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At the recent Lower School Parent Coffee and Conversation, Head of Lower School Heather Wagner and Coordinator of Teaching and Learning Stephanie Broader led an informative discussion on ERB testing for 3rd-5th Graders. They explained how the assessments play a key role in building essential skills that will not only support academic growth but also prepare students for the SSATs when they move into Upper School.

Wagner and Broder shared that the shift from 1st and 2nd Grade to 3rd Grade marks an important transition in how students develop academically. While the earlier grades focus on foundational learning, starting in 3rd Grade, students begin to develop a skill set that will support them through future assessments. The ERB tests provide an additional layer of data that gives teachers valuable insights into student progress, helping to tailor instruction to meet each child’s needs.

The conversation also focused on understanding the data that comes from these tests. Parents learned about ERB norms, including national and independent benchmarks, and how the scores fit within the normal distribution curve. The discussion highlighted how Percent Content Mastery provides a clearer picture of what students have mastered and where they need more practice.

To ensure that students are well-prepared, Wagner and Broder emphasized the importance of creating partnerships within the classroom. By pairing students at different levels, teachers can foster a collaborative learning environment where students support each other’s growth. In addition, tools like IXL, which mirror the structure of the ERB test, are used weekly, along with reading prompts that help students hone their analytical skills.

The session concluded with a discussion of how Green Vale's curriculum is designed to foster academic growth and prepare students for future success. Wagner and Broder emphasized that the goal is not only to prepare students for assessments like the ERB but also to equip them with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Green Vale’s comprehensive approach ensures that students are supported at every stage of their learning journey, laying a strong foundation for their continued success.

Upper School students welcomed GVS parent Will Pierce to speak as part of the Green Vale’s Parent & Alumni Speaker Series. This ongoing initiative introduces students to professionals with diverse experiences and insights, offering a glimpse into potential career paths.

Pierce, a proud parent of two GVS students (Ben and Brooke), captivated the audience with his enthusiasm for summer camping and his role as the owner and camp director of Pierce Country Day Camp on Long Island and Pierce Camp Birchmont in New Hampshire. Drawing from decades of expertise, he provided a comprehensive look at what it takes to run a summer camp and the immense benefits it offers children.

He began by introducing students to the dynamic world of summer camps, showcasing a virtual tour of Pierce Camp Birchmont, a sleepaway camp for children ages 7-15. Through aerial views and video clips, students got a glimpse of the sprawling campgrounds, including a pristine lake for water sports, art and crafts centers, soccer fields, and even a 100-tree orchard. Pierce emphasized the value of shared experiences like bunking in cabins and enjoying communal meals, which foster a strong sense of community—similar to the camaraderie at Green Vale.

Diving into the responsibilities of a camp director, Pierce explained that his role is far more extensive than many imagine. From managing 350 acres of property and overseeing construction projects like a new barn and obstacle courses, to overseeing more than 250 staff members, the job requires dedication and versatility. Safety, he stressed, remains the top priority, whether it’s maintaining facilities or planning transportation for campers across 26 states and 16 countries.

Beyond operations, Pierce described the joy of developing innovative programs and activities that cater to campers’ diverse interests, from outdoor skills and water sports to performing arts and gardening. The camp’s curriculum evolves annually based on camper feedback, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience.

The session ended with thoughtful questions from students, who were inspired by Pierce’s dedication and the exciting world of summer camps. Pierce’s advice to students? To find a career that blends passion, purpose, and the power to enrich others’ lives.
 

Green Vale recently hosted its annual Fall Gala & Auction on November 15—a heartfelt evening at The Muttontown Club that brought together parents, faculty, and staff to celebrate the essence of the GVS community. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the shared purpose and dedication that bolsters Green Vale’s mission to nurture and inspire its students.

Jeff Busconi, president of Green Vale’s Board of Trustees, opened the evening with touching remarks, sharing photos of his children on their first day of school. He reflected on how Green Vale uniquely prepares its students for both readiness and the joy of learning—qualities that make the School’s approach so special and distinct. 

Head of School Jesse Dougherty followed with his own comments, reflecting on the gala’s history, noting how it has become a cherished tradition. He also emphasized that Green Vale’s greatest asset is its teachers, whose dedication and passion shape the daily experiences of students. Together, their words captured the spirit of the evening and the heart of Green Vale’s community.

The evening was made possible by the generosity of our top supporters, whose contributions laid the foundation for a night that celebrated both the School’s legacy and its aspirations for the future. Parent volunteers also played a pivotal role in orchestrating the event, with special recognition given to Co-Chairs Chelsea Deng and Kim O’Kane for their vision and leadership. This year, the Gala Committee introduced a new tradition by incorporating a raffle, adding an exciting twist to the evening. Their tireless efforts and creativity were evident in every detail, ensuring an evening that was seamless and unforgettable.

Faculty and staff also contributed significantly, offering 43 unique items for the silent auction—a testament to their dedication to Green Vale students and their growth.

More than just a fundraiser, the evening highlighted the connection and dedication that make Green Vale truly a place where the best endures, thanks to the generosity and support of our community.

For more photos from the event, head to Vidigami! 

Second Grade students had the chance to visit the Queens Museum for a hands-on exploration of New York City’s geography and urban planning last week. The field trip was part of their social studies unit on map skills and Long Island geography, offering them a real-world view of what they had been learning in class.

The day began with a visit to the "Panorama of New York City," a massive 3D model that brought the entire city to life. With its detailed depiction of all five boroughs, the students walked around, pointing out familiar places like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. For many, it was the first time they had seen the city laid out in such a tangible way, helping them connect the dots between the landmarks and their locations.

Later, the class took part in an interactive workshop where they learned about urban planning, sustainability, and how cities are designed. Students were able to think critically about transportation, green spaces, and the challenges of designing a city that works for everyone.

The hands-on part of the day was a creative session where the students used a variety of materials to design their own mini cities. They built neighborhoods, roads, and parks, imagining a world of their own making. The activity gave them the opportunity to apply what they’d learned about city structure in a fun and engaging way.

By the end of the day, the students returned to school inspired and excited, with fresh insights into how cities function and a new appreciation for the complexity of urban design. The experience not only reinforced their classroom lessons but also sparked their creativity, encouraging them to think about how they might shape the cities of tomorrow.

The 3rd Grade students took to the stage for their eagerly awaited performance of Folk Tails, written by Lisa L. Abbott. Families, teachers, and students filled the Harris Theater, excited to witness the culmination of their hard work and talent.

Head of School Dr. Jesse Dougherty spoke about the importance of plays in a Green Vale education, explaining, "Plays like this show how well students collaborate and work together. In becoming a character, they develop empathy and confidence—skills that will serve them far beyond the stage." His words set the tone for a morning of teamwork, heart, and creativity.

As the play began, the students entered the theater from all sides, dressed in a colorful array of costumes representing animals from around the world. Their enthusiasm filled the space as they began to sing “It’s a Small World,” by Richard and Robert Sherman, filling the air with hope and unity. Fun fact: Richard Sherman later added a verse that reads:

Though the seas are wide and the skies are gray,
We are all a part of the same world today.

The song set a perfect tone for the morning's performance—a reminder of the shared human experience that connects us all.

The theme of the play centered on the timeless power of storytelling. The students explained how stories are told in many forms—through books, movies, and live performances—and how each story carries a message that transcends borders and generations. From there, the students took the audience on a journey across cultures, sharing folk tales from all over the globe.

In one story, “The Monkey’s Heart,” the mischievous monkey was taught a valuable lesson about the consequences of deceit. The clever monkey, full of trickery, learns that honesty and humility are always the best path forward. The students brought this fable to life by singing the beautiful Assamese folk song “Amare Moina.”

Next, the audience was transported to Bremen, performing the story “The Bremnen Town Musicians,” where a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster—each on their own journey—came together to form an unlikely but unbeatable team. Through teamwork, these animals discovered that, united, they were stronger than they ever could have been alone. The students performed a wonderful rendition of the German folk song “All Things Shall Perish.”

The adventure continued to the wild jungles of Borneo, where a tiger’s arrogance led to a lesson about humility in the Malaysian folk tale “Why There Are No Tigers in Borneo.” The students infused the story with humor and wit, while the Indonesian folk song “Geylang Si Paku Geylang” captured the playful spirit.

In a playful twist, the students also explored “Why Dogs Chase Other Animals”—an African folktale about the rivalry between dogs and other creatures. The story, filled with humor and mischief, brought laughter to the audience as the students energetically performed and sang the Congolese folk song “Banaha.” 

The entire 3rd Grade gathered on stage to sing “Why We Tell the Story” by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Their heartfelt performance was a powerful reminder of the enduring power of storytelling. The song celebrated how stories connect us, help us understand one another, and bind us together across time and cultures.

A special thank you to Play Director Jess Beja; Music Director Jess Chen; Scenic Designers Brigid Coffey and Scott Carro; the 3rd Grade teaching team: Paula Pischel, Madison Savage, Lorraine Campbell, and Melissa Noga; Lighting and Sound Technicians Anthony Schettino and Danielle Maggi; and Photography and Video Specialist Chloe Johnson; and everyone who helped make this play a success.