feature stories
‘Spirit’ of Forest Hills
Jun 29, 2009 4:22 PM
Students, staff bond at annual carnival
Social studies teacher Ed Lam is ready to be dunked — for a good cause! The money raised goes toward building a well in Africa.
[For more photos, go to the “‘Spirit’ of Forest Hills” gallery]
Two years ago, English teacher Mary Ciccaroni was approached by her Forest Hills HS principal about ways to improve school spirit and morale. “Someone came up with the idea of a carnival,” Ciccaroni recalled, “and I thought, ‘Wow!’”
Not that morale was so bad, but “teens being teens and school being school” — there’s always room for a burst of positive energy.
So Ciccaroni did a little research and, with a little help from her friends, launched the first Spirit Carnival last year.
“The response from students and teachers was so positive that this year we expanded,” Ciccaroni said, “with triple the number of activities, and even greater attendance.”
Nearly 700 people attended the May 22 event, “even though it was Memorial Day weekend, and right in the middle of the swine flu scare,” she said.
But what’s not to love about a “dunk tank” where students get to dunk their teachers (and raise money to build a well in Africa as this year’s project for their Academy of Public Service program)?
In addition, there were inflatable obstacle courses, baseball games, jousting contests and a 30-foot velcro wall, where students covered in velcro suits could jump into the wall — and stick there!
Did we forget to mention the cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs and funnel cakes?
They may look like Rock’Em Sock’Em robots, but it was called a “Joust” and students enjoyed it.
English teacher Lauren Hyman and student Jasmine Woodard look on while student Lina Katayeva takes a lucky shot.
“It was all in good fun, with a spirit of collaboration,” said UFT Queens HS Representative James Vasquez, who enjoyed the event.
“It gives students an opportunity to be children again, and in this world they don’t have enough of that,” Ciccaroni said.
For Chapter Leader Eddy Mesidor, a 29-year veteran math teacher at the school, “it improves the day-to-day atmosphere of the school,” as students and teachers see each other in a different context.
“Not everyone can be the best student or most fun-loving teacher,” Mesidor said, “but this gives you insight into a different dimension of each other’s personalities, and makes everyone more human to each other.”
Teachers brought their infants and toddlers along to meet — and play with — their students, Ciccaroni said, “so students got to see them as moms and dads, not just teachers, and it all translates into more respect for each other in the classroom.”
Ever the planner, she is already thinking about next year’s event: “I want more of the obstacle courses, with inflatable slides and tunnels — the kids love it. And a bungee run. It will be bigger, better and even more awesome!”
All together now! Terrific cooperation between teachers, students, parents and administrators was responsible for the success of the event. Chapter Leader Eddy Mesidor, who also helped out, is in the center, with cap.
Teacher Mary Ciccaroni, coordinator of student activities and planner of the carnival, with student Paul Sanabria, a senior on the student government.
