First graders from Cherry Lane School celebrated First Grade Poetry Day on May 31. Classes received a special visit from Alicia Hogan Murphy, an author and poet who was a Cherry Lane student herself in the 1970s. Mrs. Murphy returned to the school to speak with students about her time at Cherry Lane and her inspiring teachers, her life as an author, her love of writing and more.

Upon arrival, she was surprised by her Cherry Lane first and second grade teacher, Maureen Flynn (formerly Ms. Convey). Mrs. Flynn retired from Cherry Lane School 10 years ago but wanted to return to share in the special day. She even brought along some old class photographs.

“Her class was my favorite,” Mrs. Flynn said about Mrs. Murphy.

During the visit, the first grade classes gathered in the school cafeteria where Mrs. Murphy had her poetry books on display. She told the students that it was always a dream of hers to become an author and that she found a love of writing at a young age. The first graders listened closely as Mrs. Murphy read two of her poems. Before reading “When I Grow Up,” she picked six student volunteers to dress as different professionals such as an actress, doctor and firefighter. The students had fun playing the parts.

At the end of Mrs. Murphy’s presentation, the first graders asked her questions and then shared their own poems with her. Poetry Day continued that afternoon as each first grade student invited a special guest into their classroom to share their poetry. It was a great day for the students to share their craft.

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Date Added: 6/6/2023

On May 10th, the Westbury Children’s Library hosted 20 students and their families for a wonderful evening of information, stories, crafts and fun! Each year, the ENL Department collaborates with the Westbury Children’s Library as they open their doors to our Carle Place families to not only provide information about the upcoming summer programs, but also to share resources and programs that are offered for all ages! From toddler story time, author visits, computers, homework help, movie night, fitness classes and more, there is something for everyone! They welcome all Carle Place families and hope you will visit the library this summer to check out all that is offered! Don’t miss out! For more information, please visit their website at https://westburylibrary.org/childrens.

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Date Added: 6/5/2023

Cherry Lane Principal Lauren Moriarty was recently a special guest on the radio show Spotlight on Long Island Schools! She spoke about Cherry Lane's student goal setting and Science of Reading. To listen to the segment, please click here.

Date Added: 5/8/2023

Students and staff gathered outside Cherry Lane School for their annual schoolwide Earth Day celebration on April 21. Organized by music teacher Emika Smith, the event was held by the school’s Friendship Garden which was in full bloom for spring.

During the celebration, 10 second graders shared poems and facts about Earth Day. Ms. Smith also led the entire school in song as the classes raised their voices and sang songs related to nature. They concluded with “This Land is Your Land.”

Before returning to the building, Principal Lauren Moriarty challenged the students to think of ways that they could help make the planet better such as recycling and picking up litter. The event was a great way to bring the school together to celebrate the beautiful planet.

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Date Added: 4/26/2023

The Carle Place School District is pleased to announce the addition of a new communication board located by the small playground at Cherry Lane Elementary School. The board was developed to support students who are non-speaking or who have limited/disordered verbalizations and require alternative assistive technology to communicate their needs.  

In the classroom, speech language pathologist Rebecca Murrell frequently uses the Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) from Mayer-Johnson for lessons and to improve overall interactions between the students and their community. She thought it would be a great idea to incorporate these symbols into a communication board which could be housed outside for students to utilize outside the classroom. 

“With the implementation of this board, our students and staff could interact using these symbols without the burden of carrying and accessing their devices while at play,” Ms. Murrell said. 

We look forward to using this new communication board for years to come! 

Date Added: 4/19/2023