Bethpage's Board of Education held its March meeting at Central Boulevard Elementary School, continuing the district's longstanding tradition of holding a meeting at each of the district’s schools at least once during the academic year. The evening had a theme: the arts, and CBS's students, along with art teacher Ms. Rothwell and music teacher Ms. Rorke, delivered a presentation that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The night opened with a musical performance directed by Ms. Rorke. Students took the stage to perform Poor Me, a clever and charming adaptation of a beloved aria from the classic opera “Carmen”, thoroughly amusing all in attendance.
Director of Fine and Performing Arts Brent Chiarello followed with a departmental update, sharing highlights from across the district. He spotlighted the Masquers Guild's ongoing productions, with companies representing each school performing throughout the year, and celebrated a special reunion fundraising show that drew generations of Bethpage alumni back to the stage. He also announced exciting news for the marching band: 120 students are on track to participate next year – and they'll be doing it in brand-new uniforms.
Mr. Chiarello also highlighted the district's growing partnership with The Bristal, an assisted living community in Bethpage. Both the music and art departments have been participating in monthly events there, bringing students and residents together through creative programming. Looking ahead to a major national milestone, the art department is also working on a mural in the social studies wing at Bethpage High School to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
CBS Principal Dominique Siebert then spoke to the ways the arts enrich daily life at Central Boulevard. In honor of Music in Our Schools Month, students and staff have been taking turns performing instruments each morning as their classmates arrive, which has been a joyful way to start the school day. Ms. Rorke has also introduced a Masked Singer challenge, with staff members performing anonymously on video for the school community. A friendly competition is currently underway to see who can correctly identify the most masked singers.
Ms. Rothwell rounded out the presentation with an overview of CBS's art program, including her practice of giving each school year a unifying theme – this year, it's the Rainforest, with every project growing from that creative soil. Several students then took the floor to share their work. Two first graders proudly presented their mixed media toucan projects, while older students demonstrated their weaving skills before inviting board members to a table in the back of the room stocked with supplies and teaching them to weave firsthand.
The evening ended on a fitting note: it was then announced that the CBS students had curated a playlist for the occasion and distributed cards with a QR code so attendees could take the music home with them.
It was, by any measure, a night that showed the arts are alive and thriving in Bethpage.
