Enrichment Clusters
Cycle 3

BELL Academy is proud to boast amazing enrichment clusters including fine arts, sports, origami, fashion and community service plus many more.

Hot off the Press!   
with Ms. Rizzo

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! BELL Newspaper needs dedicated, hard working students to be reporters, editors, artists, designers and photographers!  You will develop the ideas and write the stories that the BELL Family will read about!  Would you like to write your own comic strip or horoscopes?  Maybe interviews with BELL staff or students are more your thing? The possibilities are endless when you get to decide!  A possible trip will be to the local newspaper headquarters. 


Outstanding Origami: Discover the Art of Folding   
with Ms. Shepard

Did you ever wonder how people manage to make paper look like a work of art? Are you interested in the folds and shapes you can make with paper to design masterpieces? Have you seen cranes, butterflies, cubes and other objects made of paper and want to see how it is done? In this cluster you will learn about the Japanese art form of origami! Apply geometrical concepts with this unique art form to create beautiful additions to our school community. A possible field trip will be to a “Special Folding Fun” Session at the American Museum of Natural History.

Stop Motion Animation
with Ms. Contona

Do you like movies? Do you wonder how animation is done? Would you like to learn how to CREATE your own animations? Are you interested in a career in the film industry? If so, then this cluster is for you! We will be learning how films are made and making our own stop motion animation films using every day materials, a computer, and a camera. Possible trips could include an animated film or the Museum of the Moving Image. Bring your creativity and imagination with you to this cluster.


Sports and Sportsmanship
with Mr. Neggie

Do you enjoy watching sports on T.V.? Are you interested in playing sports this school year during SEM? In this cluster you will be watching sports on T.V. at home and in class to observe good sportsmanship. We will also be playing a few different types of sports outdoors when weather permits us to. A possible trip could be to Citi Field or Yankee Stadium.

Exploring Social Issues through Latin American Art 
with Ms. Asca

Do you enjoy art? Are you interested in creating a museum exhibit? What social issues interest you? In this cluster, you will explore Latin American artists, such as, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Fernando Botero, etc.  You will explore folk art and create your own painting, using images that define you and demonstrate a social issue important to you.  A possible trip will be to El Museo del Barrio and the Folklore Art Museum.

Sport Competitors and the rules they live by
with Mr. Chobot

Do you know why so many people are drawn to sports? Do you want to know how the rules of a competition impact the engagement of participants and spectators?  Are you interested in playing different roles in different games to more fully understand the sports that engage us daily? If so, this cluster is for you.  In this cluster, you will be investigating how rules structure competitions and the rules that are necessary for a game to flow smoothly.

 Wordsmiths Play with Words!   
with Ms. Yialias

Calling all wordsmiths! If you enjoy learning about words and playing word games, then you are a “wordsmith.” Wordsmiths like to explore facts about the words of the English language. Have you ever wondered about the origin of the English language? Did you know that many of the words in the English language are derived from many languages, as well as from Greek and Latin root words?  In this SEM Cluster, you will explore the interesting origins and etymologies of many English words.  In addition, you will apply your “wordsmith” skills by playing a variety of word games, including Scrabble and Boggle. You will design creative Wordsmith Projects (Flip Books, Word Wheels) and an original Word Game.

Healthy Habits     
with Ms. Marsaggi

Do you like to eat chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers from McDonald’s?  Would you like to know which one is the “healthier” choice?  Do you consider yourself an active person?  In this cluster we will be exploring healthy food options, discovering fun ways to stay active and what ingredients are in the foods we eat every day. We can put our hard work to the test during a possible trip to a local restaurant as well as a possible trip to St. Francis College to meet with a trainer and a nutritionist.  


Future Community Leaders    
with Ms. Milazzo

Are you interested in taking action in our community or around the world?  Is there something bothering you that you would like to see changed?  In this cluster you will learn how to do something about it!  Through investigation and planning we will be able to address these issues, develop and carry out action plans to make a positive impact on our community. Field trips may include various points of interest throughout Queens.  You will decide!  

 Fashion of the World    
with Ms. Chu

Do you love fashion? Are you passionate about designing clothing? In this cluster, you will explore fashion trends of different cultures and design original fashion pieces that are inspired by that culture. It can be a hat, a pair of socks, masks dresses, pants, jewelry, etc. A possible trip to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to explore and learn more about the fashion industry and famous designers. 

Art History Cluster  
with Ms. Rosenblum

Do you like art?  Are you interested in learning about the historical world of art and recreating your own impressions? Then this cluster is for you.  Research images and stories about cave paintings, Egyptian art, and Greek vases and urns.  You will select images you connect with then you recreate them in class.  Possible trip to local New York City Museums to see and learn about original works of art.

Sample the World – Food, Music and Dance 
with Ms. Pollina

Are you interested in different cultures? Do you enjoy traveling and learning about new places and  tasting authentic dishes, experience music and dance from around the world? If so, this is the cluster for you.  In this cluster you will learn about different cultures around the world by tasting their traditional dishes. We will use the recipe to create and sample some of these delicious foods!  A possible trip to a Multi- Cultural theater or Museum.

String Ensemble Discovery 
with Dr. Eisenberg

Are you interested in learning about the violin and other string instruments? In this cluster you will explore the instruments of the string orchestra, violin, viola, cello, and string bass, and will learn to create originally composed music while learning the basics of these instruments. You will record yourself, perform in solos and small groups, and will conduct trips featuring instrumental ensembles around the city. You will be performing at special school wide events. 

The Art of Quilting and Weaving 
with Ms. Kiernan

Are you an artist who is ready to expand your horizons?  Would you like to be artistic with paper or fabric?  Do you enjoy crafting?  Does the idea of creating your work in fabric or paper excite you?  If so, then the Art of Weaving Cluster is for you!  In this cluster you will explore how different cultures from around the world have woven cloth and created tapestries and given a chance to design your own piece of art.  A possible trip to the American Folk Art Museum