Pulaski Welcomes Incoming Students with P.R.I.D.E.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK—Pulaski Street Intermediate School recently hosted its annual fourth-grade tour to help incoming students with their transition into a new building this fall. Pulaski administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, staff, and student leaders collaborated to welcome students who will join the Pulaski community as fifth graders in the 2024–2025 academic year.

“As our students enter this new phase of their educational journeys, it is our priority to ensure they feel comfortable and prepared,” said Riverhead Central School District Interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich. “Our students’ excitement throughout the tour was palpable, and we look forward to amplifying this enthusiasm over the summer as we enter the 2024–2025 school year.”

Current fourth graders from the district’s four K-4 elementary schools—Aquebogue Elementary School, Phillips Avenue Elementary School, Riley Avenue Elementary School, and Roanoke Elementary School—were treated to a thorough tour of the building and visited fifth grade classrooms. At the conclusion of the tour, the fourth graders gathered in the Howard H. Hovey Auditorium to learn about Pulaski P.R.I.D.E. and its accompanying chant. The Pulaski P.R.I.D.E. program inspires students to emulate the school’s core character traits of patience, respect, inclusivity, determination, and encouragement, which combine to form the P.R.I.D.E. acronym. The Pulaski team answered students’ questions, and the room was teeming with excitement as the fourth graders expressed their eagerness to return in September.

“This event was Pulaski P.R.I.D.E. at its best,” said Pulaski Street Intermediate School Principal Patrick Burke. “In the past, we only offered the fourth-grade tour, but we now provide two additional opportunities for students and their families to acclimate comfortably with the transition to Pulaski.”

Two years ago, a summer play date event with the Pulaski administrators, PTO, and social and emotional learning team was added to help students and families adjust to their new learning environment. An evening meet-and-greet with families was also initiated two years ago and occurred on June 17th this year.

For more information about the Riverhead Central School District, please visit the district’s website at www.riverhead.net. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverheadCSD. #BlueWavesPride.