New Dance Team, “A Place to Belong” at Nagel Middle School
As we kick-off March Madness, our monthly Mission Moment highlights a 2024 Foundation Grant for a new Dance Team at Nagel Middle School from the Forest Hills Foundation. Sarah McGough, FHSD parent at Nagel Middle School, was able to create a performance-based dance team for both 7th and 8th grade students.
“My daughter is most excited that she doesn’t have to learn a new sport to be part of a team at Nagel. She can do what she loves and is confident in AND be part of a school team!” current FH parent.
Since 2008, the Forest Hills Foundation for Education has been committed to supporting Nagel students in the critical transition from 6th to 7th grade, from elementary to middle school. This is a time of both anticipation and apprehension among our students. In response to a student-led initiative requesting additional support, and thanks to a grant from NY Life Insurance via The Lyon Group, the Foundation continues to provide both scaffolding and empowerment to help make this important transition as seamless as possible for students. The Nagel Dance Team is an example of a club supported by the Foundation that makes Nagel a place where you can find your place to belong.
“Dance gives students a unique way to express themselves that’s different from traditional sports or academic activities,” explains Sarah. “Many students have dance experience from studio classes, but never had the opportunity to perform for their school community. This program bridges that gap.”
The Dance Team will perform at school pep rallies, share halftime performances with cheerleaders at basketball games, and participate in various showcase opportunities throughout the year. Unlike the existing Dance & Spin Club, which focuses on skills for future high school color guard participation, this new team emphasizes dance as its own athletic and artistic discipline.
Through the generosity of our donors, the Forest Hills Foundation is able to award grants that bring impactful programs like this to fruition. These grants provide funding for activities that promote physical wellness, build student confidence, and create communities of belonging. We appreciate our community’s continued support, which allows us to enhance the educational experience through creative outlets.
Since 2008, the FH Foundation has awarded over $1 million in Teacher Grants at all 9 schools across the district. In addition, The FH Foundation has supported Nagel After-School Clubs/Activities, along with bus transportation home for students.
We are proud to support our front-line educators that empower and impact students on a daily basis. Your donations directly impact hundreds of FHSD students each year through programs like the Nagel Middle School Dance Team.
“It’s really cool that we got to start the first ever dance team at Nagel. I hope it grows bigger each year. And after I leave, I can’t wait to come back and support them.” Nagel 7th grader.
“Having this experience at Nagel makes me feel more prepared to try out for the dance team in high school,” says a Nagel 8th grader.
The Foundation connects students to resources designed to help them prepare for the college of their choice.
College Essay Writing Workshop
Registration is now open for the 2025 College Essay Writing Workshop.
Friday, June 6th
Nagel Middle School
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
FHFE and Riverbend Education Solutions, LLC are providing an opportunity for rising high school seniors to attend a four-hour workshop devoted to brainstorming essay topics and developing relevant essay structure. The goal of the workshop is for each student to leave with either a solid outline or first draft of a main personal statement and have the tools to develop more. The workshop is held in June and current Anderson HS and Turpin HS rising seniors can register in the Spring.
