FJC Updates 4/24/2026

Posted Date: 04/24/26 (05:00 PM)

Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School

"The Place to be is Always FJC!"

April 24, 2026

Jurassic Journeys Roars into FJC

On Monday, April 20th, students were taken back in time as they participated in the Jurassic Journeys assembly. Courtesy of our PTA, students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with incredible dinosaur relics while learning about the fascinating world of these prehistoric creatures.

During the assembly, students explored a wide range of topics including different dinosaur species, the differences between carnivores and herbivores, and which dinosaurs lived during various eras. They also learned about the field of paleontology, examined the ongoing debate around warm-blooded versus cold-blooded dinosaurs, and discovered how fossils help scientists better understand dinosaur behavior. In addition, students explored the eating habits of various dinosaurs, bringing even more context to their learning.

It was an engaging, hands-on experience that brought science to life and sparked curiosity across all grade levels. A big thank you to our PTA for making this memorable learning opportunity possible!

Pick-up Procedures

We could use a little assistance during afternoon pickup to help things run as smoothly and safely as possible for everyone.

We’ve noticed that the car line has been forming earlier and earlier. To minimize disruption to instruction, we ask that cars do not begin lining up in the front circle until 3:00 PM.

If you are waiting along Rocky Point–Yaphank Road, please be sure to pull fully along the curb so that cars and buses can pass, and keep all school driveways clear at all times.

Classrooms along the front driveway are still actively engaged in learning during this time. To help maintain a focused environment, we ask that radios/music be turned off.

Unless FJC children need assistance when they are being brought to the car, parents should remain in their vehicles to help keep the pickup process moving efficiently. For safety and to limit distractions, siblings must remain in the car during afternoon pickup.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping us maintain a safe, orderly, and distraction-free dismissal for our students.

Celebrating Schwa Day

Today we celebrated Schwa Day at FJC! Led by our incredible instructional coach, Ms. Meschi, students and staff took time to learn about the schwa sound and why it plays such an important role in reading and language. Classrooms participated in a variety of schwa-themed activities that brought this often “tricky” sound to life in fun and engaging ways.

So, what is schwa? The schwa is the most common vowel sound in the English language. It is the quick, relaxed “uh” sound you hear in many unstressed syllables, such as the “a” in about or the “e” in taken.

Because it can be spelled with any vowel and doesn’t sound like a typical short or long vowel, it can be challenging for young readers, making it an important concept to explore and practice.

It was a festive and meaningful way to build our understanding of language while sharing a few smiles along the way!

K–5 STEAM Celebration at the Middle School

On Thursday, April 23rd, K–5 students were treated to an incredible experience at our K–5 STEAM Celebration held at the Middle School. Students had the opportunity to travel between the library, cafeteria, and gymnasium, engaging in a wide variety of hands-on activities that brought Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics to life.

Throughout the event, students explored fun and interactive experiences including creative art projects, magnetic car races, Sphero ball challenges, coding activities, and so much more. The energy and excitement were evident as students collaborated, experimented, and problem-solved in real time.

A huge thank you goes out to Dr. Christian (Director of Math, Science, Technology), Ms. Ferraro (FJC Math Chair), Ms. Stueber (FJC Science Chair), and the many teachers who took time out of their schedules to plan and run these engaging activities. Your efforts made this a truly memorable and enriching experience for our students!

Soar Students of the Week:

Week of 4/13-4/17:

Nora Smith
Eric Moore
Michael Hake Rivera

Upcoming Events

4/28- Wellness Committee mtg, DO Large Conf Rm, 3pm

4/28 & 4/29- Kindergarten Field trip to Benner's Farm

5/4- FJC Second Grade Spring Concert, HS Aud 6pm

5/5- School Budget Public Hearing, HS Aud 5pm

5/7- Health & Safety Committee Mtg, DO large Conf Rm 3pm

5/7- PTA Mtg, MS Library 7pm