IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A group of recently graduated fifth-grade students at one Staten Island elementary school can say there are officially published authors.

During the 2022-2023 school year, fifth-grade English language arts teacher Angela O’Toole, of PS 30 in Westerleigh, was scrolling through social media when she stumbled upon another educator who published a book with their class. She quickly did her research about the company, Student Treasures, which made it possible, and knew it would be a great experience for her students.

Books were published by Student Treasures. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

According to Student Treasures, the class book inspires young writers, promotes student collaboration, builds self-esteem, and is an easy way to incorporate educational standards.

O’Toole’s classes got to work brainstorming book ideas and once each fifth-grade class decided on a vision for their book, they began the writing process. Except this one would be on a much larger scale.

Students worked to create their book over the course of a month. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

For a month, students diligently wrote “create pourquoi tales” and letters to their future selves — old legends told to explain why certain events happened.

“The joy the children had in achieving each step of the process was evident as they worked,” said O’Toole.

Once the text was completed, each child illustrated their work. After some revision and editing, the finished product was sent to the publishing company.

Just a few weeks later, the published books arrived and students were able to see all of their hard work come to life. At the end of June, children celebrated their accomplishment with an Italian ice publishing party at PS 30 where parents and other guests watched them walk the red carpet as published authors.

Students took part in a celebration at the end of the year. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

Students eat Italian ices in the school. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

Students celebrated their achievement. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

At the end of June, a special red carpet event and Italian ice party was held to celebrate students. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

Students were joined by family and other guests. (Courtesy/Angela O'Toole)

STOLE CEREMONY

A student from Staten Island was among nearly 70 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 who participated in the Jesuit school’s Donning of the Stole Ceremony.

Marilena Kumbios, who is from the borough, took part in the annual ceremony that celebrates and honors the accomplishments of members of its class of 2023 from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate and graduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony, which was a student-led initiative, was to highlight the students’ success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining higher education.

The students honored include outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients, future physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, accountants, business analysts, forensic chemists, nurses, and many other highly-successful members of the university’s graduating class.

The ceremony took place on campus as part of Scranton’s commencement activities and events earlier this year.

Kumbios earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting and was on the dean’s list. On campus, she was president of Urban Beats Crew and a member of the business club, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Society of Accounting Students and the University Student Programming Senior Programming Board.

She participated in numerous service programs including Street Sweep, Safe Trick-or-Treat, Relay for Life, and annual giving tree and Easter basket drives as well community service opportunities for Kania School of Management student clubs. She also participated in Midnight Madness, Family Weekend and volunteered at Commencement. She was a tutor at the Language Learning Center and interned at Carey & Co.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

SEND US YOUR STORIES

Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com.

ADDITIONAL IN CLASS COLUMNS

Staten Island youth dance team performs in citywide competition focused on social action | In Class column

2 Staten Island students recognized for their work in multimedia journalism | In Class column

From new leadership to new initiatives, here’s what’s on tap at Staten Island Academy | In Class column

School Zone: An education newsletter with the updates you need throughout the school year and beyond. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter:



FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.