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If the weather had any intentions of dampening the spirits on Grandparents & Friends Day, it quickly realized it was no match for the warmth and joy that filled the Green Vale campus. This special day, marked by laughter, connection, and shared memories, highlighted what makes our community so unique and strong.

As grandparents, friends, and alumni walked through the halls of the school, it was clear that the ties between past and present were strong. Generations of Green Vale families have passed through these doors, leaving their legacy not just in memories, but in the enduring traditions, values, and deep sense of community that continue to shape the School. The excitement of the students as they shared their Green Vale experiences with loved ones was a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact of those who walked these halls before them.

Head of School Dr. Jesse Dougherty addressed the gathering with a powerful reflection on the importance of tradition. He spoke about how Green Vale is committed to instilling intellect, character, and confidence in every student.  

Grandparents & Friends Day is a beautiful reminder that Green Vale is more than just a School—it’s a family, a place where generations come together, connect, and support one another. Whether it’s through a shared classroom visit or a quiet moment of reflection, these connections remind us of the rich history that runs through every corner of our School.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who joined us—grandparents, friends, alumni, and all those who have played a part in making Green Vale what it is today. Your presence made this day even more special, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support and involvement.

A special thank you to our teachers and staff for their dedication and hard work in bringing this event to life. It’s because of their commitment that this day was not just a gathering, but an experience that will stay with us for years to come.

There’s something magical about the GVS Book Fair. For over 70 years, this annual tradition has been igniting imaginations and inspiring generations of young readers. This year, the Cheryl Webb Gym was transformed into a vibrant literary haven, where students of all ages could lose themselves among shelves of stories waiting to be discovered.

From page-turners to picture books, the fair offered something for every reader. Students eagerly browsed the displays, sharing excitement over new releases, old favorites, and hidden gems. It wasn’t just about finding the next book to read—it was about the joy of exploring new worlds, uncovering new ideas, and experiencing the power of stories.

Instilling a love for reading in our students is an essential part of their growth. Books open up new worlds, enhance creativity, and foster empathy—all skills that support both academic achievement and personal development. The Book Fair, with its wide range of books, provides an opportunity for students to find stories that resonate and inspire a lifelong love for reading.

A special thank you to PA Co-Chairs Susie Anderson, Olivia Geary, and Maria Lustig, along with the many volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Their dedication ensured that the fair was not only a success, but also a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Green Vale’s Nursery students took our value of community to the next level through exciting visits from our local heroes. These experiences not only taught important lessons but also illustrated what it truly means to be part of a community.

The Glenwood Landing Fire Department kicked it off with a visit that focused on fire safety and teamwork. Students learned about the tools firefighters use and had the chance to tour the fire truck, seeing firsthand how these community helpers work together to keep everyone safe.

Next, officers from the Glen Cove Police Department spoke about their role in ensuring the safety of the neighborhood. The officers shared how they support their community, reinforcing the idea that public service is about helping others and working for the greater good.

Dr. Lynda, a local dentist from Little Smiles of Port Washington, visited to teach the children about healthy habits and caring for others. She emphasized the importance of dental health and how small acts of self-care, like brushing teeth, contribute to a larger sense of well-being within the community.

Through these visits, our young learners gained a deeper understanding of how communities are built on collaboration, care, and support—whether it’s putting out a fire, protecting others, or teaching good habits.

In Green Vale’s Lower School, the day begins with intention. Morning Meetings are a daily practice across all classrooms, offering students a structured yet warm start that sets the tone for learning and connection.

Each meeting creates space for students to greet one another, share thoughts, and engage in simple activities that build communication and community. While the structure remains consistent, no two Morning Meetings are exactly alike. Each class brings its own rhythm, style, and energy. Over time, this routine strengthens classroom culture, encouraging active listening, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

The benefits extend beyond social connection. Students regularly practice public speaking, participate in collaborative problem-solving, and develop confidence in voicing their ideas. These moments—though brief—help reinforce key habits of respect, responsibility, and reflection.

Green Vale’s science lab was filled with enthusiasm, as the students who are part of the Science Olympiad program dove into the captivating world of scientific exploration and discovery.

Guided by the dynamic leadership of GVS Upper School Teachers Kristin Nastos, Caitlin Madden, and Hailey Giordano, this nationwide STEM competition was offered as an after school enrichment program to students in 5th to 8th Grade. Uniting their passion for science and problem-solving, the aim for these science buffs was clear: to dive into all 23 challenging scientific events offered at this year’s regional competition at Kellenberg Memorial High School on March 8.

Nastos explained, “Science Olympiad is a chance for students to work as a team, collaborate, display their academic prowess, and to show that their talents lie beyond physical pursuits. It also allows students from different grade levels to work with others that they wouldn’t normally interact with. I have cross-collaboration across the board.”

At Green Vale, the teams were fully immersed in their preparations. Students engaged in constructing towers, planes, and wheeled vehicles, conducting forensic and chemistry experiments, and delved deep into detailed topics like Anatomy, Earth Science, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Ecology.

This year, GVS competed against 41 other teams, with 40 students participating in the event. Several of our students earned medals for their achievements: Allie Liu (7th) and Davis Vitols (7th) placed 4th in Entomology and 7th in Fossils, while Graham Koski (5th) and Charlotte Lam (5th) took 8th place in Scrambler—a competition where students engineered a car carrying an egg, calibrating the distance to avoid breaking it upon impact with a wall.

Their hard work and dedication exemplified the spirit of Science Olympiad, proving that curiosity and perseverance can lead to incredible accomplishments.