"Reptile Edventures": The Slimy, Snappy and Scaly Invade Sylvan

An Albino Python named Twinkie was the big event at Sylvan's PTA-organized Family Fun Night Friday, but all the creepy creatures showcased in Erik's Reptile Edventures helped entertain the more than 100 students and their families who attended.

Melyssa Entwistle, Sylvan PTA Vice President, wanted to make Family Fun Nights more educational and entertaining this year.  "We wanted to introduce a brand new activity that would get families really excited about coming," she said. "The kids are really enthusiastic about it."

Erik jumps right into the audience so everyone can interact with his reptiles. His excitement for these animals is contagious, as evident in the children's grins as he taught them about geography, science and safety.

Hissing cockroaches were the first creatures to entertain the families. There were also scorpions, lizards and a snapping turtle. All the children were able to give a frog high-fives. 

When Wally the alligator made an appearance, Erik taught the kids how to move like an alligator.

Twinkie "performed" with the help of some willing participants. It took nine children and three adults to lift her. 

Eight-year-old Haley Prisinzano helped hold Twinkie.  "I thought it would be cool to hold a snake. It was heavy, like 50 pounds and it felt scaly." 

After her performance, Twinkie was rewarded with her dinner - a dead rat. Parents and kids looked on in disgust and fascination.

Sylvan's Family Fun Night was a success and the PTA is already planning another one for December.

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With a PTA for every school in the Bayport-Blue Point School District, it can be tough to keep track of all the events.  Here is what is planned for the upcoming week.

Important Dates to remember:

• Nov. 7 - PTA Council Meeting at 7 p.m. at Admin Building Conference Room
• Nov. 8 – All schools closed for Election Day and Superintendent's Conference Day
• Nov. 10 - End of first marking period for grades 6-12
• Nov. 11 - All schools closed for Veteran's Day

Oct. 25 – Grade 4 Activity Night 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 & 4 – Book Fair

Sylvan Avenue PTA is on Facebook – “like” them

Ongoing - Halloween Costume Fundraiser: Purchase costume at WholeSaleCostumeClub.Com and enter promo code FUN793 and 15 percent of your order will go to Sylvan Avenue PTA.  Code also includes $4.99 shipping no matter how many costumes you buy and $5 membership fee waived.  Order by October 28.

Oct. 26-28 – Spirit Days

Oct. 27 – National Junior Honor Society Induction at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 – Food Drive

Nov. 3 - PTA Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 – Haunted House Fundraiser at 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 – Safe Halloween at 10 a.m.