In recognition of Better Speech and Hearing Month, the speech pathology team at Setauket Elementary School led a powerful and thought-provoking activity with sixth grade students to raise awareness about communication challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Students began by watching “Out of My Mind,” a film that follows a sixth grade girl with cerebral palsy who is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. The story highlights her journey of finding her voice through an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. With access to AAC, she is finally able to demonstrate her intelligence, eventually winning a school academic competition despite facing judgment and exclusion from peers and adults alike.

To deepen the learning experience, students were given blank communication boards and asked to choose the most essential words they would need to communicate. Then, using only their boards, students attempted to complete classroom tasks and make requests of their teachers, mirroring the experience of relying on AAC.

This impactful activity not only promoted empathy and inclusion but also allowed students to reflect on the importance of communication and the barriers that many individuals overcome every day. The Setauket speech pathology team hopes this experience inspires greater understanding and respect for all voices, spoken or otherwise.

Date Added: 5/22/2025

Fourth grade students from Ms. Toner’s class at Nassakeag Elementary and Mr. Gustafson’s class at Setauket Elementary recently joined forces for an exciting cross-school STEAM challenge called “Ship a Chip.”

With guidance from Ms. Janet Guglielmo and Ms. Toni Conlon in the science lab, students collaborated in small teams to design and build protective packaging capable of keeping a potato chip intact while being shipped through the mail to the other school. The challenge combined science, engineering and creative problem-solving as students tested materials and strategies to cushion the chip during transit.

Once the packages arrived, both classes livestreamed the grand unwrapping. Students eagerly examined the results, discussing which design elements were most successful, the challenges they faced and what improvements could be made for future attempts.

The “Ship a Chip” challenge not only brought science and engineering concepts to life but also fostered teamwork, critical thinking and collaboration across school communities.

Date Added: 4/30/2025

Setauket Elementary School has officially opened its new Indoor Recess Room. The adaptable space was designed with all students in mind, offering a welcoming environment that encourages engagement, creativity and connection regardless of the weather.

The project was made possible through the efforts of the School-Based Site Management Team, generous community donations, contributions from fifth and sixth grade students, and dedicated staff members who volunteered both time and resources.

In addition to providing a space for indoor play, the Indoor Recess Room is intended to positively impact student behavior by offering increased opportunities for meaningful engagement during recess.

Setauket Elementary expresses sincere appreciation to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.

Date Added: 4/22/2025