By Maria Simmons
Columnist

On April 13  PS 126 students really showcased their talents at their Annual Science Fair. It was held in the school gymnasium and it was wonderful. The students submitted every kind of science project you can think of, with topics ranging from how fast a cheetah runs to what the best diapers for babies are.  The energy and spirit were high and electric as all came in to see what our future leaders were thinking and saying about their creations and scientific observations.

First, second, and third  place designations were awarded  for all grade levels.  Fourth- grader Joan Cabral won first place for “Magnets; Which was the strongest?”  Second place also went to a fourth-grader: Kianna Chaplin , for “Crystals; What are they all about?” Third Place went  to Richard Pena and Kevin Troncoso for their experiment of which diaper was the most absorbent.

Fourth-grader Carlos Bonilla stated that he was excited about the Science Fair, but  expressed that he did not win. I explained to him that he indeed did win, just by being in the contest.

Mr. Castle Chaplin, Kianna’s father stated that he was very proud of his daughter and that “she really put a lot of work into her project”.
The Panthers (PS 126 Cheerleading Team) won the championship trophy in the borough- wide contest. The next morning there was a very big trophy in the school’s main office with a picture of The Panthers.

Let us take this time to commend Ms. Deseree Cabrall and Mrs. Jerlene Ward (PS 126 Teachers) on the wonderful job they have done with the Panthers. These teachers have fundraising events every year to raise funds for uniforms, sneakers and more.

PS 126 also showcased Multi-Cultural Day on April 29, 2007 that transported the school into far away places like China, India, Africa, Italy and Mexico. Ms. Nadine Kee-Foster, PS 126 Principal, stated that all the work and attention to detail put into making this an educational and cultural experience for the children was “overwhelmingly beautiful”.

Staff and parents brought in dishes and items from their respective country as well as music samples and the school was transformed. Let us thank Ms. Deseree Cabral for thinking of and organizing this event.  Ms. Cabral began this Multi-Cultural celebration six years ago and she expressed that “the students really enjoyed transforming the school, they were learning but having fun at the same time”. She went on to say that “this event exposes and teaches the children to more than just what is in their neighborhood and that she hoped that it would inspire them to want to continue to learn and experience other cultures as well”.

I think it is important that we continue to support, encourage, nurture and celebrate our children as they need us to see them through these times. They need our hugs, our smiles, our encouragement and much more from us. This is critical when it comes to them feeling like whole, accomplished individuals. Other communities have a comprehensive support system for their children and I think we should have one as well.  Again, I can’t stress enough how crucial this is; we need to intervene and ensure to the best of our ability that outside forces  do not distract or recruit our youngsters.

You may ask how do we do that? We can start by being more involved with our youth, like really listening and engaging them, and also by supporting our schools and community programs. This community has many resources for families and children that are under- utilized. Yet, we have all of these concerns and challenges that we are facing here in High Bridge.

Please allow me to express that YES,  your support really makes a difference.  PS 126 Principal Mrs. Nadine Kee-Foster couldn’t have said it any better when she coined the phrase:  “Together We Can Make The Difference” and this is so powerful and, most of all, true.

In the beginning of the school year I challenged parents especially to make this school year the best ever as far as being involved. I must say that I have noticed some improvement and to all of those parents and concerned community residents I want to applaud you. For the rest, I want to encourage that you try a little bit harder as, in the end, we will all benefit, Our Children and Our Community. Come On Let’s Celebrate Our Children!