Lindenhurst Students Explore Teamwork With Islanders

LINDENHURST, NY - From Lindenhurst Union Free School District: Students in grades kindergarten through second at William Rall Elementary School in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District learned a lot about teamwork during a recent visit from “Sparky” the NY Islanders’ mascot and Dina Tsiorvas, an Islanders’ representative. The students watched a video in which members of the team shared what working as a team meant to them on the ice and in the community.

The concept of teamwork was illustrated further when Jonathan, a Rall student, and Marie Cohen, a Rall teacher, raced to dress in hockey gear. Jonathan had the help of a team, while Mrs. Cohen did not. The students saw firsthand how working together can lead to success.

At Lindenhurst Middle School, sixth-graders explored a similar message and a visit from Islanders center, Casey Cizikas, and goalie, Thomas Greiss, who described the similarities between hard work, teamwork and positive choices made on the ice and those made in classroom. The players explained to the students that
both lead to success.

The visit was part of the “Islander School Day” assembly program in which team players select and visit approximately 10 to 13 schools throughout Long Island and Brooklyn. The middle school was selected to participate based upon their ability to work together to accomplish goals, make a difference in the community and, of course, show their Islanders team spirit.

After the presentation, students asked the players questions, took photos and received autographs.

Photo courtesy of Lindenhurst Union Free School District