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Schools

Grundy Puts on Annual Peace Play

Second grade students celebrate tolerance, friendship and diversity through poetry and song.

The innocent and hopeful voices of children rang out in the cafeteria of last week.  The second grade students did a terrific job putting on a Peace Play, which is an annual event at the school.

The children recited poems and sang songs that celebrated diversity, tolerance, friendship and acceptance.

Poetry featured was written by various poets such as Shel Silverstein, and chosen by teachers at the school.

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Chelsea Dorner, Grundy's music teacher picked musical selections from composers such as Theresa Jennings that reflected the themes of peace, unity and kindness.

The audience was filled with parents, grandparents, siblings, family members and faculty who took time out of their busy day to relax and enjoy a positive and uplifting experience.

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"Some of the parents have told me they'd been in the Peace Play, so it's been going on quite a while," said Grundy Principal, Dominique Kawas. 

"It's really great here at Grundy; we're trying to create an atmosphere of acceptance and peace.  We're proactive.  It's important for [students] to be proactive and spread peace throughout the building and their lives," said Kawas.

Board of Education member, Michael Isernia was in attendance.  His daughter, Victoria, is very active in the Sachem North Drama Club.  She was most recently featured in the lead role of Belle in the school's production of , so Isernia understands the importance of instilling a love for the arts and performance at a young age.

"I thought it was really cute," he said.  "When things are cut, the performing arts suffer.  I want to be supportive.  I want kids to be comfortable performing, so when they get to middle school they want to audition."

At the end of the 45 minute performance, during which the children sang in perfect harmony, and recited all their lines eloquently and together as a group, Dorner was presented with flowers for all her help and dedication in putting on the spectacular show.

The children only had about a month to practice, and really worked hard to give it their all.

"It's amazing what they can do when they're motivated and excited about something," said Dorner.  "You can't help but be joyous when you watch them."

"They did a beautiful job," said Jennifer Lyons, whose daughter Shannon was in the play.  "This is so important, especially in these times with what's going on in school with ."

Her daughter came home singing every night after practicing.  "They seemed to have loved it," said Lyons.  "She didn't just sing, she knew what the words meant, and said she felt like crying, because even in second grade they do get bullied and picked on."

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