School News, January 23, Southampton Town

Hampton Bays Elementary School students were filled with excitement recently with the opening of an expanded playground, which has been in the works since 2022. New play structures, a fitness course with various obstacles and a RopeVenture Vertex have been added, as well as nearby benches. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hampton Bays Elementary School students were filled with excitement recently with the opening of an expanded playground, which has been in the works since 2022. New play structures, a fitness course with various obstacles and a RopeVenture Vertex have been added, as well as nearby benches. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT

In honoring the memory of President Jimmy Carter, Hampton Bays Elementary School students recently learned more about his life. Fourth-graders in Karly Schmitt’s class watched videos and researched important facts about the 39th president. Second-graders in Kaleigh McLaren’s class studied his contributions to the country. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Southampton Intermediate School students have been participating in Zumba fitness during their physical education classes through the instruction of guest Zumba instructor Sabrina Manglaviti. As part of the activity, students are being introduced to a variety of international rhythms and movements while familiarizing themselves with another form of physical activity where they can express themselves and de-stress. Manglaviti, who is working toward her master’s in physical education, has been teaching Zumba at the intermediate school for the past 11 years. “Zumba helps students to feel confident and have fun,” she said. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hampton Bays High School culinary arts students with chef Conor Curtis are providing catering for the Hampton Bays School District’s new Bilingual Parent Partnership initiative. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Fifth grade students at Westhampton Beach Elementary School recently presented a performance of “Bebop with Aesop,” a musical based on five of Aesop's fables, including “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” Music teacher Alexandra Gogas, who directed the production, said she selected it because it “teaches the various morals from each fable in a very fun and entertaining fashion with great music.” The production featured 45 cast and crew members. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT

In marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Southampton School District hosted award-winning author Christopher Stewart, who wrote the “Becoming Ari” series. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

In marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Southampton School District hosted award-winning author Christopher Stewart, who wrote the “Becoming Ari” series. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Sagaponack School students are learning about water safety and learning to swim at the YMCA-ReCenter in East Hampton. COURTESY SAGAPONACK SCHOOL

Our Lady of the Hamptons School student scholarship recipients are, from left, Vincent Bellucci, Gavin McGreevy, Mikayla Torres and Shayla Guerrero. Sofia Brady, not pictured, also received a scholarship. COURTESY OUR LADY OF THE HAMPTONS SCHOOL