Eight members of the nationally ranked Hofstra University dance team visited Elwood Middle School on March 28 to lead a master class for EMS Knightline. This incredible opportunity allowed the team to learn firsthand from collegiate-level dancers, focusing on pom technique and a sidelines pom routine. The energy in the room was electric as the Knightline dancers pushed themselves to refine their skills, embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism. Beyond the physical training, the master class also featured a Q&A session where the EMS dancers gained valuable insight into what it takes to compete and perform at the collegiate level. The Hofstra dancers shared their experiences balancing academics and athletics, the dedication required to maintain their elite status, and the rewards of being part of a nationally ranked program.This master class was an unforgettable experience for the Knightline students, reinforcing their commitment to excellence while providing them with invaluable lessons from some of the best collegiate dancers in the country.

“Having the Hofstra team come in to work with our dancers was truly inspiring,” Knightline coach Joanna Maricondo said. “It gave our team a glimpse into the discipline and passion required at the next level. The growth and confidence I saw in my dancers throughout the class was incredible. A huge thank you to Hofstra for sharing their time, expertise and passion with us.”

The excitement continued for the middle schoolers the following week with a special visit to UBS Arena. Before the puck dropped at the New York Islanders hockey game on April 1, the team, joined by their Knightline counterparts from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School, warmed up the crowd with a spectacular pregame show in the great hall. With the Elwood Knights logo projected behind them, the Knightline teams showcased their moves in four upbeat and lively numbers: team, hip hop, pom, and kick. As if their stellar routines weren't enough to make the night unforgettable, the Islanders had a surprise for the students, presenting them with personalized jerseys proudly displaying “Knightline” on the back.

A dozen dedicated student-musicians from Elwood Middle School and six from James H. Boyd Intermediate School recently performed at the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association West Division I and II All-County Festivals. The concerts took place on March 9 at Northport High School.

Accepted for SCMEA were Sienna Boremski, Maddy DiLeone, Kailyn Dowlatram, Aaron Edwards, Theresa Gulino and Melanie Shek from Boyd; and William Brchnel, Nora Brzezinski, Daniel D’Angeli, Lukas Davis, Raho Kim, Sasha Kushnir, Allison McKenzie, Madelyn Moreno, Logan Ouziel, Camila Quirogas, Aren Saunders and Ella Zwang from EMS.

Date Added: 4/15/2025

Elwood Middle School’s Future Teachers and Administrators of Elwood, known as the FATE Club, took a special trip to James H. Boyd Intermediate School at the end of March. These aspiring educators took a brave step into the world of teaching as they planned and executed a full lesson for all of Boyd’s third-grade classes at. The FATE Club students spent most of February and March planning and practicing, and presented the teachers with formal lesson plans in advance of their visit. They received feedback and prepared all their materials. Each lesson consisted of a book read aloud, followed by a writing activity and games at the end. 

“The future teachers, all in grades 6 and 7, worked through their initial nerves to lead their classes with confidence and enthusiasm,” English as a New Language teacher Elle Chan said. “The third graders were exceptionally well behaved, and were very eager to ask questions and participate. By the end of the experience, neither party wanted to say goodbye. It was a truly wonderful exchange for all involved.  

Date Added: 4/9/2025

Elwood Middle School’s musical production of “Legally Blonde Jr.,” presented on March 14 and 15, was a smash hit thanks to the incredible dedication of its student cast and crew. From Nora Brzezinski starring as Elle Woods, to the students playing her Harvard classmates, every performer brought energy, humor and heart to the stage, captivating the audience with their talents. The musical numbers were full of enthusiasm, and the actors’ comedic timing had the crowd laughing throughout. Backstage, the student-led crew worked tirelessly to ensure smooth scene changes, lighting cues and sound effects, proving that their hard work was just as crucial as what happened on stage. The set, props and costumes all reflected their creativity and attention to detail. 

Based on the 2001 comedy film and 2007 Broadway version, the musical was directed by Joanna Maricondo, with Amelia Profaci serving as music director, Joana Osman as art and stage crew director, and Alex Wightman as stage prop director.

“After six months of rehearsals and preparation, our students’ efforts paid off with standing ovations and cheers from an impressed audience,” Osman said. “Their passion and teamwork made ‘Legally Blonde Jr.’ a performance to remember!”

Date Added: 3/24/2025

This January, Elwood Middle School launched its first Spare a Pair Sock Drive, with the goal of collecting 400 pairs of socks for those in need. Organized by student leadership, and guided by advisers Jill Locascio and Scott Mikelbank, the drive encouraged donors to participate by adding a paper sock to the school’s “sock-o-meter” display for each donation. 

To spread the word about the drive, student leadership distributed weekly community flyers, organized a Socks & Sandals spirit day and hosted a buildingwide Simon Says Socks game, in which three winners were awarded prizes. The drive concluded in mid-February with over 500 pairs of socks collected, which were then delivered to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.
 
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Elwood staff and the community, we far surpassed our goal,” Locascio said. “We are deeply grateful for every contribution, and this sock drive is a powerful reminder of how a community can come together to support a meaningful cause.”

Date Added: 3/5/2025