Yorktown first graders present science unit on sun, moon and stars; district and BOCES honor student of distinction

First graders from Mohan Sik School presented classroom projects on the sun, moon and stars and demonstrated hands‑on activities for the Yorktown Central School District Board of Education on Jan. 27. The classroom presentations highlighted how students used shadows to track the sun, built sundials, observed lunar phases and explored constellations.

Mohan Sik Principal Mrs. Berry introduced 12 first graders and thanked staff and families who supported the work. Students described key lessons: the sun determines day and night, the moon’s changing phases mark the month, shadows change with the sun’s position and constellations help people identify seasons. Several students demonstrated a sundial experiment and a model showing the relative movement of the sun, Earth and moon. The PTA sponsored a STAR Lab visit in December that students cited as part of their learning.

Board members and Superintendent Dr. Ron Hatter praised the students and teachers for their presentations. Several board members told the students they had taught the board members something new and commended students for public speaking.

Later in the meeting Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES representatives attended to present a student of distinction award. Lynn Allen, deputy superintendent at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, and Dr. Melissa Cafaro introduced Malachi, who staff said consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, engagement in classroom activities and supportive interactions with peers. BOCES and Yorktown staff congratulated Malachi on the distinction.

The presentations were part of the board’s “good news” segment; the board recessed briefly after the recognitions and then continued with the meeting’s business.