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Alexandra Kazickas Lithuanian School marked the end of 2019-2020 school year quite differently than usual. While not much in the world was the same this spring, Lithuanian heritage schools and families tried their best to create a "new normal" and continue with the curriculum. While some students jumped in it from day one without even leaving their beds, others needed more time to adapt and come up with a plan that worked best for them.
School's teachers are proud to say that all 25 school's students showed immensely improved Lithuanian language vocabulary in the most unusual way. Such words as 'mask', 'quarantine' or 'isolation' were never a part of any lesson, but today's situation forced all of us to teach, learn, think and communicate differently.
This year is also truly special to the school. June 17th, 2020 marks the 100th jubilee of Alexandra Kazickas’s birth. She was the devoted wife of patriot and philanthropist, Joseph Peter Kazickas (1918-2014), mother of five children, grandmother of eleven, a woman of noble character and generous spirit, a true daughter of Lithuania.
Alexandra served as a helpmate to her husband through the tumultuous war years in Lithuania, then in the refugee camps in Germany, and as an immigrant to a new country, America. Her long life, filled with so many varied and enriching experiences, travel and adventures, was in many ways extraordinary, but today we remember her more for those qualities that give true meaning to a life well-lived: her love of her husband and children, her patriotism, her loyalty to her many friends, and her humility, graciousness and generosity.
Eastern Long Island Lithuanian community was presented with an honor to name Lithuanian school in Riverhead after this extraordinary woman back in 2006. School's students, parents and teachers take great pride in it and for the 14th year every Saturday they try their best to show it by investing in children’s Lithuanian education. An event marking this special occasion is currently planned for Fall.
It was an honor to have Alexandra Kazickas' daughter Jurate Kazickas, son Michael with his wife Beverly, son John with his wife Marcie and their daughter Victoria with her boyfriend Ari Sinay join school's community to celebrate students' accomplishments during the May 16th virtual end of school year event. They all shared few memories of their beloved mother and how proud she would be of all the students. Rasa Mitruleviciene, chair of the Eastern Long Island Lithuanian Community and Neila Baumiliene, AKLS founder and the Kazickas Family Foundation NY office director, also congratulated students on their progress.
This year the award categories expanded. In addition to the acknowledgments for diligence, best attendance or creativity, new categories such as "the most creative way to use the bedroom as a classroom" or "best letter writing" were added. All Moms and Dads also virtually received certificates of honor for stepping up and adding teaching to their daily schedules. School's teachers who had to use all the creativity and learn few new skills they never knew they could received no certificates, because their work is measured by students‘ accomplishments. As every year they participate in essay and art contest organized by the Lithuanian Educational Council in the US. A. Kazickas Lithuanian School's teachers and students put a lot of work. This year teachers Birute Stukonyte and Jolanta Vilcinskiene introduced students to Angels in Lithuanian folk art and guided them through their interpretations. Twenty four schools participated and close to 400 Angels were received. AKLS student Leila Genender received 3 place in her age group. Essay topics varied for different age groups. There were less essays, 16 schools participated. Renata Petrauskiene's student Aiden Genender received consolation prize for his essay "What will I take with me from the Lithuanian School". Aiden Genender also participated in the international essay writing competition organized by the Lithuanian School in London EC Lighthouse together with the Lithuanian Embassy in the UK. It was to celebrate 30 years of Lithuania’s restoration of Independence and the topic was a line from the Lithuanian National Anthem “Iš praeities tavo sūnūs te stiprybę semia“ which means "may your sons get strength from your past“. Students were encouraged to look into history and find what they can take and use in their lives. In his essay Aiden connected different generations of Lithuanian emigrants and talked about how each generation laid a foundation for the next one and how you can build upon that. Among the 66 essays received from the USA, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Russia and Germany Aiden's story was awarded the 3rd prize.
After singing Happy Birthday to all the students and teachers who missed their celebrations during the pandemic and a photo slide show, school community and guests wished each other happy summer and shared hugs virtually.