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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On behalf of the Board of Education and Plainedge Public Schools, we offer so much gratitude to each and every law enforcement officer and first responder who spent their afternoon with us at our three elementary schools, middle and high school. The hands-on experiences and real-life examples you shared with our students have left a lasting impression.
Some of our favorite moments that we shared were:
• Hearing your stories
• Participating in Self-Defense
• Meeting your K9 and learning about drones
• Crime Scene Investigation, Forensics & Fingerprinting
• Fitness Course
• Fire Safety
• Learning about your life-saving tools + equipment
Special thank you to the PFT for providing a welcome Breakfast and lunch for our first responders.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #LawEnforcementAppreciation #LEAD #TOGETHER #COMMUNITY #FIRSTRESPONDERS #THANKYOU #APPRECIATION

Get ready to dance, sing, and laugh your way through the iconic Mamma Mia! 🌟
The Plainedge High School Drama Club is proud to present this beloved musical, and you won’t want to miss it! With over 80 talented students involved in everything from acting to set & lighting design, this production is truly a team effort. 🙌
🗓️ Showtimes:
April 3, 7:00 PM
April 4, 7:00 PM
April 5, 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
🎟️ Grab your tickets now at PHSDrama.BookTix.com
Come support these incredible students who’ve poured over 100 hours of rehearsal into bringing this show to life! 🎤💃🕺
#MammaMia #PlainedgeDramaClub #SupportTheArts #HighSchoolTheater #StudentTalent #PHS #MammaMiaMusical #PlainedgePride

🎉 Huge congratulations to 3 of our Plainedge High School Varsity Athletes!
🥎 Savannah Speicher (PHS Sophomore) has been named one of Newsday’s Top 100 Softball Players!
⚾️ Jaxson Torres (PHS Sophomore) and Bobby Wescott (PHS Junior) have both been named Newsday’s Top 100 Baseball Players!
What an incredible achievement for our athletes! #weareplainedge #athletics #community #weare #plainedgeproud #plainedgepride #sports #baseball #softball #varsity #plainedge

The Harlem Wizards came to Plainedge last night, and it was an unforgettable experience for our community! A big thank you to everyone who supported the @pft11758 Wizards` fundraising event. We’d also like to extend a special thanks to the dedicated custodians and security team for all their hard work!
#weareplainedge #pft #education #community #learning #fun #plainedgepride #plainedgeproud #weare #athletics #wizards

Huge congratulations to the Plainedge High School Robotics Club for their incredible performance at a competition this weekend held at Hofstra University! Team 527 made it to the semifinals and finished in 4th place! 🎉🤖 #Team527 #PlainedgeRobotics #Semifinals #Hofstra

Plainedge Public Schools is proud to share that Mark Passamonte has rejoined the district as Interim Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics.
Mark has a strong understanding of the district’s mission and values. As the Interim Director, he will continue enhancing our physical education curriculum, athletic programs, and overall student health initiatives. We are confident that his leadership will positively impact our students and the entire school community.
Please join us in welcoming Mark back!
#weareplainedge #weare #plainedgepride #plainedgeproud #athletics

Plainedge School District is seeking qualified candidates for Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics
Please apply online by visiting
plainedgepublicschools.recruitfront.com

At Tuesday night`s Board of Education meeting, the Plainedge Board of Education, together with the Plainedge Administration, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Legislator, Nassau County Police Department, The New York State Senate, New York State Assemblyman, and the Town of Oyster Bay, formally recognized the exceptional contributions of our dedicated School Crossing Guards.
These individuals have become a vital part of our daily routines, standing at busy intersections with a watchful eye and a friendly smile, guiding our students and pedestrians across busy roads. Their commitment to maintaining safety, often in unpredictable weather and traffic conditions, deserves recognition. We are grateful for their unwavering dedication and their role in enhancing our neighborhoods` safety.
To express our appreciation, the crossing guards were presented with personalized thank-you cards created by John H. West Elementary School students.
#Weareplainedge #safety #crossingguard #community #education #thankyou #pride #plainedgeproud

🌞 Exciting News! Our Summer Enrichment Program is back! Join us for a blend of classroom learning and summer camp activities, creating an engaging and educational summer experience that our students truly enjoy!
Registration is now open! Don`t miss out on this opportunity to participate in the fun!
#weaareplainedge #summerenrich #learning #education #summerfun #weare #plainedgepride

Dr. Salina was thrilled to receive a hand-delivered thank you note from one of our Best Buddies club members today! It was such a heartfelt gesture from the entire Best Buddies Club to create a personalized thank you card for attending the 4th Annual Best Buddies Fashion Show last month!
#weareplainedge #bestbuddies #together #united #community #inclusion #learning #education #plainedgepride #plainedgeproud
