STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Borough President Vito Fossella announced Thursday that PS 8 in Great Kills will receive a fully renovated auditorium.
According to Fossella, PS 8 is slated to receive a newly upgraded auditorium within 18 months.
The theatre, Fossella described, will feature new seating, an upgraded sound system and updated facilities to support student performances.
The school’s auditorium will receive several upgrades.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Fossella emphasized that Staten Island students “deserve the best,” and that the upgraded auditorium will allow children to shine even more during school performances.
Fossella reaffirmed his long-standing support of performing arts in Staten Island schools by restating his hope to one day establish a high school for the performing arts. He noted the borough is the only one in the city without a dedicated performing arts high school.
The announcement comes on the heels of the recently upgraded playground and basketball courts behind PS 8.
Students expressed excitement about the new facilities, which are used almost every day of the week.
Borough President Vito Fossella speaks to students.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
The Borough President praised PS 8 Principal Lisa Esposito, calling her outstanding and deeply committed to the school, along with teachers and staff who “love the students and want the best for them.”
Esposito highlighted that the performing arts programs and events are a community-wide effort and a central part of PS 8’s school culture.
After the announcement, second through fifth graders from the after-school arts programs, Glee 8 and Center Stage, took to the deck. These programs have been running for 10 years, Program Director Alfred Venturino shared. They are free of cost and attract strong voluntary participation from students.
The Frozen Above and Beyond performance featured over 50 students — 26 from Center Stage and 27 from Glee 8 — on stage. All performers voluntarily attend rehearsal after school, demonstrating strong enthusiasm and commitment to the performing arts.
Frozen Above and Beyond is based on the popular Disney movie, “Frozen.”
Students performed during Fossella’s visit.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Venturino, shared that students, whom he affectionately refers to as his “little co-directors,” learn choreography and are given the helm of creative decision-making for the production.
“I’m happy that the borough president is actually able to see it because the kids smiles today makes everything worth it,” Venturino said. “They work hard. A lot of their moves come into play during this production. They’re smiling, they stay with me, away from the technology a little bit. They’re active, moving, and they’re part of this, just like I am.”
He expressed gratitude to Principal Esposito for her support.
“I’m happy that Mrs. Esposito allows us to put on a production like this,” he said. “She gives a lot of insight on the decorations and really encourages students to be their best.”
During his visit to the school, Fossella spoke directly to the children, emphasizing the benefits of hard work and reminding them that they have the support of himself and the school.
The school will receive upgraded seating.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
“You’re going to be given every opportunity to succeed. So like I said, ‘Just try your best.’ You’re going to have good and bad days,” Fossella said. “Know that you have a whole support system around here who love and care about you. They want nothing but the best for you, and it’s up to you to do it.”
PS 8’s performance of Frozen Above and Beyond showcased the rhythm, movement and singing skills of each student who participated.
Audiences were treated to renditions of Frozen’s most popular songs such as “Let it Go,” “For the First Time in Forever” and “In Summer.”
Students performed songs from “Frozen.”Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
The performance included special effects such as snow and light effects.
After viewing the show, Fossella gave the children a stellar review.
“Anything we can do to support PS 8, we will continue to do,” Fossella said. “Anybody on Staten Island having a bad day, can come by PS 8, sign the book, and watch these kids perform. They blew it away.”
Fossella watches a student performance.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence