MAP/Prep teacher Rebecca Menachem organized an event for Autism Acceptance Month on April 17 where students and staff decorated pieces of an infinity symbol puzzle to put together, decorated cookies and enjoyed a salad bar.

PREP students also presented about their Autism to the MAP students.

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Date Added: 4/17/2024

The Grand Avenue Middle School Art Club attended a painting workshop at ArtSea Studio in Babylon where former Bellmore-Merrick CHSD art teacher, Barbara Hirten, is an artist in residence.

The students learned how to manipulate the paint to create images of a field of flowers. After some instruction in the handling of the new media, each student artist was encouraged to begin to develop their own techniques resulting in every student expressing their individuality.

"I love to see the kid's skills and creativity 'blossom' as they are painting their flowers," said Hirten of the workshop.

Nicholas Giordano, Art Club advisor, added "the Art Club members are such a great group of students.”

“They learned the basic skills they will need to paint, and I am sure many will use these skills in their high school classes and the future,” he added.

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Date Added: 4/17/2024

Two students in the Kennedy High School & Community Leadership program recently won Best Project awards at this year’s Long Island Youth Summit.

Haniyyah Myricks and Jayda Levine attended the summit along with 17 fellow Kennedy students who were also finalists.  

The Youth Summit is an educational collaboration among various organizations, including Northwell Health and St. Joseph’s College, encourages high school students across Long Island to tackle pressing local socio-medical, environmental and social issues. 

Levine, whose work addressed the impact of climate change on her generation, secured the award in the Impact of Climate Change category.  

In her paper, she expressed the stress experienced by her peers, exacerbated by the stark realities of climate change and increased societal violence.  

“By the time we had outgrown childhood, climate change was no longer a distant threat but a present reality, with greenhouse gases at peak levels and natural disasters more frequent and severe,” Levine stated in her paper.  

Her project proposed practical measures to reduce environmental impact, including water conservation and energy efficiency, which she argued could be implemented immediately to mitigate these effects. 

Myricks won in the Leadership category with a paper delving into leadership's nature amid modern challenges. She explored historical and contemporary figures who exemplified strong leadership, influencing positive change amidst adversity.  

“Leadership is not about authority or titles,” Myricks wrote in her paper. “It's about making a positive impact and inspiring others to join in collective action, regardless of the challenges we face.”  

Her paper highlighted the importance of empathy, resilience and community engagement in fostering effective leadership. 

Both students received accolades for their insightful analysis and practical solutions to the challenges posed at the summit.  

Brad Seidman, their Leadership teacher noted how proud he is of the students. 

“Their projects demonstrate their deep understanding of the issues and their commitment to actively seeking solutions,” he said. “They truly embody the spirit of leadership and service we encourage at Kennedy.” 

Solar eclipse viewing parties were held across the CHSD on April 8. Organized by science and STEAM faculty members, students in several classes and clubs also volunteered to assist.

“Throughout the week students learned about solar eclipses and why they occur,” explained Nicole Rhodes, a science chairperson.

Students were reminded of the safety protocols necessary when viewing an eclipse ahead of time.

“They were also provided special eclipse viewing glasses and have the opportunity to view the partial eclipse with their friends and teachers,” added Heather Bizewski, a science chairperson.
The eclipse fell right after school hours and students and staff lined up on fields and in courtyards for an optimal group viewing experience.

At Kennedy High School, Astronomy and Advanced Science Research students and teachers took the lead in organizing a viewing party with a bake sale and music.

Guest speakers included Briant Rogers, an Air Force veteran and third-year mechanical engineering student at NYIT, Vincent Carbone, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at NYIT, and Brianna Hobert, a master’s mechanical engineering student with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical aerospace engineering at NYIT and visiting research assistant at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

At both Grand Avenue Middle and Mepham High School, eclipse-themed activities were held while an accompanying soundtrack played in the background. They also had a photobook set up.
Merrick Avenue Middle School, Calhoun High School and the Meadowbrook Alternative Program at Brookside also hosted events that included viewing, music, and eclipse-themed food such as celestial snacks such as Moon Pies, Sun Chips and Capri Suns.

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Date Added: 4/17/2024