F.E. Bellows’ fourth graders beamed in the ring as they showed off their circus acts November 18 at Rye Neck High School’s Athletic Center.

 

By Janice Llanes Fabry

 

F.E. Bellows’ fourth graders beamed in the ring as they showed off their circus acts November 18 at Rye Neck High School’s Athletic Center.

 

“Our annual circus is a highlight, where all students can excel,” said Principal Marge Longabucco, who has made the program a fixture at Bellows for seven years now. “You don’t have to be the academic superstar or the star athlete. It gives every child the opportunity to shine.”

 

Professional circus coaches from Cirque du Jour held weeklong workshops turning students into ringmasters. Instructor/owner Chris Allison said,

“The program is great for the students’ self-esteem because after practicing with the equipment, they all achieve a level of success.”

 

Sponsored by the Rye Neck PTSA, the program covered juggling, plate spinning, stilt walking, unicycling, and acrobatic feats. Fourth grader Jordan Miller attested, “The best thing about circus week is getting to try things that we don’t normally do!”