Flower Hill Primary School students joined their counterparts across Huntington UFSD and produced some great works of art for this year’s National PTA Reflections program.
“Through the program, students of all ages are encouraged to create original works of art in the areas of special artist, dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts reflecting on the theme ‘Look Within,’” according to the organization.
The origins of Huntington UFSD’s PTA can be traced to 1923 when a group of six parents met with Lowndes Avenue Elementary School Principal Agnes Bailey in Room 115. The school was later enlarged and renamed after President Theodore Roosevelt in 1927 before being demolished in the late 1960s. Eventually a new school was erected on an enlarged site. Today that building is named Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.
Huntington students have been participating in the PTA’s Reflections program since it was founded in 1969. “Involvement in the arts is critical to help students reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond, as it builds a student’s confidence, teamwork and sense of accomplishment,” National PTA President Leslie Boggs said. “It also helps with academic achievement, social and emotional development and civic engagement.”
The program is open to students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Over 300,000 participate in it annually.
Our Flower Hill Foxes participate in this PTA nationwide contest that showcases our students’ wonderful creativity,” Principal Lucia Laguarda said. “This year there was a challenging and broad theme, but our students took it on. Stories, paintings, collages, poems and more were submitted and all of our students received recognition for their work. All of this work was done outside of the busy school day, so of course we thanked all of our parents that supported their Flower Hill Foxes in this endeavor.”
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky was recently on hand as Flower Hill students proudly displayed and discussed their projects. Participants included Alexandra Spathis, Ryan Shanley, Luke Shanley, Luisa Mackey, Madeline Harris, Kevin Harris, Juliette Creegan, Victoria Creegan, Caitlin Wegielnik, Caroline Wegielnik, Laureen Reed, Gretchen Schmid, Katharine Lyons, John Pinto and Matteo Dasaro.
“For over 50 years, the Reflections program has helped millions of students explore their thoughts, feelings and ideas; develop artistic literacy and find a love for learning that helps them succeed in school and in life,” National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell said. “National PTA has long believed that all children deserve the opportunity to take part in the arts, because of the positive impact it has on student success. It remains a top priority of our association to ensure all children have access to arts programs and classes.”
