary … for Katonah Elementary School's second grade celebration of 50 days of school, fifties style … for Meadow Pond Elementary's Bus Rangers … for John Jay High School Theater Workshop's production of "The Dining Room" … for amazing student art in the Rites of Autumn art show … and for John Jay Middle School Drama Club's production of "It's a Wonderful Life."

Hop, hop, look right, look left—the students moved like robins in a circle around Increase Miller Elementary’s stage, following a mom and her two daughters dressed in bright clothing, with vibrant patterns and feathers, and beaded moccasins.

“This dance asks the robins to come back– they are the first sign of spring,” said Devon Matias, one of the Native American visitors.

The guests were part of the Redhawk Native American Arts Council. The visit was organized by Increase Miller Elementary’s PTO to learn about and honor Native American Heritage Month. MORE

“Ya alay ah oh ya ha we oh ya hey,” Rose, Emilia and Olive improvised, writing the sound sequences they liked down on a small musical notation whiteboard. Music teacher Brian Cuzzi came over and listened. “You chose to honor bunnies,” he said. “How will you move?”

The fourth graders were completely absorbed in creating Native American dances. It was the culmination of a unit which included learning several tribal social dances; it dovetailed with a social studies unit about the indigenous people of New York State. Cuzzi said that students learned various musical concepts in this unit, highlighting the call and response format, the beginning stages of composing music and practicing a song to prepare it for performance in the class. MORE

Nature to walk in. Uncles to visit. Kisses goodnight. Teachers who help me. Love from my parents. Firefighters who keep me safe.

These are just some of the sweet reflections on gratitude written by Jill Walsh’s second graders. The Meadow Pond Elementary students identified several things they were thankful for, then stretched their thoughts. Using crayons and colored markers, they carefully wrote the nouns and modifying phrases on a template of turkey feathers.

While each class is engaged in age-appropriate learning about gratitude, one project has brought the entire Meadow Pond community together. It’s based on the November all-school read—"Our School Is a Family”—which highlights the community of adults, including school librarians, cafeteria workers and custodians, that help students each day. MORE

News was out that Sergeant Andrew Llewellyn and K-9 Officer Zane were visiting John Jay Middle School’s Animal Care Club … and the Best Buddies Club, the Podcasting Club and the Kindness Club came along, too!

The visit was one of many engaging, hands-on activities of the Animal Care Club, advised by teacher Jane Williams. It is one of nearly 30 after-school clubs and activities at the school—each designed to help students learn about themselves, develop skills and connect with others. MORE

Head to the high school’s main entrance from any hallway and breathe. Lavender, grapefruit and vanilla envelop you. Vials of essential oils cover the back table of one of the classrooms just around the corner, where perfume entrepreneur Viktoria Fisch encourages students to find the aromas that speak to them.

Step into the conference room. It’s a coaching session with publishing professional Wes Adams. The science lab offers a veterinarian exploration session with Dr. Paul Amerling, President of the New York State Veterinary Society.

This is Workshop Wednesday, a quarterly tradition at John Jay High School that alternates between ninth and tenth graders, and eleventh and twelfth graders. The five-star favorite was developed in response to student feedback. It features 50-minutes modules of encouragement, exploration and advice from John Jay educators and community members. MORE

Family and friends, coaches and teammates gathered in the Jay Center on November 13 to celebrate Wolves who have committed to continue their sport at the varsity level in college! MORE.

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SCHOOLS: John Jay High School | John Jay Middle School | Increase Miller Elementary School | Katonah Elementary School | Meadow Pond Elementary School | Katonah-Lewisboro School District