Oyster Bay-East Norwich CSD is proud to announce that Vernon fourth graders Katie Dunne and Kira Scanlon earned 1st place in the Elementary Division of the 2025 Long Island Spring Stock Market Game. Their outstanding achievement showcases not only their strategic thinking and teamwork but also the power of early financial education.

The Stock Market Game, hosted by the SIFMA Foundation in collaboration with local partners, provides students with a hands-on introduction to the world of finance. Using a virtual $100,000, participants manage a simulated investment portfolio, gaining real-world insights into the stock market, economics and financial planning.

Throughout the competition, Katie and Kira conducted research, tracked global news and made strategic decisions to maximize their returns - all while working within the structure of a real-time trading simulation. Students in the program explore socially responsible investments aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Stock Market Game is more than a competition - it’s a comprehensive financial literacy program designed to build critical skills. It integrates lessons in math, economics and personal finance with engaging online tools and curriculum that align with New York State learning standards. Students develop analytical and decision-making skills, while teachers benefit from access to more than 1,000 resources supporting STEM and 21st-century learning.

Through programs like this, the SIFMA Foundation and its partners are helping young learners build a strong foundation in financial literacy - skills that will benefit them for years to come. Congratulations to Katie and Kira on their remarkable achievement!

 

Four ensembles from our district recently showcased their talent at the prestigious NYSSMA Majors Festival, earning top honors and making our school community proud.

The 5th and 6th grade advanced bands each earned the highest possible rating - gold with distinction—under the direction of Ms. Macy and Mr. Devassy, respectively. The combined 5th and 6th grade orchestra, led by Ms. Muller Pinnola, received a gold rating, while the middle level band, under the direction of Mr. Giannetta, earned a silver rating.

The NYSSMA Majors Festival brings together large school ensembles from across New York State to perform for a panel of expert adjudicators. Groups are evaluated on musicality, technique and overall preparation. Our students rose to the occasion, demonstrating not only technical excellence but also a deep passion for performance.

Congratulations to all our young musicians and their dedicated directors on this outstanding achievement.

Date Added: 5/23/2025

The annual Vernon Art Gallery event at James H. Vernon School transformed the hallways into a vibrant celebration of student creativity on May 8. Visitors were greeted by an incredible display of over 1,200 original artworks, each one created by students in grades 3 through 6 under the guidance of art teacher Ms. Crowley.

Each piece on display told a unique story of imagination, effort and the artistic growth students have experienced throughout the year. From colorful mixed-media portraits to expressive abstract paintings, the gallery offered a rich and diverse look at the visual arts curriculum at Vernon.

Families and community members wandered the halls, taking time to engage with the students’ work and learn about the different techniques and inspirations behind the pieces. The evening served not only as a showcase of student talent but also as a celebration of the creative process and the power of visual expression.

Congratulations to Ms. Crowley and her talented students for putting together such a beautiful and inspiring event! The Vernon Art Gallery continues to be a cherished tradition, shining a spotlight on the importance of arts education in our schools.

Click here to view the Vernon Art Gallery showcases student creativity and talent slideshow.

 

Date Added: 5/13/2025

Vernon School proudly welcomed its newest members into the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) during a special induction ceremony held last night. The event celebrated the creativity, dedication and passion of these talented young artists.

Each inductee was recognized for their commitment to the visual arts and their contributions to the school’s vibrant artistic community. Their work not only showcases technical skill but also brings imagination and joy to those around them.

Congratulations to our newest NJAHS members — the future of art is bright with you in it!

Date Added: 5/9/2025

Fourth grade students at James H. Vernon School are making their mark on Long Island’s coastline – literally - thanks to Audubon New York’s “Share the Shore” initiative. The statewide conservation program invites students to help protect vulnerable coastal bird populations through public art, and this year, nine Vernon students were selected as winners for their vibrant, bird-friendly beach sign designs.

The winning artwork will be transformed into weather-resistant educational signs that will be installed this summer at four popular Long Island beaches: Stehli Town Beach, Centre Island Beach, Sunken Meadow State Park and West Meadow Beach. These signs aim to raise awareness among beachgoers about the importance of sharing shoreline space with nesting and migratory birds.

“These signs are not just informative - they’re beautiful pieces of art,” said Erica Giglio Pac, Oyster Bay-East Norwich’s Director of Fine, Performing and Media Arts. “Our students have used their creativity to promote environmental stewardship in a way that’s both engaging and impactful.”

The nine student winners - Dimitra Belesis, Reese Blaeser, Thomas Crawford Kwon, Kylie Joannon, Hailey Kopacz, Dean Godoy, Ainhoa Silva Lorca, Emily Sullivan and Andrew Terranova - were selected for their compelling designs that promote safe and respectful behavior around coastal bird habitats.

Ten additional students received honorable mentions for their thoughtful and artistic entries: Hannah Ansbro, Natalia Fortich, Juliet Talamo, Anastasia Karpavicius, Mila Murray, Zachary Paleos, Madeleine Petrara, Vivian Ramprashad, Valentina Ruiz de Luque and Wesley Snyder.

To celebrate their achievements, both the winners and honorable mentions will take part in a special field trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center on May 15. There, they’ll explore local wildlife habitats, learn more about coastal conservation, and see how their work contributes to real-world environmental protection.

The “Share the Shore” initiative encourages Long Islanders to recognize and respect the natural spaces shared with coastal wildlife. Thanks to Vernon School’s young artists, that message will now be communicated through colorful and meaningful public artwork all summer long.

 

 

Date Added: 5/8/2025