DANCING FOR THE STARS

By Denise Dick

Pupils in Poland kick up their heels to honor North staff

Paper covered the windows of the all-purpose room, concealing the PTO’s surprise.

POLAND — They tapped their feet, swiveled their hips and tripped the light fantastic.

Teachers, staff and pupils at North Elementary were treated by the PTO to a surprise version of the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars” Thursday as part of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. They all danced the “Hokey Pokey,” “Electric Slide,” “Cha-Cha Slide,” “YMCA” and “The Twist.”

After busting a move to “Cha-Cha Slide,” hopping, stomping and crouching into limbo position with his classmates, fourth-grader Austin Connelly, 10, gave the performance of his teacher, Tracey Kaschak, high marks.

“She did good,” Austin said.

Kaschak chuckled at the description.

She and fellow fourth-grade teacher, Karen Vasko, acknowledged the event was fun.

“This is a great treat,” Vasko said.

Other PTO activities this week included breakfast and lunch for the school’s employees.

“We have a great PTO here,” Vasko said.

PTO members kept the plan quiet, telling kids and school personnel they planned a fun surprise.

White paper covered the windows to the school’s all-purpose room before the dance, warning, “Teachers and staff — no peeking.”

Sarah Orr and Tracey O’Kane, PTO president and member, respectively, organized the dance party along with other group members.

“They are just wonderful with our kids,” Orr said of school employees.

“Everyone from the principal down to the janitorial staff, they all care so much and do so much for the kids,” O’Kane added.

Orr along with two pupils rated each grade’s performance on a scale of one to 10.

Fourth grade took the top spot, earning straight nines.

Second-graders strutted their stuff to the perennial wedding favorite, “The Electric Slide.”

Sarina Krell and Nick Sabrin, both 8, performed in the front row. Both were old pros at the dance.

“I did it at a Halloween party,” Sarina said.

“I’ve done it at all kinds of weddings,” Nick explained.

When it was third grade’s turn, Alex Weimer, 8, stole the show, dancing to “YMCA.”

Alex executed the regular gesticulations, stretching his limbs to form the letters, but he added his own interpretation too, moving his head from side to side, pumping his fists.

His performance earned praise from fourth-graders.

“Alex, you’re awesome,” one boy told him.

Alex said he’s picked up his moves from television commercials and from himself.

“I just got them from everywhere, really,” he said.

Principal Michael Masucci said he feels appreciated every day but Thursday was a special surprise.

“This was fun,” he said.