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SCHOOL GRANTS
District Wide Night of Jazz Kevin Scully Approximately 100 students from district jazz ensembles — including members of the Sousa Elementary School Jazz Band, Weber Jazz Lab, Weber Jazz Ensemble, and Schreiber Jazz Ensemble, and their teachers — will rehearse and perform with a professional jazz musician. Night of 1000 Strings Kevin Scully Hundreds of orchestra students from all seven public schools will be performing at the world class concert hall at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, scheduled for March 2026. A special guest conductor will work with the students to prepare for the concert, concluding with a grand finale featuring all orchestra students performing on stage. This program is funded in partnership with The Ed. Foundation he Creative Arts Department. 
Schreiber High School The Memory Project Nicole Thomas The Art Honor Society will create portraits of children and teens around the world who have been orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged. The portraits will be delivered to the children to provide them with special memories that capture their childhood. Schreiber Theatre Company’s Annual Musical Production Lauren Foster-Holzer and Christine Nelson Students will engage in a professional-level musical theatre production for the Port Washington community to enjoy. HEARTS PW provides support to bring this production to life. Schreiber Theater Company’s Annual Play Christine Nelson and Lauren Foster-Holzer Students will produce a full-length stage play production at Schreiber in November. Each production features the talents (both on and off stage) of 25-40+ Schreiber students. All are invited to attend. Afterschool Crafts Makers Club Joy DiPasquale This program for 9th-12th graders will offer a variety of hands-on craft projects in a welcoming and education environment, focused on developing life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Students will work with different materials, such as knitting, sculpting, jewelry making and crafting with recycled items. 19th Century To Now: TinType Portrait Workshop Elizabeth Zucker Schreiber's AP Photography students will have the unique learning experience to visit a New York City-based photography studio that specializes in tin types, a form of 19th century photography. Students will learn how to opera a large format camera, explore the darkroom process, and deepen their knowledge of the history of photography, applying these learnings to their academic studies. Exploring the Art of Image Manipulation: A Visiting Artist Opportunity from Cali M. Banks Elizabeth Zucker This program will bring visiting artist Cali M. Banks to Schreiber High School's AP Photography class, to share her alternative process photography work, and lead students through a hands-on workshop of image manipulation through Polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. Students will explore new materials, take creative risks, implement foundational art practices such as printmaking, painting, drawing and collage while enhancing their own artistic vision. 3D Digital Fabrication Peter Koch The Design and Drawing for Production (DDP) class, focused on design principles, technical drawing, and digital fabrication techniques, will engage in 3D design software, understand manufacturing constraints, and develop problem-solving skills through prototyping. The program will be led by Peter Koch, an experienced educator with a background in art, media, industrial design, and digital fabrication. Viking Voices Kevin Scully This new vocal group at Schreiber High School combines the traditions of a cappella singing, show choir, and jazz choir to create an eclectic experience, allowing students to sing and create music in a variety of vocal traditions. The Power of Film Club Shane Helfner and Ollie Navo The goal of this club is to explore and promote cinema and music, fostering a deeper appreciation of the artistry of cinematography and film music. The club will aim to explore how visual and auditory storytelling amplify emotions, enhance narratives and shape cinematic experiences. Weber Middle School Weber Music Tech/AV Club Allison Friedman In an after-school club, students will learn the technical side of music and theatre by learning how to operate sound and lighting boards, how to create music with digital tools, and how to record/edit audio and video. Weber Woodwind and Brass Ensemble Elizabeth Andrew The objective is to provide a forum for students who play a woodwind or brass instrument, to have a small ensemble experience, typically referred to as "chamber." This will allow students who are serious about improving their skills on their instrument to learn challenging music alongside their peers. The goal is for students to increase their personal musicianship skills and to be part of a community of students who share in the goal of improving as musicians. Musical Angel Project Stacey Portmore-Davies and Allison Friedman The Weber Musical Production is a full-length musical produced over a four-and-a-half month period and involves approximately 150 students. Weber students are able to experience and grow their theatrical interests through acting, singing, dancing, stage managing, lighting, sound, stage crew, photography, and videography. All Elementary Schools
Curtains Up – A Musical Theater Experience Allison Friedman and Emily Baxter Curtains Up is an elementary school theatre program for 4th and 5th grade students in the Port Washington public schools. Through putting on a full musical production - complete with singing, dancing, costumes, and sets - Curtains Up instills a love of musical theatre as well as helps to teach self-confidence and community building skills. Performances will take place in June 2026; production to be announced. Storytime Theater Kevin Scully and Elementary School Principals This program incorporates performance arts with the classroom curriculum as students experience books in a kinesthetic, artistic, imaginative, social and tactile atmosphere. Kindergarten and 1st grade students are guided to act out a piece of literature, bringing the book to life. Summer Art Program Sue Burton Building on the success of the inaugural Summer Art Program in 2025, this program will complement the Summer Music Program, and offer students opportunities to explore creative visual arts practices in the summer months. Students will be exposed to new techniques in a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, 3D building, and STEAM themed projects. 
Guggenheim Elementary School and South Salem Elementary School
Colors of Joy: Holi Celebration Iris Das, Ana Agon, and Pia Ferrante This week-long program to celebrate Holi will learn about the traditions and history of this vibrant holiday from India. Through dance, design, and art, students will explore themes of renewal, friendship, and community, which are central to the festival celebration. This hands-on experience will provide them with an understanding of cultural narratives that emphasize unity and joy. Daly Elementary School Storytime Theater Kerin Schieck Back by popular demand, 3rd grade students will be working with teaching artist Elise May to research, write, and use theatrical voice methodology to present facts about a selected historical figure. A culminating "Wax Museum" presentation where students will dress up as their historical figure and present all that they have learned will take place for students and 3rd grade families. This program is generously supported by The Brodsky Family Guggenheim Elementary School Cultural Canvas Ana Agon As part of Black History Month, this collaborative arts program led by Manuel Villalobos — a certified art teacher affiliated with the Art Guild in Port Washington — will introduce students to the life and work of a selected African American artist, and create their own canvas artwork inspired by the artist's style. This creative endeavor celebrates African American art as a profound expression of culture and legacy, and aims to inspire students while fostering an appreciation for art and cultural heritage. Manorhaven Elementary School Cultural Arts Performance Eric Mace Manorhaven students will experience a specialized cultural arts performance in conjunction with the the school's Cultural Studies education, an immersive program designed in partnership with teachers, parents, and the Port Washington community. Exposure to multi-cultural art will challenge perceptions, broaden the worldview, deepen empathy, and foster an appreciation of different cultures. Manorhaven Drama Club Victoria Devine The goal of this program is to foster a love of performing in students, many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to be able to study theater, dance, improv or acting at this stage of their lives. The program includes a fall initiative for grades 3-5, and a spring program for grades 4-5, including a performance. Students will learn voice projection, body language, body movements, and facial expression to help them with their confidence on stage. This program is generously supported by The Goldberg Family African Dance Floryn Glass Stock In celebration of Black History Month, students will learn West African and African American dance styles from dance teacher Karen Ferby-Guy. Students will explore the history behind the steps and patterns, explore the music and the traditional garments worn during these dance practices, developing a deeper understanding and respect for the culture, history and the art form through a highly energetic, expressive activity. This program is generously supported by The Goldberg Family |
South Salem Elementary School
Rhythms of West Africa: Dance, Culture, and Celebration: Alvin Ailey West African Dance Pia Ferrante First graders will participate in an eight-week, in-school residency in West African style dance, led by members of the celebrated Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. These workshops teach unity of body, mind and spirit which is fundamental to African culture. Students also learn regional songs along through dances of welcome and praise culminating in a performance. This program is co-sponsored by HEARTS PW and The Ed. Foundation Step by Step: Cultural Appreciation Through Dance Pia Ferrante Building upon the skills and dances previously learned in the Alvin Ailey experience (1st grade), Salem's 5th grade students will engage in a nine-week, in school, hands on dance residency workshop, teaching students Hip-Hop style dance along with a focus on civic responsibility. Students will foster community agreements through dance and create a 'brave' space. They will also explore concepts of identity, self expression, acceptance and enhancing empathetic relationships across diverse cultures and races. The program is a collaboration with the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College. This program is co-sponsored by HEARTS PW and The Ed. Foundation This program is generously supported by The Goldberg Family Creating Puppets and Performance with Fairytales Barbara Stein The program is designed to develop creativity with making puppets and performing a fairytale. 4th graders will learn about the history of puppets across different cultures and time periods, work cooperatively to create and perform a puppet show, fostering imagination, creativity and confidence in storytelling. Pre-K Little Dancing Feet Amy Singer This six week program teaches Pre-K students multiple forms of dance, from tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop and African traditional dance, as well as fundamentals of following directions, team work, and musical vocabulary. The program concludes with a special performance. COMMUNITY GRANTS Cancer Care Port Washington: Red Stocking Revue Renee Genarelli The Red Stocking Revue is a Port Washington community tradition, featuring students, as well as local amateur singers, actors and dancers, who produce and perform a fun theatrical experience while raising awareness of services for Port Washington families dealing with cancer. Port Washington Youth Council - The PiT Theater Michael Donnelly The PiT Theatrical is a student run play drawing over 250 people with a cast and crew of more than 30 teens. The goal is to inspire young thespians where the success of their show is truly driven by them. Performance to be announced, scheduled for May 2026. 2025-2026 Gina Farasciano Community Theater Grant Recipient Berest Dance Center: Dance for Joy Olga Berest "Dance for Joy" is a 10-week Dance Scholarship Program taught by volunteer senior student teachers in the Berest Dance Center for those in the community who otherwise would not be able to attend such a class due to financial restraints. Helen Keller National Center: Creative Arts Antonia Isnardi DeafBlind students at the Helen Keller National Center located in Port Washington will have the opportunity to participate in an inviting environment that supports them in using art as a modality for self-expression. The students will then have their works exhibited at The Art Guild of Port Washington where community members will have the opportunity to share the students’ stories through their creative expressions. Landmark Radio Theater Patrick Lyons Landmark Radio Theater performs radio plays on stage at Landmark on Main Street's Jeanne Rimsky Theater before a live audience. The plays are produced in an "old-time radio" style, incorporating live music and manual sound effects created on stage, and a cast of actors giving life to an array of characters. Parent Resource Center: Outreach Program for the Arts Leila Noor The Outreach Program at the Parent Resource Center, serves low income Latin American immigrant families with young children. Our Outreach Program serves more than 200 children and parents each year, giving them access to programming, particularly, music and art focused. Port Washington Parent Resource Center: Music Program for Stepping Stone Classes Leila Noor An engaging music program for Pre-K children who may not otherwise have access to extracurricular activities. Port Washington Senior Citizens Center: Painting Class Leila Noor Seniors who attend this program at the center will engage in specialty art classes facilitated by qualified art teachers. Seniors develop and improve their drawing and painting skills. They learn to work with all sorts of media including oil paint, acrylics, charcoal and water colors. The work is showcased at an art exhibit at the Port Washington Public Library. Landmark on Main Street: Artist in Residence program Amanda Kowalczuk Landmark on Main Street will offer workshops, master classes, and/or multicultural, interactive performances with professional musicians, with input and collaboration with local through students through School District liaison Kevin Scully. Students will learn technique, artistic skills and creative inspiration from professional musicians, dancers, artists and/or theater professionals. This program is co-sponsored by HEARTS PW and The Ed. Foundation Port Washington Library Foundation: Theater for Dessert Leila Noor A theater program for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) designed to bring books to life while learning theater skills. The ten-week program aims to have participants learn the tools of acting, while building communication skills, character development and social interaction. Multimodal arts learning will also be experienced through set and costume design and creation working with professionals in the industry. The Community Synagogue Theater Company Lori Zlotoff Support will be used to benefit Community Synagogue Theater Company’s musical production, (show to be determined). All Port Washington residents are encouraged to audition and be a part of the production. Port Summer Show This time honored community Theater Company exists for children (grades 9-12th grade) in the school district during the summer months. A full scale musical production takes place in August for the whole community to enjoy. The show is to be determined. The Nicholas Center's Annual Community Musical Nicole Ferrara Through its Creative Arts Program, The Nicholas Center connects Autistic individuals with the wider community through ‘art-focused’ projects that facilitate inclusion, socialization, and community building. The Center's 3rd annual Musical Production will integrate multiple artistic mediums and provides participants with opportunities to shine in various roles: singing, dancing, acting, playing instruments, scriptwriting, filming, and creating visual art. The program fosters self-expression and builds confidence while celebrating the neurodiverse community. Port Washington Play Troupe Ann Latner The Port Washington Play Troupe will perform a special holiday season production, to celebrate the joy that community arts brings to the community. 
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