‘May The 4th Be With You’: Smithtown Students Build Rebel Bases, Craft Lightsabers

Hands-on STEM challenges, Yoda crafts and lightsaber workouts brought Star Wars Day to life for students in Smithtown, school officials say.

By Kepherd Daniel, Patch Staff

May 4, 2026 4:55 pm EDT

Students and helpers pose with their completed Yoda puppets during a hands-on Star Wars Day lesson at Mills Pond Elementary School. (Courtesy Smithtown Central School District)

SMITHTOWN, NY — The force was strong at Mills Pond Elementary School on May 4, as students across multiple grade levels took part in a day of Star Wars-themed learning, creativity and hands-on fun.

Library media specialist Meghan Dyckova transformed the school’s library into an interactive galaxy, leading activities designed to engage students through storytelling, STEM challenges and imaginative play.

Dressed as C-3PO, Dyckova guided third- and fourth-grade students through a creative engineering task, where they designed and built new rebel bases for iconic characters using Magna-Tiles and LEGOs. The activity encouraged problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.

Younger students joined in on the fun as well.

First graders partnered with high school helpers to create Yoda puppets, blending art and storytelling in a collaborative setting. Kindergarten classes participated in a Star Wars-themed read-aloud before crafting their own mini “lightsabers” using straws and small lights.

Students also took part in a Jedi-themed workout, adding movement and energy to the day’s activities.

The celebration brought together multiple grade levels and learning styles, turning a pop culture moment into an opportunity for creativity, teamwork and hands-on education.

Kindergarten students created mini “lightsabers” and participated in a Jedi-themed workout during Star Wars Day activities at Mills Pond Elementary School. (Courtesy Smithtown Central School District)

Students work together to design a “rebel base” using Magna-Tiles as part of a Star Wars-themed STEM challenge led by librarian Meghan Dyckova. (courtesy of Smithtown Central School District)

A “May the 4th” Star Wars Day poster welcomed students to a galaxy of learning at Mills Pond Elementary School. (Courtesy of Smithtown Central School District)

Students show off their handmade Yoda puppets alongside high school helpers during a Star Wars-themed activity at Mills Pond Elementary School (Courtesy of Smithtown Central School District)

Library media specialist Meghan Dyckova gets into the spirit of Star Wars Day with a playful R2-D2-themed headpiece while leading activities on May 4. (Courtesy of Smithtown Central School District)