Southdown Primary School is slowly returning to normalcy, although there are many COVID-19 related safety measures still in place, Still, students are enjoying a much more traditional experience as they go about working with their classroom teachers and attending special area classes.
“Southdown students and staff have been making a splash into the new school year,” first year Principal Jill Amott-Erwig said. “Everyone has been eager to be back in school and learning in person. You can see the smiles on the children’s faces as they play during recess on the beautiful new playground. The teacher’s eyes share their excitement in being in front of students in the classroom each and every day.”
Ms. Amott-Erwig has been Southdown’s educational leader since August after former Principal Scott Oshrin moved to Woodhull Intermediate School.
“Our classes of students have been taking advantage of our extra outdoor learning spaces,” Ms. Amott-Erwig said. “New tents and tables, that have been donated by the community, have been placed in two locations for students to learn and socialize safely outside each day.”
The Southdown School community officially kicked off the new school year with a back to school block party. “This was a huge success with many families and staff members in attendance,” Ms. Amott-Erwig said.
At the time of her appointment in Huntington UFSD, Ms. Amott-Erwig had been serving as principal of PS 250 in Brooklyn. She was previously an assistant principal and lead teacher at PS 201 in Queens for five years.
“Southdown celebrated our students with our first Splash Award assembly of the year,” Ms. Amott-Erwig said. “We were excited to honor the children who follow the Southdown code everyday by being safe, respectful and responsible. This has empowered children to continue to be role models in their classes and a helping hand to their teachers and friends. Having our first Splash assembly of the year has made our staff and students eager for many more fun activities at Southdown.”
Southdown’s new principal earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Long Island University, CW Post College in 2004 and 2006, respectively.
Upcoming events include Southdown’s Harvest Festival and the school’s annual Math Night. “We are looking forward to an amazing year back at school with all of our students,” Ms. Amott-Erwig said.