Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School recently presented Imaginary, an enchanting new musical that explores the magic of childhood, the power of imagination, and the journey of growing up. This exciting production, from Jan/ 31 to Feb. 2, was the New York premiere of the musical and captivated audiences with its heartfelt storyline and talented performers.
Featuring catchy tunes and touching ballads, Imaginary follows a young protagonist as they navigate a mystery at their new school—why are all these students acting like zombies? To save the day they must learn to harness the power of friendship and imagination. As the story unfolds, the audience is reminded of the importance of nurturing creativity and connection in a world that often emphasizes the pursuit of perfect grades instead.
“The themes of Imaginary resonate deeply with children and adults alike,” said Christine Creighton and Laurel Ormiston, the directors of the musical. “It’s a story about holding onto the magic of your imagination while embracing the changes that come with growing up. We were incredibly proud to bring this inspiring production to the stage for the first time in New York, and to be able to give that unique opportunity for both cast and audience to experience something brand new.”
The cast, comprised of Port Jefferson Middle School students, showcased their months of dedicated work by delivering joyful, expressive performances. “We could not be more proud of these students. For many, this was their first show, and we hope that this was the start of their journey here with our phenomenal Royals’ performing arts community,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, the Port Jefferson Director of Music and Fine Arts.
The musical was also brought to life through exquisite lighting, props, costumes, and beautifully crafted sets which were the result of generous efforts by both parent volunteers and Port Jefferson staff. “Our students and families have been one of the best to work with because of their enthusiasm, teamwork, and talent,” noted Creighton.
The Port Jefferson Middle School community came together to enjoy this extraordinary event, with many students, teachers, and families attending the performances. The success of Imaginary marks another milestone in the school’s long history of producing high-quality theatrical productions.
Allison Wong with her project. Photo by Kelly Gwydir
By Daniel Dunaief
Over 150 students around Long Island recently caught the science bug.
Allison Wong with Marivia Fernández-Serra. Photo courtesy of Kelly Gwydir
Students from kindergarten through 12th grade made one-minute videos to celebrate historic women in science as a part of the Institute for Advanced Computational Science’s (IACS) second annual competition.
Contestants in the Stony Brook University challenge described their connection with women who sometimes operated in the scientific shadows, while they also described an experiment they did that highlighted an important concept or achievement from the work of historical role models.
“We want to recognize the importance of women in the history of science and engineering,” said Mónica Buggalo, a co-chair of the event and professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineeringand at the IACS. Despite the young age of some of the participants, Buggalo was “blown away by how confident they are. It’s unbelievable.”
On Feb. 13, in honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the finalists provided a two-minute summary of their work and then the IACS named the winners, who will receive cash prizes.
Baylee Stanton from Saxton Middle School and Allison Wong from Lynbrook South Middle School were tied for first place. Each of them will receive $875.
“I’m really proud of myself because this is a pretty advanced topic,” said Wong.
The students presented their one minute videos on any of 10 women.
Wong selected Katherine Johnson, whom she had studied in fourth grade during Black History Month.
“She inspired me to keep learning,” said Wong.
Allison Wong describing her project. Photo by Kelly Gwydir
After describing Johnson, who was one of the scientists featured in the movie “Hidden Figures” and for whom two NASA facilities are named, as an “African American mathematician who fundamentally transformed the field of aerospace engineering,” Wong went on to describe her project.
She set up an experiment using a catapult and four projectiles, in which she recorded the flight time and distance for a ping pong ball, cotton ball, bottle cap and marble. She recorded these measurements five times each at three different angles.
In an interview, Wong suggested that Johnson’s legacy is important as she calculated trajectories for the first US manned space flight and for Apollo 11.
Wong, who wants to be a doctor when she grows up, explained that the experience of competing made her feel “really inspired.”
She plans to put the money into a bank account and hopes to use it later in life.
Allison’s father David Wong was thrilled with the program and hopes it grows exponentially over the years, as the experience about researching women role models is inspirational.
David Wong said he himself knew about three of the scientists the contestants profiled, including Rosalind Franklin, who helped determine the double helical structure of the genetic material DNA and Marie Curie, who conducted ground breaking research on radiation and was the first woman to earn a degree from the University of Paris.
The opportunity to learn about the other scientists on the list was “eye opening,” David Wong said.
Designing a paper bag
Lucy Jane Sammarco. Photo courtesy of Samarco family
While many grocery shoppers might take the paper bag for granted, that is not the case for Hampton Street second grader Lucy Samarco.
Samarco learned about Margaret E. Knight, who had 27 patents and 100 inventions and was called “Lady Edison.” Knight developed the machine that created the flat bottomed paper bag, which is still in use today.
Samarco, who won an honorable mention for her entry and will collect $300 from the IACS, said the morning announcements in school included her result in the competition.
Her classmates clapped for her, which made her smile.
Samarco, who made a volcano that included baking soda, white crystals and water the weekend after the competition, wants to be a scientist when she grows up. Her favorite animal is the pink parrot.
Lucy’s mother Tricia Samarco was overwhelmed with emotion.
Lucy Jane Sammarco. Photo courtesy of Samarco family
All the competitors, who were mostly but not exclusively girls, were “absolutely amazing,” said Tricia Samarco. She said she was impressed with their confidence and their ability to speak in public.
Mike Samarco, Lucy’s father, was concerned that the project might be too challenging for Lucy and that he and his wife might not be able to offer much help.
“She kept coming back and saying, ‘This project looks exciting,” Mike Samarco said. Eventually, Lucy’s enthusiasm won the day.
Ultimately, Lucy has no shortage of ambition or ideas, suggesting she wanted to discover things, change the world and, perhaps, become president.
Strawberry DNA
Julia and Valerie D’Amico. Photo courtesy of D’Amico family
Mineola sisters Julia and Valerie D’Amico, who took home an honorable mention in last year’s competition, received a third place prize for their description and experiment on Franklin.
“She played a great part in discovering DNAs double helical structure,” said Julia, who is in 7th grade at Mineola Middle School. “We were inspired by her.”
The tandem, who received $500 for coming in third, conducted an experiment to extract DNA from a strawberry.
“It was cool seeing how you could do it,” said Valerie, who is in third grade at Jackson Avenue School. Valerie has longer term ambitions to study archeology.
Julia suggested that some of the women scientists from earlier times might have confronted biases against them if they were interested in science or math.
The combination plans to enter the contest again next year as well.
Enriching and enjoyable
Marivia Fernández-Serra, who also co-chaired the event and is a professor in Physics & Astronomy and at the IACS, appreciated how much fun the participants have.
She enjoys watching them take pictures with their scientists.
Fernández-Serra described the event as a “celebration of students.
The goal was of what she described as an “outreach activity” was to “get students excited about doing science and doing research and aspiring to come and start degrees at universities.”
Fernández-Serra suggested that the IACS may break the competition down into different age groups, with entries from elementary, middle school and high school.
Buggalo is thrilled that student competitors are demonstrating interest that extend beyond the challenge.
“There is a lot of excitement about science,” said Buggalo. “Some of them ask about opportunities that the university offers. We do have summer camps and academic activities in research.”
Think about your favorite song. What about it lifts your spirit? Maybe it’s the lyrics that feel so relatable, or the catchy melody that gets stuck in your head for days. For many people, though, good music is all about rhythm — a driving beat that makes you bob your head and want to dance.
The Stony Brook University Orchestra is tuning up to celebrate the power of rhythm at their annual Family Orchestra Concert on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The hour-long performance is meant to expose listeners of all ages to classical music in a relaxed, lighthearted atmosphere.
Alicja Paruch
The orchestra is comprised of more than 70 Stony Brook students from all backgrounds. Some are music majors or minors, while others are studying in STEM fields and race from the lab to rehearsals. Conductor Susan Deaver scours the university’s music collection each year to find pieces that work well together and create a unique theme.
“I tried to highlight a variety of different rhythms with this concert, not just from piece to piece but also varying rhythms within the pieces as well,” said Deaver of this year’s selections. “And as always, we’ll teach people about all the different sounds an orchestra can make — the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion — along with different dynamics and moods they can create. It’s going to be like a kaleidoscope.”
The concert’s lineup includes Alfred Reed’s “A Festival Prelude,” with sweeping and march-like elements; Jerry Brubaker’s “That Gershwin Rhythm,” a medley of hits from the famous American composer behind “I Got Rhythm”; and a rollicking section called “Hoe-Down” from Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo,” among others.
This year’s featured soloist is 21-year-old music major Alicja Paruch, the 2024 winner of the Undergraduate Concerto Competition. The majority of previous winners played either the piano or violin, but Paruch is playing an instrument that you don’t often see in the spotlight — the marimba. Paruch will perform selections from Ney Rosauro’s Marimba Concerto.
“I started by playing piano when I was young, and when I came [back to the United States] I looked for opportunities to continue but they were hard to come by,” said Paruch, who was born in the U.S. but primarily raised in Poland. “My high school teacher suggested I try the bells.”
The marimba is a percussion instrument in the bells family, and is played using mallets like a xylophone. The layout is similar to a piano, and Paruch made the transition comfortably. She was eventually skilled enough to play with many mallets simultaneously, holding several in each hand.
Paruch admitted she entered the concerto competition just for extra practice. The results shocked her.
“I was hoping to get some extra feedback and improve my playing. I didn’t think that I would win,” she laughed. “I was so surprised!”
A short composition by LeRoy Anderson, “The Typewriter,” will be another highlight. The fast-moving piece puts an actual typewriter in the spotlight, weaving the clacking of the keys and the “ding!” that precedes the carriage return with the orchestral sounds.
As Deaver was developing the concert list, she was delighted when freshman Maximo Flores approached her with some unexpected news: Flores collects typewriters. In fact, he owns five of them.
“I’m fascinated by antiques, and I love the idea of preserving parts of the past,” said Flores, a biology and music major whose main instrument is clarinet. “I got my first typewriter on Craigslist, and now I try to find them wherever I can.”
Deaver naturally asked Flores if he’d like to learn the typewriter solo for the piece.
“I’m an introvert, so this isn’t something I would usually seek out, but I’m a curious person and I love a challenge,” he said.
All told, the concert will be an exciting mix of selections that anyone can appreciate.
“When we say it’s a family concert, we truly mean the whole family can come and enjoy it, even the littlest ones. Some songs may be recognizable, and others will be a brand new experience,” Deaver explained. “Getting to hear an orchestra live and in person is also about getting to see the different instruments, learn how they work and the different sounds they can create. There’s a misconception that the orchestra is very serious, but the whole point is to enjoy the music. And maybe your feet won’t be able to stay still!”
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The SBU Family Orchestra Concert will be held on the Main Stage of Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 631-632-7330 or visit www.stonybrook.edu/music.
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will welcome back Anthony Marinello, owner of Dropseed Native Landscapes Native Plant Nursery and a bird-habitat specialist, to speak on supporting native backyard songbirds on Sunday, February 23, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Songbirds add beauty and delight to our world. Backyard bird watching and feeding is a cherished tradition for many who appreciate our feathered friends. Marinello will give a presentation on how to support common backyard songbirds with native plants, bird feeders, and other habitat elements. Afterward, participants will make pinecone feeders.
Marinello is a New York State Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional as well as a Certified National Audubon Habitat and Ecosystems Land Professional.
Beth Laxer-Limmer, Director of Education, said, “The Museum is excited to have Anthony Marinello back to share his knowledge of native birds and plants and how we can create a backyard ecosystem for songbirds.”
For adults and children 10 and up. Participating children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
ROAD TRIP: Catch a screening of 'A Goofy Movie' at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington on Feb. 23.
PROGRAMS
February Break at the Hatchery
Enjoy February Break at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor with Homemade Playdough on Feb. 20 and a Hatchery Tour with live animal encounters on Feb. 21. No reservations necessary. All activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and arefree with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Gesture drawing
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport offers a Gesture Drawing Workshop with artist Wendy Klemperer on Feb. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. Participants will view drawings and sculptures in her exhibition Wrought Taxonomies, practice gestural drawing, and learn about the artistic process of creating sculpture that captures movement and form. For kids in grades 5 to 8 only. Tickets are $45, $40 members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Stellar Suncatchers and Solar Observing
Children ages 9 to 12can learn all about the Sun, create stellar suncatchers and safely look directly at the Sun through a solar telescope (weather permitting) at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport on Feb. 20 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. $10 per child, $8 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
World Whale Week Crafts
Celebrate World Whale Week at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor by dropping in to make crafts on Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. See and touch real whale bones from the museum’s exhibit and learn how you can help keep the oceans safe for these incredible creatures. Make an interactive ocean sensory jar featuring a clay whale of your own creation. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. 631-367-3418
Girl Scouts Drop-in Day at the LIM
The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook invites Girl Scouts to drop-in and spend the afternoon exploring their two newest exhibitions about democracy in America, Voices and Votes and Building the Ballot Box, with an extra special focus on some courageous women who changed history on Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Scouts of all levels will engage with museum educators in the galleries, create a button with their own slogan, design a sash with sass in our studio, and even take a picture with a real Suffrage Wagon used in campaigns on Long Island! Earn the LIM’s own History Maven patch or work on requirements for your troop level’s Democracy badge. Fee is $15 per Scout and one adult free (all other non-scouts require regular museum admission). LIM patch is available for $2 after activities are complete. To register, visit www.longislandmuseum.org.
WinterFest at the library
Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a WinterFest celebration on Feb. 22 between 10 a.m. and noon. Enjoy frosty fun with games, crafts, and contests! No registration required. Bring a friend! Questions? Email [email protected]
The Art of Horace Pippin
For Black History Month, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown will present a family program, The Art of Horace Pippin on Feb. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. See how African American painter Horace Pippin’s artwork reflected upon America’s history of slavery, segregation, and war before learning how to paint in his unique style. $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Little Artists Workshop
Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on Feb. 22 at 11:30 a.m. This hands-on workshop is designed for children Pre-K through 4th grade, encouraging young minds to explore their artistic talents in a fun and inspiring environment. Cost is $20, $15 for members. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.org
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
What is a Turtle?
As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents What is a Turtle? on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
FILM
‘A Goofy Movie’
As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre,423 Park Ave., Huntington presents A Goofy Movie on Feb. 23 at noon. A 1990’s Disney cult classic, the film sees the loveable Goof attempting to bond with his teenage son Max on a hilarious cross-country road trip. En route to the ol’ fishing hole, they find themselves up to their floppy ears in misadventure, action-packed situations, narrow escapes—and even a comic close encounter with Bigfoot. Will Max learn there’s nothing wrong with taking after dear old dad…even if he is a little goofy? Rated G. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
A SISTER’S BOND: Gabrielle Blum and Diana Fogel star in ‘Frozen Jr.’ at the John W. Engeman Theater through March 2.
‘Frozen Jr’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Frozen Jr’
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $26.50 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org
Hoyt Farm's interpretive specialist Sheryl Brook explains the process of maple sugaring to Hauppauge Girl Scouts Troop 428 during a previous year's event. Photo from Town of Smithtown
The annual, educational Maple Sugaring classes are back at Hoyt Farm. The highly anticipated program will run on three Sundays: February 23rd, March 2nd, and March 9th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, located at 200 New Highway in Commack. Tickets are just $5 per person (cash only), with classes being open to the general public. Due to high demand, it is recommended that guests arrive by 1 p.m. to register.
Hoyt Farm Park Manager Jeff Gumin teaches a group about tree tapping at a previous event. File photo by Greg Catalano/TBR News Media
“This is one of our Town’s finest and wildly popular educational programs, and it’s an experience every resident should take part in. The techniques used to make maple syrup are a cherished part of our history. Jeff Gumin, Sheryl Brook, and the entire Hoyt Farm team go above and beyond with their demonstration, making it an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend for the entire family,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.
The Maple Sugaring Program covers the history of maple sugaring, from its discovery by Native Americans to modern-day techniques. The program includes a special interactive portion for younger participants to learn about tree anatomy, chlorophyll’s role in sap production, and photosynthesis in maple syrup creation.
A unique feature of Hoyt Farm’s program is that Black Walnut trees are tapped alongside traditional Maple trees. To produce the sweetest sap, temperatures must remain below freezing at night and above 40 degrees during the day, which typically occurs during the late February to early March sugaring season.
Program Highlights:
Historical and Educational Demonstration: Learn the full process of making maple syrup and its importance throughout history.
Interactive Learning for Kids: Hands-on learning about tree anatomy, sap production, and photosynthesis.
Family-Oriented Experience: Open to all age groups and popular amongst school groups, scout troops, families, and nature lovers alike.
The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve’s maple sugaring program began in the late 1970s as a single class and has since grown into an interactive, family-friendly experience open to the general public.
For questions about this and other programs at Hoyt Farm, call: (631) 543-7804.
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Train enthusiasts had a “choo choo” of a fun time when they visited the Railroad Museum of Long Island’s toy train display at Middle Country Public Library in Centereach on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16. With 1,400 in attendance, patrons enjoyed watching a variety of trains running in addition to interacting with museum staff and volunteers who shared their expertise. One of the highlights was the toy train clinic that was offered.
For more information about programs and classes held at Middle Country Public Library, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org or call at 631-585-9393.
Zoe Abelson's serenading scene singing 'Take A Chance on Me'. Photo courtesy of CSHSD
Straight from the island of Kalokairi, this year’s Cold Spring Harbor High School musical delivered four unforgettable evenings of fast-paced performances and brilliant storytelling. From Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, audiences of all ages were treated to a fun-filled production of Mamma Mia! While bright costumes, talented vocals, and exciting dance scenes set the stage, it was the cast’s incredible chemistry that made this a spectacular performance. Based on songs recorded by Swedish group ABBA, the musical was clearly a cast favorite, featuring stand-out performances by seniors Zoe Abelson, Samantha Fiore, and Amelia Saladino.
From left, Zoe Abelson, Amelia Saladino and Samantha Fiore singing the encore of ‘Dancing Queen’. Photo courtesy of CSHSD
“I’ve been obsessed with Mamma Mia! and ABBA songs for years, so I was thrilled to find out it was my final musical at Cold Spring Harbor. The cast, stage and music came together better than I could have imagined,” said Zoe Abelson. “This year we had such a talented cast, including junior Sarah Thatcher who starred as Ellie, sophomore Charlotte Wells who played Tanya, and freshmen Max Yulico, Nick Apergis, and Andrew Bobelian who delivered amazing performances playing Sophie’s dads. I didn’t expect the last show to be so bittersweet. There was a lot of laughter but also a lot of tears. To my friends Samantha and Amelia, my cast and directors, I have loved every moment I spent with you. They were defining and something I will always treasure.”
Memorable performances include senior Zoe Abelson’s uplifting Chiquitita and hilarious rendition of Take a Chance on Me, senior Samantha Fiore’s charismatic Lay All Your Love on Me and energetic dance numbers like Gimme-Gimme-Gimme, and senior Amelia Saladino’s melancholy Slipping Through My Fingers and The Winner Takes It All.
Poster Perfect: Sophomore Charlotte Wells and seniors Zoe Abelson and Amelia Saladino. Photo courtesy of CSHSD
“I am exceptionally proud of our Cold Spring Harbor students in their performance of Mamma Mia! As the vocal director, I worked with the cast to learn an exceptionally high number of songs for one musical. Most songs had ensemble chorus as well, and the students took it in stride,” said Mr. Daniel Santangelo, chorus and theatre director. “They were able to achieve a great musical performance in addition to their acting and dancing. During the show, I wore a different hat as bassist in the pit and I was so glad to be able to contribute to the show and see it from that perspective. Bravi to the entire cast and crew!”
The encore of Dancing Queen inspired audiences to dance and sing along, and the performance of Super Trouper stole the show.
“I had a great experience conducting the pit this year. We brought back many previous musicians who have played for us, making it something of an all-star band,” said Mr. Andrew Hochler, band and wind ensemble teacher at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “It doesn’t hurt that I personally love the music of ABBA. The musical is one of my favorite things to do all year, and Mamma Mia! was no different!”
Smartphones are an attractive nuisance not just during family time, when parents might otherwise struggle to see anything other than the top of the heads of their children, but also during school.
Lauren Hale. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine
In a recent research letter published in JAMA Pediatrics, scientists led by Lauren Hale, Professor in the Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University, found in a study of 117 students from the ages of 13 to 18 that smartphone use during school hours typically consumed an average of about 1.5 hours. That’s about 23 percent of a typical school day.
“School time should be a time for being present,” said Hale. It should involve interacting with peers and learning from teachers. “When a quarter of your day is spent with your finger on the phone” students are missing opportunities for academic and social growth.
The study, which was funded by the Della Pietra Family Foundation, comes as Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has unveiled a plan to restrict cell phone use during the day for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The governor’s plan allocates $13.5 million for pouches, cubbies and other storage devices and comes as other states and countries seek to limit the kinds of distractions that diminish learning and that prevent face-to-face social interactions.
The JAMA study “really does underscore the need to help children reduce their screen time, both at school and at home,” said Kris Perry, Executive Director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development.
At this moment, “we are seeing a crisis in childhood that is highly correlated with the introduction of the smartphone and social media platforms,” Perry added.
In the JAMA Pediatrics study, the researchers found that a quarter of the participants spent more than two hours on their phone during school.
The top five most used apps or categories, other than internet browsing, were messaging, Instagram, video streaming, audio and email.
The study may underestimate the amount of time typical students spend on their phones, in part because the participants in the research knew that their phone use was being tracked.
Study design
The students in the study, who were divided almost equally between boys and girls and who came from a representative sampling of different backgrounds, completed a 15-minute smartphone-based survey and installed RealityMeter to measure their smartphone use.
The researchers examined data from these students, whose phones sent signals throughout the day about the time they are using the phone.
The average number of hours these students were on their phones during the day was 5.59, which excludes other electronic devices such as video games, desktop computers or laptops.
To be sure, the survey didn’t analyze the times during the day that these students were on their phones. Some of these participants, for example, could have used their smartphones during their lunch or free periods rather than during calculus classes or lectures about American History, French or any other subject.
“We didn’t have the granularity of each student’s schedule to know” when the phone usage was the highest, Hale said.
Still, using the phone instead of interacting directly with students in the room, at a lunch table, or in a hallway is a “missed opportunity for eye-to-eye contact in real life,” said Hale.
In the study, about 22 percent of the participants indicated that their parents restricted their phone use when they are at home.
The data for this group during school tracks, however, closely with the students who said they didn’t have any such similar phone restrictions at home. The study also compared phone usage for students whose parents attended college with those who didn’t attend or finish college.
The children of college graduates used the phone about 30 minutes less per school day.
Combination of factors
Several factors may have contributed to any potential increase in the use of smartphones in school.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the lockdown and remote learning, students relied on technology to log in to their classrooms. Adolescents who couldn’t interact with each other in person also spent considerable time texting and interacting with each other on social media.
Additionally, various apps have enhanced their platforms to encourage users to stay on them for longer periods of time.
“The algorithms know that I like Shih Tzus, so I keep getting reels for tiny white dogs doing tricks,” said Hale. “If they put up cats, I wouldn’t watch.”
The same is true for adolescents, who see sports clips or other content regularly that compels them to stay online and that may interfere with their ability to learn in class or to socialize with people around them.
These apps and the devices adolescents use could provide information about usage patterns.
“I would love to see social media platforms share more information,” said Hale.
Perry added that parents act as important role models for their children when it comes to screen time. “What you’re modeling is going to be replicated,” she said. “Things that adults do without thinking, their children are copying.”
Next steps
Hale indicated that the research team has just finished collecting a second wave of data on the same participants. The scientists will be following up to see screen use patterns as well as any observed changes in mental health and physical well being.
The recent work published in JAMA Pediatrics is a “descriptive baseline” of smartphone usage in school, said Hale. She suggested that researchers need to conduct further research to understand the impact of phone usage patterns on education. “We need replication in science” to uncover more details over a larger population for smartphone use.
Like Gov. Hochul and others who have focused on this issue, Hale believes these personal electronics may hinder the learning process.
“I’m concerned about kids losing precious school hours to distracting devices,” Hale said. When students go to school, they should “be ready for learning and social time. That’s what’s going to make a difference in their education.”
Cayuga Elementary School in Lake Grove was the recipient of a TangerKids grant. Photo courtesy of Tanger Riverhead
As part of a continued commitment to support education and invest in the local community, Tanger Outlets in Riverhead recently announced its 2024 TangerKids Grants recipients. Local winners include Cayuga Elementary School in Lake Grove, to create a sensory room; Hampton Bays Middle School in Hampton Bays, benefitting their Life Skills Academy; and Mattituck-Cutchogue Elementary School in Cutchogue, benefitting their school decodable book library.
Tanger donated over $190K across the country to fund classroom investments through the TangerKids 2024 Grants program. Title 1 schools represent more than 60% of the recipients selected by Tanger centers.
“Tanger Riverhead is proud to support families in our community by investing in student success,” said Tanger Riverhead Marketing Director Lesley Anthony. “Each year, we listen closely to the specific needs of our local educators and provide funding for projects that make a real difference. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how these grants help create more inclusive and productive learning environments, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
Throughout the program’s history spanning nearly 30 years, Tanger has contributed more than $3.7 million to school-focused initiatives in the communities it serves. The annual program is eligible for public and private schools from pre-K to grade 12. Applications were open from Aug. 12 – Oct. 18, 2024, and winners were chosen from numerous applicants within the Long Island area. Cayuga Elementary School received an extra $1,000 in funding as the winner of TangerClub’s member’s choice voting.
Tanger Riverhead celebrated TangerKids Day on Jan. 31 with check presentations at each school.
To learn more about TangerKids Grants, please visit grants.tanger.com.
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