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FJC Updates 2/7/25

Posted Date: 2/07/25 (10:00 PM)

Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School
"The Place to be is Always FJC!"
Snake on students
Rocky Point PTA Hosts a Successful Family Literacy Night
The Rocky Point community gathered together for an unforgettable evening at the annual Family Literacy Night, an event sponsored by the Rocky Point PTA. With approximately 300 attendees, the night was filled with fun, learning, and a shared love of reading.

Families were welcomed by the charming Rocky Point Eagle and the ever-popular Pete the Cat, who greeted guests as they entered the event. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, setting the tone for an evening packed with engaging activities for all ages.

One of the highlights of the night was the opportunity for children and adults alike to express their creativity by making personalized bookmarks. These craft stations, along with sensory bins full of tactile fun, provided a hands-on experience that kept kids entertained while also fostering a love for books and reading.

For book lovers, the event wouldn’t have been complete without the book fair, where families could browse and shop for the latest reads. The fair featured an array of books for every age and reading level, giving students and parents plenty of choices to expand their home libraries.

A truly unique experience awaited attendees when they were treated to a live animal show, featuring chinchillas, doves, bearded dragons, and boa constrictors. The interactive experience was a big hit, especially when students were invited to lay down in a big line and allow a boa constrictor to slither over them! It was an exciting way to blend literacy with nature and help students become "wild about reading!"

The success of Family Literacy Night wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of the Rocky Point PTA, the dedication of FJC librarian Ms. Sicurella, and the many teachers who volunteered their time to ensure the event was a memorable one. The collaborative efforts of everyone involved made this event a true celebration of reading, bringing families together to enjoy the magic of books, learning, and a little bit of fun with animals!

A huge thank you goes out to all who helped create this amazing experience, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s Family Literacy Night will bring!
 
Screenshot of a two-toed sloth
Bronx Zoo Encounters Kicks Off PARP Week at FJC!
Our students had an unforgettable experience during the live webinar with Bronx Zoo Encounters! They got an up-close look at some amazing animals and learned all about their incredible adaptations.

The session kicked off with a special guest—a young alligator! Students discovered the fascinating differences between alligators and crocodiles, learning how each species is uniquely suited to its environment. They also explored the alligator’s special adaptations, like its powerful jaws and armor-like skin, that help it thrive in the wild.

Next up, students met Hans Slow-lo, a friendly two-toed sloth! They learned all about Hans’s rainforest lifestyle, including how his slow movements help him survive, how he stays safe high up in the trees, and his unique diet. The students had fun hearing about Hans’s love for hanging out and how perfectly adapted he is to life in the treetops.
Thanks to Bronx Zoo Encounters, our students got to experience wildlife like never before. What a wild and educational adventure!

 
Join Us for the 2025 Swoopin’ and Hoopin’ Basketball Game: Fun for a Great Cause!
Get ready for a night of fun, competition, and community spirit at the 2025 Swoopin’ and Hoopin’ basketball game, sponsored by the Be a Nicer Neighbor Club! On Thursday, February 13th, join us at the High School gymnasium at 6pm for an exciting basketball game featuring teachers and administrators from all four buildings across the district—including FJC’s very own Mr. Westerlund, Ms. Miller, and Ms. Sumwalt—as they compete on the court for a great cause. It’s a fantastic opportunity to cheer on familiar faces while supporting an important community initiative.

Tickets are only $5 per person and can be purchased ahead of time before the start of the high school day from 2/10-2/13 at the high school, or at the door the night of the event. Funds raised from this event will benefit the Be a Nicer Neighbor Club, which works to support families in need within our community. In the past, the club has used these funds to provide gift cards to struggling families, help cover prom costs for seniors, donate money for field trips, and host the annual Live Like Susie Kindness Awards ceremony. The night promises to be a fun and memorable way to support a wonderful cause while celebrating the spirit of kindness and generosity in our Rocky Point community. We hope to see you there!
Swoopin' and Hoopin' advertisement
 
Two Second grade students standing by the Dog Man sign
A Second Grade Adventure with Dog Man
Exciting news for our second-grade students at FJC! On February 11th, they will be taking a special trip to PJ Cinemas to see the highly anticipated movie Dog Man. This film, based on the wildly popular book series by Dav Pilkey, has captured the hearts of many FJC students, making it the perfect follow-up to our incredible PARP week.

But that’s not all! To make this experience even more special, all FJC students will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a virtual visit via Zoom with Mr. Mark Velasquez, an animator from DreamWorks who worked on the Dog Man film. Students will learn about the exciting world of animation and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a movie like Dog Man.

We’re incredibly excited for these amazing opportunities to bring reading and creativity to life in such a fun and engaging way! Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate our love of reading and learning.
 
February 25th is the 100th Day of School
Celebrate 100 days of learning with us! Students and staff are encouraged to dress as though they’re 100 years old as we mark this special milestone in true FJC style. To make the day even more memorable, students will take part in exciting 100-themed activities, filled with fun and creativity as we enjoy this celebration together!
FJC Staff dressed up for the 100th day of school
 
RPUFSD February Calendar
Upcoming Events
2/10 In-School Harlem Wizards Assembly 10:45am
2/11 Second grade Dog Man field trip
2/12 FJC Shared Dec Mtg 3:30pm
2/13 Virtual Assembly with Dreamworks animator Mark Velazquez
2/13 Swoopin' & Hoopin' Basketball Game HS Gym 6pm
2/17-2/21 Mid-Winter Recess- School Closed
2/25 One Hundredth Day of School- Dress like you're 100 years old