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Cecil H. Parker School celebrates Women's History Month

Two girls speaking into the mic.
Cecil H. Parker School celebrates Women's History Month

Students at Cecil H. Parker School congregated in the auditorium for their monthly assembly to learn about the importance of Women’s History Month on Friday, March 22, 2024. The presentation highlighted various influential women who have made a substantial impact on society.  

In preparation for the show, students researched women to showcase in the assembly including Coco Gauff, Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor and Jane Goodall. Scholars created poster boards about them with information about their accomplishments and legacy to hang around the auditorium. 

“We wanted to do Women’s History Month so the children could learn about trailblazing women that have changed history in different fields,” said Saroya Brown, third grade teacher at Parker. “We talked about math, science, entrepreneurship, so it gave them a chance to see that it’s not just history, it’s herstory. They researched first, and then we came up with parts for the play.” 

Third grade students began the program by marching down the aisles singing “This Girl is on Fire’” by Alicia Keys. Afterwards, they informed the audience about why Women’s History Month is celebrated and its importance. Finally, students went up to the podium one by one to share various inspirational stories of women's success.  

Student on stage.
Two girls speaking into the mic.
Three students point to stuffed animal on desk.
Students in Parker School's 4G class research about different species of animals

Scholars in Julia Gomes-Arias’ fourth-grade classroom at Cecil H. Parker School are currently conducting a research project on different species of animals. Students are working in groups to discover facts about the animals and assemble information to piece together a well-written research report. Ms. Gomes’ students are extremely excited to be working together to write about animals such as harp seals, frogs, sea lions, and cheetahs.

Class smiling for the camera with two members of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Scholars at Cecil H. Parker School participate in a read-a-loud with members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

“Who’s a good reader?” asked the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. President Eddie Campbell to students in Ebony Cooper-Williams fourth grade class on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Cecil H. Parker School during their reading celebration. Students shot their hands up in excitement before diving into their read-a-loud session with members of the New Rochelle-White Plains Alumni Chapter. 

Students at Cecil H. Parker show off writing skills at the Winter Literacy Ball
Students at Cecil H. Parker show off writing skills at the Winter Literacy Ball

The gymnasium was filled with clamor and delight as students and parents walked around reading the student writing displayed on the wall and speaking with the authors about their works. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Cecil H. Parker School held a Winter Literacy Ball where fourth, fifth ,and sixth-grade students got to show off the writing skills they’ve learned and the multiple writing exercises that they’ve completed since the beginning of the year. 

Pre-K students posing with welder in classroom.
Professional welder visits Cecil H. Parker School pre-K classes

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, as part of their unit on community, pre-K classes at Cecil H. Parker School were visited by Juan Almonte, welding instructor and supervisor with the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Mr. Almonte has been welding with the MTA for 25 years. He brought in parts of his safety equipment for scholars to engage with, including his welding helmet, gloves, jacket and apron. Scholars were excited to learn that welders use fire as hot as lightning to melt and repair train tracks for the community.

The Greenburgh Nature Center brings critters to Cecil H. Parker kindergarten class
The Greenburgh Nature Center brings critters to Cecil H. Parker kindergarten class

On Friday, October 25, 2024, students in Ms. Cioffi’s kindergarten class at Cecil H. Parker School were introduced to a variety of different critters from the Greenburgh Nature Center. The center visited Parker to give students an unforgettable hands-on experience. Students interacted with animals such as ferrets, bearded dragons and snakes!

Class with teacher smiling at the camera.
Parker preschoolers wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month with art show

17, 2024 to commemorate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, students created various pieces of art to learn more about Latin American culture. Some of these creations included Dominican faceless dolls, Mexican folk art, Peruvian pan pipes, fancy foliages and maracas.

Student reading her speech.
Cecil H. Parker School students hear from student council candidates

The democratic process is alive at Cecil H. Parker School, as class representatives of grades three to eight have been elected to represent their class on the Parker School Student Council. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, a "Meet the Candidates" discussion was held for the positions of treasurer, secretary, vice president and president of the Parker School Student Council. Each candidate gave a speech and explained why they would like the position, described their leadership skills, and explained what they would like to do for an improved Cecil H. Parker School. Students also made signs to promote their candidacies around the school.