Second-grade students at Gribbin School have been creating papier-mâché replicas of the City of Glen Cove during art class under the guidance of teacher LeeAnn Palazzo.

The students recently took a tour of Glen Cove, visiting famous landmarks and other important buildings. They then sketched the buildings they learned about for a school project. In addition to sketching, they worked together in groups to cover 3-D structures of buildings in papier-mâché, recreating the post office, police department, Glen Cove Mansion, Gribbin and Connolly schools, just to name a few. The students also discussed architecture as part of the art lesson. 

After the projects are painted and complete, they will be brought to City Hall to be featured as part of the city’s 350-year anniversary celebration on Memorial Day weekend.  

Gribbin first-graders constructed boats and rafts using craft sticks, straws, pipe cleaners and masking tape during a recent STREAM (science, technology, research, engineering, art and mathematics) class.

The students, under the direction of STREAM teacher Jessica McKenna, read Ellen Appleby’s book “The Three Billy-Goats Gruff.” The folktale tells the story of how three billy goats outsmart an intimidating troll. The students were asked what they could build in class that could help the billy goats cross the river, similar to the book. Eventually they decided to build a boat or a raft. 

The first step was to plan their project and determine how to build the floating apparatus. They then were paired with a partner and had to review both of their plans and select the one that they felt would work.   

McKenna said students planned, sketched and labeled their plans. They also had to make sure their rafts or boats could float after construction. She said they are learning the important skills of creating, collaborating and communicating.  

Second-grade students at Gribbin School took a bus tour around Glen Cove to learn about the history of their community. During the tour, the students heard interesting facts about when Glen Cove was founded – known then as Musketa Cove. The tour included stops at Garvies Point Museum; Glen Cove Mansion, one of the first homes built in Glen Cove; Morgan Park and the library. The students met with City of Glen Cove Mayor Timothy Tenke at City Hall, learned about his job and how he helps the citizens of Glen Cove. They also visited the Glen Cove Police Department, where they were given a tour of the department and were educated on the different ways that the police help their community. This trip had a special meaning, as it coincided with the 350th anniversary of the founding of Glen Cove.

Second-graders in Coleen Brunhuber’s class at Gribbin constructed papier-mâché globes as a culminating activity in social studies. Each student began with a balloon, and glue and water for the paste. They then cut strips of newspaper and covered the entire balloon. After the balloons dried overnight, the students painted the balloon blue and let it again dry overnight. The students then cut and pasted the continents and oceans together, creating their beautiful projects, which are on display in the school’s hallway. 

This year, the Gribbin School Site Committee has been focusing on the theme of inner strength in conjunction with the book “We’re All Wonders,” by R.J. Palacio. Glen Cove High School principal Antonio Santana, along with several high school students, recently visited with Gribbin students to share their personal triumphs over obstacles. The youngsters and the guest speakers shared a rich exchange of experiences and advice on how to be resilient and embrace their inner wonders.