LT News Details

Students across Clarkstown CSD this Valentine's Day are feeling the love! At Little Tor Elementary School, Carolyn Heraghty's class started off their morning by exchanging heartfelt compliments. Each carefully-crafted sentiment — from character traits to academic strengths — was then added to a book full of positive statements that our fifth graders can look through, on good days and bad. "We often talk about the negative voices in our heads and how mean we can be to ourselves," said Carolyn. "This compliment book becomes a tangible reminder of how special they are. It is so special for me to watch them read such beautiful things about themselves. It is one of my favorite days!"

Little Tor Elementary School has partnered with a primary school in Ireland for the past two years to allow fifth graders to build global connections beyond their classroom, and prepare our Clarkstown CSD students to be more future-ready.

Students mail letters to their pen pals throughout the school year to learn about their Irish peers’ lives and country — while improving their writing and communication skills. Little Tor incorporated “face to face” Zoom meetings into the experience this year, so fifth graders have the opportunity to converse one-on-one with their pen pals. Our world has never been more connected; integrating cross-culture exchanges into classes will set our learners on the path to becoming informed, involved and responsible global citizens.

Little Tor Elementary School this year is partnering with BRIDGES to provide learners with age-appropriate programming relative to people with disabilities. In grades K-3, children take part in read-alouds and discussions about books that explore physical, mental and other challenges that people not only live with, but overcome every day. In grades 4 and 5, students have the opportunity to engage in group activities and equipment demonstrations.

Third graders (pictured) this week read "The Boy with Six Legs" by Jay Wheels, which is written from the perspective of the author who also has cerebral palsy. In addition, students gained insight into what it is like having dyslexia by reading a list of words - focusing on stating the name of the color a word is written in rather than what it says. The main takeaway: living with a disability, regardless of the condition, does not mean that someone is unable to learn and lead a fulfilling life. Important community partnerships like this help contribute to a more learner-centered education and inclusive culture in ClarkstownCSD. Thank you for visiting!