At Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School, the Writing Workshop initiative provides a supportive and collaborative environment for writers to improve their skills by encouraging regular writing practice and providing individualized feedback. This “workshop model” emphasizes and focuses on the importance of the process of writing by incorporating peer review, meaningful communication, critical thinking and editing and revising skills.

“This approach aligns with our growth mindset philosophy and provides students with opportunities to learn from one another, share their writing, and gain confidence in their growing writing ability,” Principal Briana James said.

Last November, Sherwood’s writers showcased all that they learned during Writing Workshop by participating in the first schoolwide writing celebration of the 2024-2025 year. Invitees to the celebration included second-grade parents, district administrators and Board of Education trustees. To keep the tradition alive, the celebration was kicked off with student representatives from each grade sharing what they learned as writers with the entire student body via livestream, which they also shared when presenting at the district’s October Board of Education meeting.

On Jan. 23, Sherwood celebrated again, with parents of third graders invited to join the festivities.

“At this time, we have completed one fiction and one nonfiction unit,” James said. “We can’t wait to dive into our next writing pieces and look forward to another celebration in April.”

Date Added: 2/3/2025

For the third consecutive year, the National Circus Project came to Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School in January for a weeklong program of circus training with professional circus performers and educators, made possible by the school’s PTA and generous contributions from families during Sherwood’s 2024 Boosterthon fundraiser.

All Sherwood students in grades 2 through 5 participated during physical education classes, learning circus tricks and skills in acrobatics and balance. These activities foster physical strength and motor skills; promote confidence; build character; and encourage creativity, patience, perseverance, self-discipline and teamwork, all while having a tremendous amount of fun. Over the course of the week, each child participated in at least 80 minutes of training, in activities such as balancing feathers and brooms, walking on stilts, juggling, spinning plates, manipulating flower sticks, twirling hula hoops, and creating clown comedy acts. Fifth graders practiced every single day, and on some days more than once, creating great memories while preparing for a culminating Jan. 10 performance in front of their friends and families.

“During the five intensive days of training, it was truly incredible to see the confidence of our students grow, as they persevered through a new challenging, yet supportive experience,” Principal Briana James said. “Overall, it was a great week of growth and development for the children, as their hard work really paid off. The children really supported each other throughout the entire week, and hearing them cheer each other on and offer words of encouragement was wonderful. We love hosting the National Circus Project and are already looking forward to next year.” 

Date Added: 1/27/2025

Student singers from Islip High School and Islip Middle School embarked on their caroling rounds across the district on Dec. 19, making cheerful stops at Commack Road, Sherwood, Wing and the district office, as well as over the high school’s PA system. Led by Dr. Rich Harris, who accompanied the singers on keyboards, the approximately 100 choral students worked hard to prepare for this exuberant annual celebration of holiday music and community spirit.

“This is one of our favorite Islip traditions, and a reminder of music’s ability to connect us all, especially during the holidays,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 1/9/2025