Fine Arts
The Plainedge Music and Art program offers access to the rich education and understanding that the arts provide regardless of students’ background or talents.
Whether their interests are in Band, Orchestra, Chorus, General Music, Theory, Drama, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, or Graphic Arts, there is something that will allow them to learn, grow, and participate in the Arts experience.
What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do in the Arts:
- Communicate at a basic level in the four arts disciplines – music, visual arts, theatre, and dance. This includes knowledge and skills in the use of basic vocabularies, materials, tools, techniques, and intellectual methods of each art discipline.
- Communicate proficiently in at least one art form.
- Be able to develop and present basic analyses of works of art.
- Have an informed acquaintance with exemplary works of art from a variety of cultures and historical perspectives and a basic understanding of the historical development of the arts as a whole.
- Be able to relate various types of art knowledge and skills within and across arts disciplines.
The Plainedge Art Department builds the foundation for lifetime involvement and learning in the arts. Art classes are offered K-12 in a sequential study beginning in Kindergarten. Teachers engage students in the creation, appreciation, and analysis of art, fostering intellectual curiosity and creative expression. Our art teachers are certified by New York State in Art Education and serve in three elementary schools. One middle school and one high school. Our art staff are members of the Long Island Art Teachers Association.
Through participation in our Art program, our students:
- Experience a sequential program of art instruction that includes the study of art production, aesthetics, art criticism, and art history.
- Participate in both the joy and challenges of creating and self-expression through art by actively engaging in the processes of creating art.
- Acquire and develop the various art techniques, materials, equipment, and resources for participation in the production and analysis of works of art.
- Develop the sensitivity, visual discrimination, and judgment needed to respond to and analyze works of art.
- Develop an understanding of the cultural and historical forces that shape art through the ages and how the arts, in turn, shape the rich and diverse cultural contributions of a global society.
- Develop an awareness of the visual arts as they relate to art careers and related professions.
In addition, student involvement in the visual arts program is evident throughout the school community through our District Art shows at the New Community Center and building showcases.
Music Program Overview
Our music program provides our students with a sequential study of classroom and vocal music beginning in kindergarten. They learn the recorder in the third grade and begin formal band and orchestral instrumental training in the fourth grade. On the secondary level, our music curriculum encompasses several genres including concert, marching, and jazz bands; chorus; string and chamber orchestras; music theory; drama and musical productions. In recognition of their levels of quality, our ensembles have earned consistently high ratings at the NYSSMA Majors Festival. Our music teachers are certified by New York State in Music Education and serve students in three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Our staff specializes in either general/classroom music, band, orchestral or vocal music. Our music staff boasts one chairperson for the Long Island String Association and one All-County chairperson for the Nassau Music Educators Association.
New York State Learning Standards for Music and Art
- Standard 1: Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Arts
- Standard 2: Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources
- Standard 3: Responding to and Analyzing Works of Art
- Standard 4: Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts
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💜Plainedge Schools participated in P.S. I Love You Day across the entire district on Friday, February 14th. Students and staff wore purple to spread mental health awareness.
💜 This year`s theme "A brighter tomorrow begins today." We encourage everyone to spread love not only to the world and others but, most importantly, to yourself. Remembering that you hold the key to something much greater.
💜Thank you to our Special Education Department for bringing attention to this important day across the entire district!
#plainedge #psily #community #love #valentines #awareness #plainedgestrong #weare #plainedgeproud

Dr.Salina had a great time watching and cheering on our amazing high school wrestling athletes today showcasing their talent and making Plainedge proud alongside their families! If you`re looking for some excitement, head over to Cold Spring Harbor High School today and show your support for our athletes! #WeArePlainedge #plainedgeproud #athletics #wrestling #sport #varsity

What an unforgettable evening last night at the 4th Annual Best Buddies Fashion Show! Students were cheered on by a sold-out crowd of 700+ spectators in the PHS auditorium, and many more watching from home via live stream! The show reminds us all of the power of friendship and community. We celebrated inclusivity, confidence, and the beauty of being ourselves. Thank you to everyone who made this night so special.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #weare #friendship #bestbuddies #plainedge #united

Charles E. Schwarting students spread so much love today with their Bristal Buddies in a heartwarming Valentine`s Day arts and crafts activity. This fun event was a wonderful part of the students` ongoing service-learning project, bringing creativity, joy, and meaningful connections to everyone involved! The students poured their hearts into the crafts, making this special day memorable for their buddies.❤️
#weareplainedge #bristalbuddies #commuity #learning #education #together #united #friends #pride #weare #plainegepride

A huge congratulations to Dr. Salina for being named New York State Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education! This incredible honor recognizes a Superintendent who has not only embraced technology but has used it in outstanding ways to improve education and student learning experience. Dr. Salina’s innovative approach to integrating technology in the classroom is truly inspiring and sets a high standard for educators across the state.
Yesterday, at the Town of Oyster Bay board meeting, Supervisor Saladino and Town of Oyster Bay board members presented Dr. Salina with a citation in recognition of this remarkable achievement.
#WEAREPLAINEDGE #PLAINEDGEPRIDE #EDUCATION #TECHNOLOGY

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮, 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀.
I am happy and proud to announce that two of our schools, Eastplain Elementary School and Plainedge High School, were designated 2025 New York State Schools of Character. There are 98 state-level Schools of Character, 5 Districts of Character, and 8 International Schools of Character. Only six schools in New York State were on that list, and two of those were Plainedge schools. Eastplain Elementary School and Plainedge High School now join Plainedge Middle School and John H. West Elementary School in this prestigious recognition. Congratulations to Charles E. Schwarting Elementary School for receiving an honorable mention. We have been recognized for our implementation of a comprehensive approach that “equips and empowers staff to reinforce and model a range of positive core values that shape and form the hearts, minds, and choices of our students.” By prioritizing character development alongside academic success, our schools are shaping well-rounded individuals who will excel in all facets of life.
It was apparent to the State School of Character committee that our “L.E.A.D. for P.R.I.D.E.” core values are deeply embedded in our school’s culture and that our schools are truly a caring community focused not only on academic success but character development for all. It was evident that our schools work together with students, parents, and community members to create strong communities focused on character. The committee highlighted these schools as state exemplars for their practices and strategies for developing good character in our students, emphasizing that the contributions of all stakeholders in our school community are key to the success of all Plainedge students.
Congratulations to our entire school community for your dedicated contributions to both education and character development of our students. Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the outstanding character of our students.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #together #education #character #lead #pride #plainedge

Dr. Salina stopped by the Plainedge Perk at John H. West Elementary this morning to see their student-run coffee shop in action! This special initiative provides JHW student council and special education students with the chance to build confidence and develop key skills like teamwork, money management, and customer service. We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff for making this project a reality and embodying our school’s core values of character.
#PlainedgePerk #lead #plainedgepride #weare #plainedgeproud #StudentEmpowerment

Last month, our elementary schools received brand-new cafeteria serving lines! 🍽️✨ Students are now enjoying faster, more efficient meal service! Thank you to our school lunch staff for their amazing work every day! #SchoolUpdates #HealthyEating #StudentSuccess #weareplainedge #plainedgepride #plainedgeproud

Happy Lunar New Year! Schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and will reopen on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Congratulations to our very own, Mr. White who was one of 21 educators from across Long Island to receive the ASSET Bright Light Award. Mr. White is an elementary STEAM Specialist, a high school CTE teacher who teaches college level video production classes, and one half of the team responsible for creating state of the art planetarium experiences for all grades K-8. He is constantly brainstorming unique, amazing technology enhanced experiences for his students which empower them to make a positive contribution to our world. Mr. White’s boundless energy, creativity, positive attitude and collaborative nature constantly inspire our students, staff and community members. Congratulations Mr. White! #WeArePlainedge
