As we continue the school year virtually, students and teachers have found fun and creative ways to stay engaged and connected, even without a physical classroom.
This month, Science Teacher Lindsey Rappaport’s Red Cluster class completed their final bridge building project.
Students learned about the three different bridges in New York City. Then, for their project, they applied what they learned to help Mayor Bill de Blasio (played by Ms. Rappaport) create a bridge for people to cross over the reservoir in Central Park.
The bridges had to be simple and inexpensive, and they had to be able to carry pedestrians.
“The students by far exceeded my expectations in terms of their ingenuity, positivity, and growth-mindset,” Ms. Rappaport said. “Like real engineers, they expertly applied what they learned from our bridge study to solve a problem — even if that meant completing the project in less than ideal circumstances.”
In Art Teacher Sophia Saad’s class, Pink and Red Cluster students were tasked with creating art inspired by artist James Rizzi.
James Rizzi was an American Pop artist best known for his vibrant, youthful graphics and three-dimensional prints.
“The students were asked to create whimsical buildings through shape and design,” Ms. Saad said. “They had to create windows out of unordinary shapes, objects, and designs, such as hearts and suns, and they had to decorate the buildings and windows with various colors and patterns.”
Head Teacher Nicole Goldman’s Green Cluster advisory class had a special visitor this past Tuesday.
John Meer, pediatrician and parent to Gaynor student Lucy, visited the class to share important information about the Coronavirus and his experience during this time, as well as to answer any student questions.
The class created a Q & A session with Dr. Meer where the students could ask two thoughtful questions about the pandemic. 
One question was, “How are masks helpful in protecting us from the virus?” And another was, “How is being a doctor different during this pandemic?”
Ms. Goldman said, “The students asked fruitful questions, and Dr. Meer responded to each of the students’ questions. I think this experience was important for the kids, since they felt comforted in learning more about how to be safe during this time.”
From building bridges to creating works of art to asking thoughtful questions, Gaynor students showed they can shine no matter the circumstances.