The National Circus Project once again visited Islip’s Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School for a five-day residency during gym classes, teaching students circus tricks, skills, and acts which encourage patience, self-discipline, and perseverance; promote confidence; build character; and encourage both team work and individuality. The program was sponsored by the school’s PTA and funded by last year’s Sherwood Booster-thon.    

Over the duration of the school week, each Sherwood student in grades 2 through 5 participated in 80 minutes of “circus training” under the guidance of specially-trained circus staff, learning to balance feathers and other objects such as hockey sticks, walk on stilts, juggle, spin plates, spin a diabolo, manipulate flower sticks, twirl hula hoops, and create comedy acts as clowns. Fifth graders practiced every single day, and more than once on some days, creating great memories while preparing for a culminating circus show for their friends and families.

“During the five intensive days of training, it was truly incredible to see the confidence of our students grow as they persevered through a new challenging yet supportive experience,” Principal Briana James said. “Overall, it was a great week of growth and development for the children and their hard work really paid off.”