Even though COVID-19 has changed many things, including the way schools operate, New Lebanon School students were still able to enjoy a fun, interactive and educational assembly last Friday.
By Richard Kaufman
JLine Dance Company, based out of New York City, gave the entire school a virtual, interactive show featuring high energy dance choreography. Afterwards, there was a 15 minute lecture portion in which students discussed spotting and stopping bullying, respecting yourself and others, and taking responsibility for your actions and leading a positive life.
Amy Rose, a fifth grade teacher and the Arts and Education Teacher Liaison, said that teaching young children how to be good citizens and human beings is crucial. Since New Lebanon is an international Baccalaureate School, Rose said JLine’s message tied in nicely with what the school calls its “learner profiles.”
“Right now, with everything going on in the world, social and emotional wellness and well being are so important as kids are trying to embark on this crazy journey called life right now. I think it’s really important to teach them to be an advocate for themselves and for others,” Rose said.
When asked what she learned, Natasha Tamayo, a third grader, said, “If you catch somebody bullying someone else, tell an adult you trust.”
Mason Fox, also a third grader, said he liked the dancing from JLine’s three performers.
The dancing component was important for students to experience, said Dana Rodriguez, Vice President of Cultural Enrichment for New Lebanon School.
“As a dancer myself, moving your body is critical in terms of exercise and getting those endorphins moving and what not. Kids really need that. You can express yourself through movement, and not just words or visual art,” Rodriguez said.
New Lebanon Principal Alley Michaelson said she wants to make the assembly an annual tradition.
“We loved the energy and the message JLine Dance Crew brought to New Leb. Not only were students moving their bodies, but they were thinking about ways to advocate for themselves in school and speak up when others are being hurt or feel uncomfortable,” Michaelson said.
Rodriguez noted that COVID-19 has allowed the school to offer different kinds of virtual experiences and assemblies for students that focus on music and arts, literacy, social/emotional well being, and science, from people in different parts of the country.
For example, last October, New Lebanon School took part in a program called “Bash the Trash,” which featured live performances from musicians who used instruments that were made from reused and repurposed materials. The performance combined science, music and environmental awareness.
“That was live with artists and performers who were in their living rooms, or in sound studios,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t even know if that program would have taken place if we weren’t in a pandemic. It featured artists from all over.”
Rodriguez hopes to continue some of the virtual assemblies and programs in the future.
“We are already discussing how we want to keep some of this for next year,” she said.
