Wantagh Elementary Grads Return to Shadow Teachers

Posted Date: 02/06/2024

While everyone had their eyes glued to Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow predicting spring or winter in six weeks, Wantagh Elementary was in the middle of its own Shadow Day. Each year on February 2^nd, students from Wantagh High School visit one of the elementary schools to shadow teachers in hopes of learning about what it takes to be a teacher.

Ten students spent half of the day at Wantagh Elementary where they all once attended as students. Michael Muscarnera, an 11^th grade student and trumpet player, helped band teacher Ms. Fisher teachr future trumpet players with their weekly lesson. “I may want to teach music as a means,” says Michael. “I may teach music so I can still play gigs at night.”

When asked what stood out the most during Shadow Day, Rachel Rissland, 12^th grader and 1^st grade teacher for the day, said she noticed that her teacher was strict while teaching, but the kids were still learning.

Each student spent the first half of the day learning what it takes to be a teacher including patience. Sadie Reich and Julia Avena, both 11^th grade kindergarten teachers for the day, have both participated in Shadow Day twice and love working with children. Sadie also participates in the College Developmental Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence class at Wantagh High School and is thinking about studying elementary education when she graduates.

Students participating in Shadow Day included:

Freshmen

Peter Kanellis

Sophomore

Anna Bonella

Juniors

Arianna Aufiero

Julia Avena

Michael Muscarnera

Sadie Reich

Layla Saka

Seniors

Rachel Rissland