Teamwork was the focus as Wantagh Middle School students were immersed in the fourth annual Citizen’s Day on Nov. 12. This year’s theme was “Together We Can Make a Difference” with activities throughout the day that reinforced this message. 

During advisory periods, students had to work together to create a piece of artwork on chart paper using just 20 sticky notes. In elective classes, students played shrinking iceberg with paper. The iceberg shrank as pieces of paper were taken away, and they had to figure out how to still get the same amount of people on the paper that remained. 

Students blew up balloons and wrote their names on them, then put the balloons into a pile. While their backs were turned, the balloons were scrambled up. After turning back around, they had to try to find their own. In the second round, students could help each other find their balloons to emphasize the value of teamwork. Citizen’s Day concluded with a tower-building challenge, with each team given scrap paper and tape to make the tallest structure. Every team member was given a different but equally important role. 

There were also core lessons for each grade, which focused on citizenship, connections, leadership, peer pressure and relationships. Students reflected on their concepts through reading passages, class discussions and writing assignments. Citizen’s Day was coordinated by social studies teachers Melissa Beckler and Victoria Briguglio.  

“As social studies teachers, civic participation is close to our hearts,” Ms. Briguglio said. “Every year for Citizen’s Day, our primary goal is to ensure students understand the tangible ways they can contribute to their community. Specifically, this year’s theme focused on fostering a deeper understanding of teamwork and the concept that actions and decisions have positive impacts on both their school environment and the wider Wantagh community. We believe this experience helps build responsible future citizens who recognize the power of collaborative effort.”