On Mar. 4, students and staff at JFK Middle School participated in their first-ever JFK EdVenture Day, an exciting and interactive event designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and connection within the school community. Organized by Principal Erin Hayes and Assistant Principal Anthony Murray, the day allowed teachers to step outside their traditional subject areas and share personal interests and hobbies with their students. This unique experience also provided students with the opportunity to explore new activities and interact with peers who shared their passions.
The EdVenture began with a special edition of JFK Live, setting the stage for a day filled with discovery. Students received personalized schedules based on pre-event surveys, which allowed them to rank their preferred workshops. Each student was also given a passport to decorate, use for reflections, and collect stickers as they moved through their chosen sessions.
Workshops covered a wide range of topics and interests, including baking, crocheting, fantasy football, Ozbots, soccer, movie editing, U.S. history trivia, drumming, ukulele, crafting, bracelet making, makeup, skincare, yoga, creative writing, fishing exploration, Star Lab, Sudoku, vision boarding, comedy improv, indoor gardening, bicycle repair, and dance. Additionally, some sessions focused on broader educational themes, such as college exploration, world cultures, and the history of the Bethpage community.
A highlight of the day was a presentation by Major League Baseball agent Mark Leinweaver, who spoke to students about Why Character Matters. He emphasized the importance of being one's own agent by maintaining a strong personal image, making thoughtful choices on social media, demonstrating bravery in behavior, and acting selflessly within the community. Following the presentation, students engaged in reflective discussions, identifying their own strengths, ways to achieve balance in their lives, and opportunities to support their peers and community.
Adding to the excitement of the day, Mr. Murray played adventurous music over the PA during class transitions, including iconic themes from “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones”, helping to create an atmosphere of exploration and enthusiasm.
As the day concluded, students took time to reflect on their experiences, jotting down thoughts in their passports and providing feedback on the event. Their reflections will help shape future iterations of EdVenture Day, ensuring that this new tradition continues to grow and evolve.
