Together We Can Build a Community of Belonging!
Dear Evans Park Elementary Community,
As we look towards the ever-approaching end of the school year and the summer months, the Evans Park community is coming together to reflect, celebrate and plan for the future. We are all so proud of the growth of our students as learners, community members and leaders throughout this school year.
In this newsletter, you'll find information about some of our past community events, accomplishments and exciting plans for the coming academic year. During the month of June, we are excited for the multiple opportunities to welcome our community in joining us to celebrate our students. As always, our Tigers continue to make us proud as they challenge themselves and grow as a part of the Pearl River community!
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
Sincerely,
Joe Avdek
Principal
Thank you to all of our community members and Evans Park staff that ensured, rain or shine, that our Spring Concert would be a great success.
On May 15, our Tigers came together to sing songs celebrating our nation, their growth and the coming of the spring months. Our students put on two fabulous performances for families A-L and M-Z who shared in the joy of music with our families and community members.
Thank you to Mrs. Loveland-Gill, our administrative office team at Evans Park, and our facilities members for supporting this event to happen indoors due to inclement weather. It was a wonderful day to welcome families and come together to join in song.
As not all attendees who wished to join were able to come, please see the video links attached below of the grade level performances:
On May 28, Evans Park spent the day outside showing kindness, confidence and respect during our annual Field Day event! Students rotated through eight different competitive and collaborative stations showcasing a variety of skills that they've learned in Physical Education class this year.
After a morning of playing games, our students engaged in a grade level Tug of War. The winning classes then competed against our team of teachers. The day ended with a cold treat provided by our amazing Evans Park PTA!
Thank you to Coach Plattner and Coach Driscoll for organizing this exciting day for our students. And, a big thank you to all of our community volunteers for making this day possible.
Our 4th grade Student Council has organized a spirit week to ring in the end of the year with some joy, cheer and a sense of togetherness. We welcome all of the Evans Park community to participate in the days during the week of June 9-13:
- Monday, June 9: Decade Dress-Up - Wear clothes that celebrate the styles of the 00's, 90's, 80's or beyond
- Tuesday, June 10: Sports & More - Wear your favorite sports team jersey or any clothes that highlight a special talent or interest
- Wednesday, June 11: Wacky Wednesday - Wear your wacky outfits to show off your Evans Park spirit
- Thursday, June 12: You're My Hero - Dress like your hero whether they be super, from a book or movie, or just someone you consider to be heroic
- Friday, June 13: Summer is So Soon - Wear your summer outfit to welcome the warm weather
Success with NYS Tests
In April and May, third and fourth grade students participated in the computer-based NYS exams for ELA and Math. With the support of our Technology Coaches and teachers, students explored digital literacy standards to showcase their mastery of academic skills - preparing with a simulation in January.
We are so proud of our students for their efforts in showcasing their skills and demonstrating their competency using technology.
Our efforts to expand student mastery of the digital fluency standards will continue next year with the addition of a new Digital Media special class at the ELF buildings. We are excited to continue to grow to meet tomorrow's challenges!
Jump Rope for Heart
In March, April and May, we shined a spotlight on our students who demonstrated their perseverance, confidence and courage to grow as individuals. Each month our 'Spot' assemblies highlight the unique character traits that Tigers demonstrate to build our community of belonging.
Students across all grades were recognized for how their unique skills, perspectives and support of others helps build our community of belonging. Thank you to all of our Tigers who show that we can achieve anything when we work together!
For the coming 2025-26 school year, we are excited to welcome a Digital Media Teacher who will be providing students increased opportunities to explore technology, media and how to explore the world through modern technological resources. This new learning experience provides for the implementation of a six-day instructional schedule.
A six-day schedule means that:
- Classes will rotate through PE, Art, Music and Digital Literacy special classes over six days, no longer using the traditional Monday through Friday schedule.
- This rotation allows for more equity in attending classes as students will not miss that same special throughout the year due to closures.
- Students will have increased opportunities to explore digital platforms and foundational skills that will enhance their learning in the classroom and better prepare them for the future.
While this will be a change for our elementary students, staff and families, we are excited to provide novel learning experiences and continue to grow in our ability to prepare students for the future!
On Wednesday, May 15, the Evans Park PTA generously voted to donate four new basketball hoops and pads for the back blacktop area of our campus. This incredible donation will continue to enhance our recreational spaces and provides places for students to engage with one another, build relationships, and support community connections. This donation was recognized by our Board of Education on Tuesday, May 20 and our facilities team will be installing the equipment over the summer.
On behalf of the Evans Park community, I thank the PTA for their commitment to our students and our school. Their kindness and strong support continues to make a long lasting impact on the experiences of our students and strengthens our school community!
At the end of March, we welcomed our fourth grade families in to hear our learners play songs and teach a family member how to play musical tunes. This was an exciting interactive and educational opportunity to celebrate the love of music together. Thank you to Mrs. Loveland-Gill for organizing this event!