celebrated Flag Day with the whole school gathering outside by the flag pole, dressed in red, white and blue on June 14.
The Am Vets from Post 3 in Patchogue paraded by the children, who were all waving small flags. Boy and Girl Scouts in the fifth grade participated in a flag raising ceremony with the Am Vets too.
Sylvan Avenue Principal Alane Dugan explained that Flag Day was supposedly started by a Kindergarten teacher on June 14, 1885 to honor the flag. On this date in 1777 is when the United States officially adopted the flag.
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“Teaching the history of the flag and Flag Day is important. We want the students to be aware and understand the importance of the American Flag, and to develop loyalty and patriotism.”
Sylvan Avenue Speech Pathologists Christine Monahan and Laurie James-Katz organized the flag festivities. Every year it gets a little bigger and better.
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“A few years ago on Flag Day, we realized that Sylvan did not do anything to honor the flag," Monahan said. "We've spent the last three years bringing knowledge to our kids about the American Flag. I think any kid at Sylvan could probably give you a flag fact.”
James-Katz explained why she think it's important for the students to learn about Flag Day.
“I think at this point in our nation’s history with being at war for so many years, it's vital that the kids have some understanding to why we celebrate the flag and have patriotism.”
After the ceremony ended outside, the school went into the gym for an assembly that included singing the National Anthem, skits about the flag and flag facts. Also winners from Sylvan’s “What the Flag Means to Me” essay and poster contests were announced. A winning student from each grade received a prize from the PTA. Then everyone enjoyed a red, white and blue ice pop.
