George McVey Elementary

On October 29, the Kindergarten students participated in the Pumpkin Patch. This event was so much fun because they got to pick pumpkins right in front of McVey and enjoy activities, too. One kindergartener we spoke with, Bella, said her favorite part was when she got the beanbag into the witch’s cauldron.

If you’re wondering why we do this event, Ms. Volpe from the Pumpkin Patch Committee explained, “It is a wonderful event where students spend time with friends and get pumpkins to decorate and paint.”

Written by: Maggie Shea and Reagan Leake
The Publicity Club

The Halloween Howl took place on Monday, October 27. The event was filled with excitement and happiness, with a wide variety of costumes on display. Loud music and flashing lights filled the gym, along with lots of laughter, different types of costumes, and all kinds of dance moves.

There were raffles, and if you were lucky enough, you might have won a prize! The Halloween Howl was also a great place to meet up with friends, eat snacks, and dance. The scariest part of all was the spooky walk. Teachers dressed up as frightening characters and tried to terrify the kids. Some students recognized their teachers right away, while others screamed their lungs out!

The photo booth was another favorite, a great way to make memories with family and friends. The Halloween Howl is truly a fun time to enjoy all the activities and remember the exciting moments you had. We hope you had fun!

Written by Maliha Chaudhry, Alessandra Estrella, and Rania Ahmed
The Publicity Club

On October 21st, McVey Elementary had a Fire Prevention Day. This day was all about learning how to prevent fires. The fire department came to teach us important safety tips and also showed us their fire gear. After the lesson, we went outside to see the fire truck up close—it was really cool and awesome! Some of the fifth-grade teachers even went up in the fire bucket. Overall, this event was amazing, and we learned many important things.

By Reagan Leake, Neel Reilly, and Riley Walsh
The Publicity Club

💗 McVey Faculty and Students are Mighty Kind: “Pink-Out” for Breast Cancer Awareness! 💗

The McVey community came together in a wave of pink to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Faculty and students alike joined the “Pink-Out” spirit day, wearing pink to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. This powerful display of unity and kindness showed once again that the McVey family truly is Mighty Kind!

Medical Day in First Grade! Last Friday, October 17th, the first graders had a special day to learn all about the human body—and they had a blast! Students moved from classroom to classroom, taking part in fun, hands-on activities. We spoke with first grade teacher Mrs. Shappert and asked, “What is this event about?” She explained, “Today, the first grade students are learning about the human body and how to become doctors.” The students had a great time learning, exploring, and creating crafts to take home and share with their families.

Written by: Reagan Leake and Maggie Shea, The Publicity Club

McVey recently celebrated Unity Day! We wore orange to show that we stand together against bullying. “Unity” means coming together as one, and “Day” means… well, just one special day to show it! So many students and staff wore orange—it showed how much we care about McVey, about kindness, and about each other. McVey has always been a bully-free school, and Unity Day was a great reminder of how strong we are when we all stand together. Did you celebrate Unity Day?

From : Udita Sen, Olivia Basta, & Penelope Vidlas.
( from the Publicity Club )

McVey Elementary School’s 75th Anniversary continues with a special theme: "McVey Today!" The school was bursting with spirit as students wore their McVey gear, along with our school colors — blue and yellow — to show their pride and love for our amazing school community. The energy and excitement were felt throughout the hallways, as the spirit of McVey was truly alive! One of the highlights of the celebration was a walk through the "McVey Museum," where students traveled through time — from the early days of the school to the present. They explored old photographs, classroom tools, and unique gadgets from each era, discovering how much McVey has grown and changed over the decades. It was a fun and meaningful way for students to connect with the school's rich history while celebrating the vibrant McVey of today. Here’s to 75 years of learning, growing, and making memories — and many more to come!

McVey's 75th Anniversary continues! Students and teachers embraced an exciting 1980s theme—honoring the decade when McVey proudly became the Mustangs. The school was buzzing with retro energy as everyone joined in the fun, with vibrant 80s fashion on full display. Adding to the spirit, many wore red to represent the original school colors of the McVey Mustangs.

McVey Elementary School kicked off its 75th anniversary celebration with a spirited tribute to the "Nifty Fifties," honoring the decade the school first opened its doors in 1950. Students and teachers dressed in classic 1950s attire—think poodle skirts and leather jackets,—bringing the era to life with enthusiasm and style. Adding a special touch to the celebration, some participants wore green to honor the school's original name, Meadowlawn Elementary.

Welcome Back! The hallways are once again alive with laughter, chatter, and excitement — and we couldn't be happier to see our students! After a refreshing break, it's amazing to watch our school come back to life with smiling faces and eager minds. Let’s make it a year to remember — filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. Here is to 75 years of McVey!

We had a "sweet" start to the school year with our annual Welcome Back Social! Students were all smiles as they enjoyed delicious ice cream, played games, and caught up with friends they haven't seen all summer. Laughter filled the air as families mingled, teachers greeted their new and returning students, and everyone shared in the excitement of a new school year. The event was full of warmth, joy, and community spirit—setting the perfect tone for a fun and successful school year ahead!

At McVey Elementary, learning took flight—literally—during an unforgettable, action-packed day outdoors! Excitement filled the air as students watched a real police helicopter descend and land right on the school field, its blades whirring and drawing cheers from the crowd. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Lining the street was an incredible showcase of vehicles: towering fire trucks with ladders and hoses, a flashing ambulance, a mighty payloader, a roaring garbage truck, a buzzing street sweeper, a tactical SWAT vehicle, sleek police motorcycles, and a heavy-duty dump truck. Community heroes were on hand to explain how each vehicle helps protect and serve the neighborhood. Students also got to meet gentle police horses and were wowed by a talented police dog showing off its amazing skills. It was a day of high-energy learning, hands-on exploration, and memories that will last a lifetime! Written and Photographed by: Gianna Randazzo and Lekha James The Publicity Club

First grade students brought their learning to life as they explored the world of money in an exciting and interactive way. The first-grade hallway was transformed into a vibrant Shopping Plaza, complete with a variety of themed “stores” where students could spend, save, and even donate their coins. Students had the chance to visit and shop at several stores, including a Craft Store, Post Office, Game Zone, Movie Theater, 20 Cents Below, Electric Slide Disco, and a Fitness Center. Each spot offered either fun items to purchase or engaging activities for entertainment. As part of their experience, students also had the opportunity to give back by donating coins to help save the sea turtles, learning the value of charity and the impact their generosity can have on the world around them. It was a fun-filled day full of learning, laughter, and life lessons about money management and giving. Way to go, Mighty Minds!

March was a month of vibrant expression, talent, and collaboration across the East Meadow School District as students and faculty celebrated Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) and Youth Art Month with a series of inspiring events and performances. Held every March, Music in Our Schools Month is a national celebration that recognizes the vital role music education plays in students’ lives. Youth Art Month is a nationwide observance that emphasizes the importance of visual arts education for all students. From morning melodies to gallery showcases, March was a shining example of the East Meadow School District’s commitment to the arts. Through Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month, students not only honed their craft but also shared their passion and talent with the entire community. Bravo to all of our student artists, musicians, teachers, and staff who made this month such a resounding success! Let the music and creativity continue! Don’t miss this high-energy performance as our talented cast brings the magic of “High School Musical Jr.” to life! We can’t wait to see you there!

McVey Elementary School’s PARP Celebration Brings Stories to Life! McVey Elementary School recently hosted a Pick A Reading Partner (PARP) Celebration, bringing students, families, and teachers together to share the joy of reading. Held at Barnes & Noble, the event featured interactive read-alouds, engaging literacy activities, and special guest readers who inspired young minds. McVey’s dedicated teachers made stories come to life as they read to children and families, using expressive storytelling to captivate their audience and spark imagination. PARP encouraged parents, guardians, and community members to partner with children in their reading journey, helping to build strong literacy skills and a lifelong love of books. It was a wonderful opportunity for the McVey community to come together and celebrate the power of reading—because when we read together, we Get Smart together!

McVey Second Graders and Teachers Bring Greek Myths to Life! The halls of McVey Elementary were transformed into Mount Olympus as second graders and their teachers celebrated the grand finale of their CKLA Greek Myths unit! Dressed as legendary gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures, students brought ancient tales to life with creativity and enthusiasm. From the mighty Zeus to the fierce Medusa, every corner of the school was buzzing with excitement. This epic adventure was the perfect way to wrap up their mythological journey, making history—and Getting Smart—truly unforgettable!

On Friday, January 31st, the fourth graders at McVey enjoyed an exciting science assembly filled with fascinating experiments. One memorable demonstration showed how water stayed inside a cup even when it was spun around—leaving the students in awe of gravity’s unexpected power. The assembly was a thrilling experience, sparking curiosity and wonder in the young scientists. Written and Published by: The Publicity Club

3…2…1… BLAST OFF! First Grade buzzed with energy of young student “astronauts,” ready to explore the “universe.” Students eagerly engaged in astronaut training, learning how to “float” in space, communicate with mission control, and race to the moon in friendly competitions. Students built rockets crafted through origami and created constellations using marshmallows, which further fueled their passion and made space feel more within reach. The excitement was evident as the students dreamed big about becoming astronauts one day, with many imagining themselves soaring through the stars, walking the moon, or even discovering new planets.

First grade put on an educational and entertaining play for the kindergarteners that brought the Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations to life. The performance began with the Maya, showcasing their harvest and preparation before the hurricane. After harvesting their largest crop yet, they celebrated the Festival of the Fist Star. Next, the audience was transported back in time to the Aztec civilization. The students acted out scenes reenacting the traditions and culture of the Aztecs. Finally, the Inca took the spotlight. Students demonstrated the incredible journey to Machu Picchu with archaeologists Arteaga and Bingham. The first graders not only entertained but also educated their kindergarten audience. Bravo!