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Building Bridges With Band

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In late March, Oldfield Middle School band students traveled to Harborfields High School for a bridge-building session with their older counterparts. Seventh and eighth graders sat in on an 11th and 12th grade band rehearsal, sightread a small section of that ensemble’s “How to Train Your Dragon” medley, witnessed them rehearsing concert overture classic “Hounds of Spring,” and performed a Taylor Swift medley from their own repertoire with the upperclassmen. The middle schoolers also had a chance to ask the older students about high school band and their experiences transitioning into the building, High School Band Director Allison Scilla answered questions and spoke briefly about the program as a whole, and all of the students had time to socialize over a pizza lunch before returning to the rest of their school day.

“We feel strongly that fostering these types of connections, offering younger students an opportunity to explore and experience what band is like in the high school setting, and giving our juniors and seniors a chance to share their experiences are all important ways to go about creating a cultural continuity that allows musicians of different ages to relate to one another,” Middle School Band Director Dan Bilawsky said. “I'm so glad that Ms. Scilla and her band were able to host us and offer the seventh and eighth graders a look at what their future in band can be.” 

Date Added: 4/25/2024

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Sparking an Interest in Robotics in Harborfields’ Secondary Schools

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The Harborfields High School Robotics Club visited the Oldfield Middle School Robotics Club and digital fluency and technology career classes on March 12 to discuss STEM opportunities at the high school. High school robotics team members McKenzie Coleman, Joe Costa and Jack Gilfedder demonstrated their robot, which had recently competed at the Long Island Championship, and even let some of the middle schoolers drive it.

“We are thankful for the middle school teachers Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Taveras, Mr. Temps and Mr. Fenter for providing us with the chance to spark an interest in robotics as the middle schoolers prepare to enter into high school,” high school Robotics Club advisers Michael Pinto and Linda Scarth said.

Date Added: 4/18/2024

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Off to See the “Wizard” at Oldfield

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Young actors in the Drama Club at Oldfield Middle School in the Harborfields Central School District presented a memorable production of “The Wizard of Oz” on March 15 and 16, directed by sixth grade teacher Alexandra Stark. Umaima Malik served as the student director, and the terrific cast included Olivia Frassanito as Dorothy, Daniela Rosenbloom as Toto, Marie West as Auntie Em, Jake Sammis as Uncle Henry, Ben Cammarota as Tin Man, Hail Swistun as Lion, Patrick Benites as Scarecrow, Molly Washington as Glinda the Good Witch and Molly Walsh as the Wicked Witch.

“The advisers for the Drama Club were so impressed and proud of the performances that the students put on,” Stark said. “All of that hard work from November to March paid off tremendously. Congratulations to all cast and stage crew students – there’s no place like OMS!”

Date Added: 4/8/2024

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Harborfields Cited As One of the Best Communities for Music Education

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For the fifth consecutive year, the NAMM Foundation has honored the Harborfields Central School District with a Best Communities for Music Education designation. This recognition is awarded to districts throughout the country that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music education and access to their students.

“We pride ourselves on the quality and accessibility of our programs,” K-12 Music Department Coordinator Dan Bilawsky said. “Harborfields is fortunate to have a very supportive community that stands behind the arts and shows a steadfast commitment to music education in particular. The Board of Education, administration, staff, parents and students all contribute to the success of our programs, and this award speaks clearly to music's importance in Harborfields.”

“Congratulations to the entire music department,” Superintendent Dr. Rory Manning said. “This is a well-deserved recognition for an amazing community of music educators.”

Date Added: 4/8/2024

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Middle Schoolers Celebrate a Week of World Languages

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Students at Oldfield Middle School celebrated World Language Week from March 11-15. Each day of the week was designated for a particular language or culture, including Heritage Day, Italian Day, Spanish Day, U.S.A. Day and St. Patrick’s Day. On a daily basis, classes celebrated by playing music, offering food in the cafeteria and holding contests that represented the day’s language or culture. Nolyn Saltman was the winner of the “Guess How Many” game, while Paul Donovan was the winner of the U.S.A. Day trivia contest. Teachers, students and staff was also invited to participate by wearing the colors of that particular day.

Date Added: 3/29/2024

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Current News   

Building Bridges With Band
 
Sparking an Interest in Robotics in Harborfields’ Secondary Schools
 
Off to See the “Wizard” at Oldfield
 
Harborfields Cited As One of the Best Communities for Music Education
 
Middle Schoolers Celebrate a Week of World Languages
 
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