Fifth Graders Rise Up

Congratulations, Cottage Lane Elementary School fifth graders!

Under sunny skies, the Cottage Lane chorus kicked off this morning’s Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony with a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” under the direction of CLE Chorus teacher Danelle Greene. 

During her address to the graduating class, CLE Principal Karen Scarth, Ed.D., spoke about the importance of giving students voice and choice in their learning and how their peer leader program with the third graders helped shape them into mentors. “Watching you guys as our leaders and mentors by playing games with third graders during recess, encouraging them to join a game, was one of my favorite parts of the year,” noted Scarth. “Each of you had a third grader who looked up to you and they had a better third grade year, even in a small way, because of you. That is being a mentor and that is leadership. Continue to be leaders for those who look like they need a friend during lunch or recess and have them join you. Not all leadership looks big. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet things.”

After certificates of completion were presented to each student. Assistant Principal Danielle Page, Ed.D., announced Jane C. as the 2026 recipient of their new Cottage Lane Leadership Award inspired by their CLE Great Student Rubric, which recognizes a student who models kindness, empathy, leadership and is always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. School Counselor Stephanie Chahales announced Oshi P. as the 2026 Lori McGrath Award, which recognizes a student who demonstrates the character traits of respect, responsibility, kindness and integrity. 

The ceremony also included remarks from South Orangetown Middle School Assistant Principal Stephanie Grace, who officially welcomed the incoming sixth grade class!