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Third graders at F.E. Bellows Elementary School – who have been learning about Belgian artist René Magritte and his surrealist paintings – recently drew inspiration from his work to create their own images of peace.

“They looked at a collection of Magritte’s work and noticed a major similarity, which was that he usually incorporated the sky and a dove, which is the international symbol of peace, within his work,” art teacher Trisha Appel said. 

The students began their projects by using blue and white tempera paint to create their own sky papers while learning about value and how one color can gradually change into another. After their paintings dried, the students collaged different papers to their work, including music note paper and newspaper. They also used stencils to trace and cut out doves or a silhouette of a man wearing a top hat, which was often used in Magritte’s work. 

In addition, their artworks were inspired by a song, “Imagine a World,” which the students will perform during their winter concert in December, in collaboration with their music teacher Tom Galgano. 

“The dove was a way to visually show peace and will tie into the song that they will be singing during their winter concert,” Appel said. “This is a great way to connect art and music. Since the art and music classrooms are right next door to each other, students often sing along in art class while they are working.” 

Every third grader’s work will be displayed in the auditorium for the winter music concert at F.E. Bellows in December. 

With new books and school supplies in hand, students across all Rye Neck Schools filled the halls with smiles and excited chatter as they reported for the first day of school on Sept. 3.

“It was a great start to the 2019-2020 school year,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro said. “Students arrived eager and excited to meet their teachers and reconnect with friends.” 

Kindergartners at Daniel Warren Elementary School attended orientation sessions with their parents and introduced themselves to their new teachers. Meanwhile, F.E. Bellows Elementary School students spent a half-day of classes organizing their school supplies and getting to know new friends. Throughout the day, Rye Neck Middle School students moved around the building to find their new classrooms and meet with their teachers, who greeted them with smiles and guided them through their expectations for the year. At Rye Neck High School, upperclassmen teamed up with freshmen students for various first-day-of-school activities that were designed to help the younger students make a smooth transition into high school.

“We wish all a productive and enriching school year,” Dr. Ferraro said.

Rye Neck Union Free School District welcomed 12 new faculty members during a two-day orientation, held Aug. 26-27. The group met with administrators, discussed policies and procedures, worked with their teams and departments, and received a tour of the district and community. 

Eric Lutinski, middle school principal and assistant superintendent for instruction, described this year’s group of new staff as a mix of both experienced and newer professionals. 

“Some of our new staff are Rye Neck alumni or have worked here as interns or student teachers,” he said. “Others come with years of experience in New York City, other Westchester districts or Connecticut. However, our new staff training sessions revealed that they are all thoughtful professionals who will contribute to the success of our students.” 

The following are new staff members at Rye Neck: 
• Lina Amello, teaching assistant at Daniel Warren Elementary School 
• Elisa Barilli, school psychologist at Rye Neck Middle School
• Joseph Callagy, English teacher at Rye Neck High School
• Crystal Contreras, Spanish teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Amanda D’Addona, social studies teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Chelsea Gillespie, mathematics teacher and teaching assistant at Rye Neck Middle/High School
• Jean Laffan, French teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Nichole Locher, physical education teacher at Rye Neck High School 
• Alyssa Massi, mathematics teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Carolyn Muller, special services teaching assistant at Rye Neck Middle/High School
• Brian Pinto, elementary school teacher at Daniel Warren Elementary School 
• Kristi Rachiele, science teacher at Rye Neck Middle/High School