Students Celebrate Flag Day in Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY - Students paid tribute to Old Glory in Riverhead Tuesday at Riley Avenue Elementary School as second graders participated in a patriotic concert directed by Riley music teacher Keith Maguire.

Parents and guests enjoyed the show.

"This program was started 24 years ago and correlates with the second grade curriculum as well as the annual Elk’s Lodge essay contest entitled, 'What the American Flag Means to Me,'" said Riley second grade teacher Lauren Farber.

Second graders participated in an interdisciplinary experience throughout their preparation for this event, a release from the district said. They not only wrote essays for the contest but they learned patriotic songs under the direction of the music department, studied the history of the flag, and created a pictorial representation of the flag by working with the art department.

Students in second grade learn about the flag as part of their social studies curriculum, studying Betsy Ross and the symbolism of the stars, stripes and colors.

Before each song a duet of students from each of the classes introduced the song with a historical presentation about the American flag.

Patch photo caption: Riley Avenue music teacher Keith Maguire leads Riley Avenue second graders in a patriotic song on Flag Day. Photo courtesy of Riverhead Central School District.