NFA Students Go from Classroom to Screening Room!

Students from Mr. Chandler and Mrs. Sileno’s grade 11 ELA classes at NFA Main, participated in the “Classroom to Screening Room” program at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY.

Faculty and students enjoyed watching the documentary, Lift, which follows the journey of Steven Melendez, who began his dancing career while living in a shelter, is now the Artistic Director of The New York Theatre Ballet, and continues to give back to the next generation of dancers. 

After the screening, Mr. Melendez himself joined the room via Zoom for a Q&A session with students.

Learning outside of the classroom, in a beautiful theater, about such an inspiring life story proved to have an impact on students.

Here are some student reflection statements to prove it:

“It shows that there are many people with hidden talent.”  ~ Youvensley

“If you are in the room and you’re the best, you should leave because there is nothing to learn.”  ~ Marc 

“What caught my attention was the way he helped people.”  ~ Gladys 

“I reflected on the fact that people can make dreams a reality.”  ~ Alisson 

“The actor-dancer had a special and kind way of treating the children.”  ~ Pedro 

“People can achieve their dreams no matter their background.”  ~ Rischneider 

For more information about the film or the film center and its programs, click here.

Story and photos by Ms. Jennine Sileno.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!