For the children in the Sayville Academic Center (SAC), including several from the Patchogue-Medford UFSD, a Sock Hop that was held in conjunction with National Physical Fitness Week was something new. For the adults in the school gym, it was the fifties and sixties with a trip down Memory Lane listening to the oldies.
In the spirit of the event, the staff wore scarves around high ponytails, initial sweaters (a large initial applique in the shoulder corner), and Pink Ladies jackets. Teacher aide Amanda Haase made poodle skirts for the girls. “Rock Around the Clock” played, followed by “Johnny Be Good” and “Tutti Frutti.” The children thought the Sock Hop was a brand-new idea, but for event coordinator and teacher Jeannine McKenna, it awoke memories of the “Lindy Hop” and “Jitterbug.” (The Sock Hop got its name when two-tone saddle shoes were not allowed on varnished gym floors, so kids danced in their socks.) ” The late Dick Clark would be proud.
The Hop was held as part of the All Children Exercise Simutaneously (ACES) project, also know as the world’s largest exercise class, held universally on the first Wednesday in May. The non-competitive program is educational and motivational and has reportedly reached children in 50 countries. But at SAC, it was fun with a capital F.
