P.S. I Love You Day was celebrated across the district on Feb. 14 with various events highlighting connection, kindness and inclusivity.

At Calhoun High School, the gymnasium hallway was decked out in purple.

Students staffed tables that offered various activities and coping strategies.

“The journaling table had writing prompts to help understand how to use journaling as a coping strategy,” explained assistant principal Danielle Amato.” In addition, the physical education classes participated in yoga, math, social studies and foreign language participated with various lessons.”

The school’s Rock Band serenaded students and staff as they entered the building as well.

Calhoun also kicked off their mural project for the "You Are Not Alone" movement with a mini mural display, all created by students’ artwork.

Utilizing funds donated by the school’s PTSA, "You Are Not Alone" is a global movement where people come together to create murals. Art teacher Jessica Conte, substitute teacher Arianna Partland and assistant principal Michael Hughes are spearheading the effort. The mural is scheduled for a May completion date.
At Grand Avenue Middle School, the S.A.D.D. Club decorated the halls in purple. School Psychologist Dr. Rachel Aguilar and math teacher Julia Motley arranged for a CARES Connect lesson during homeroom that involved each student penning notes of positivity for a kindness wall.

At Merrick Avenue Middle School, the Wellness Center initiated a Kindness Hearts campaign during the month of February.

“All students were encouraged to submit well-decorated hearts which contained positive messages,” explained Principal Katelyn Dunn. “During our most recent session, participants designed a kindness tree and decorated it with beautiful hearts.”

Over 1,400 hearts were submitted in total.

Additionally, Lauren Beinert and her special education classes spread the love ahead of P.S. I Love You Day by decorating every door throughout the building with a special message and purple hearts.

At Kennedy High School, the Key Club, led by faculty advisor Jessica Chilton, created a Take What You Need Wall, where passersby peeled off a note for keeping.
Leadership students at Mepham High School sponsored a free breakfast for all students as they entered the building and handed out chocolate kisses. They also hand-wrote notes for faculty and staff members.

P.S. I Love You Day has been recognized across New York State. Started by Brooke DiPalma of West Islip who experienced a family tragedy, Brooke is dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. The mission of P.S. I Love You Day is to instill hope for those affected by mental illness, fostering a supportive environment and a community where everyone feels welcomed, loved, and supported. It is celebrated on the second Friday of each February and recognized by wearing purple.

Click here to view the Spreading Kindness for P.S. I Love You Day 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/18/2025

The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs varsity ice hockey team in the Central High School District secured its first Nassau County championship since 2016 on Feb. 12, winning its best two out three game series with a sweep of Long Beach High School.

The team won theConference I regular season with a 15-1 record and received an automatic bid the New York State High School Hockey championships.They now head to the state tournament in Binghamton Feb. 28 to March 2.

The team set its sights on a county championship early in the season and the 22 players from schools across the CHSD didn’t disappoint.

The game 1 overtime win gave the team the confidence they needed for game 2, which they won, 8-2.

“This is something these boys will remember for a real long time,” Coach Pat Braglia said. “They have earned the right to call themselves champions and I am fortunate to get to be a part of it. They are just a special group.”

Date Added: 2/14/2025

After a softball injury sidelined Kennedy junior Morgan Bronfeld last summer, she began petitioning for mandatory ACL education and prevention as part of the New York State physical education curriculum.

As part of her Leadership II civic project, Bronfeld began contacting NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, asking that this type of training be included in the curriculum.

“I think it would be beneficial as it can help prevent injuries from happening, as well as spread information on how they occur and their prevalence,” explained Bronfeld, who required surgery and physical therapy for her torn ACL and meniscus.

She also worked closely with the Stars Rehabilitation Department of Northwell Health to bring a physical therapist in on Feb. 13-14 to address each physical education class at Kennedy.

The program covered common injuries such as shin splints, muscle and tendon strains, ligament sprains, and ACL issues.

John Carl, a physical therapist at STARS Rehabilitation discussed the four pillars of health: training, recovery, nutrition and mental health.

“Recovery doesn’t always mean rest,” Carl told the students. “It means getting active even when you’re sore. Or doing skill work or core work on your recovery day.”

He emphasized how nutrition also plays a large role for those in training.

“How well you fuel yourself is how well you can perform the day of competition,” he added. “Protein, vitamins and minerals, water and electrolytes are included in this.”

Carl also stressed how mental health is importance for maintaining drive and focus before having students perform various exercises properly and having them demonstrate core techniques and stretches.

While Bronfeld has not heard back from the governor’s office yet, she said she plans to continuing writing letters, emails and getting in contact with legislators.

School and Community Leadership is a three-year program offered at the high schools that aims to promote community service and civic action and foster leadership skills among students.

Click here to view the Kennedy Student Advocates for Injury Prevention Education in Phys Ed Classes 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/14/2025

The Bellmore-Merrick Boys Bowling team captured the Nassau County championship on Feb. 8. 

The team is comprised of students from all six schools in the Central High School District.  

Eight bowlers will compete at states on March 14. Additionally, 11 team members will compete at the individual championships on Feb. 11. 

Riley Kolinsky, an eighth grader from Grand Avenue Middle School, is also competing as both an individual and on the All Star team. 

Mepham sophomore Lucas Lam is the number one bowler in Nassau County with a 230 average and averaged a 243 in the team county championship. 

Mepham senior Chris Mann only joined the team in sophomore year and is now part of the crew heading to states. Mann also plays for the Pirates football team. 

Mepham’s Anthony Franoclini averaged a 218 throughout the counties and in six games only leaving two open frames.  

Josh Sat and Owen Yeung, both freshman at Mepham, averaged over a 200 in the county championship. 

Mepham senior and two-year starter Jake Piazza was unable to bowl in the county competition due to an illness, however he will be competing with the team at states.  

Mepham freshman Nathan Lam, another solid bowler, will be bowling at the states. He is Lucas Lam’s younger brother. 

Joseph Bianca has served as the team’s coach for 20 years and this is his second county championship in five years. He’s also spent 30 years as a coach and special education teacher at Calhoun High School. 

“We are solid from top to bottom retuning five out of the eight bowlers,” he noted. 

Date Added: 2/11/2025

The Bellmore-Merrick Rifle squad clinched the Nassau County championship on Feb. 6.  

This is the highest level of competition for the team and the seven other teams Bellmore-Merrick competes against in the county.  

Students must learn several skills to be successful at this sport. 

“Concentration and focus, both mental and physical, are required to hit a dot the size of a period from 10 meters,” explained Coach Philip Schratwieser. “The decision-making process involves not only taking the shot - which is challenging enough – but also having the discipline to say ‘no’ to yourself when you realize you aren’t ready. You must then be able to calm your heart rate, control your breathing and to steady your hand all before you try again.” 

Schratwieser served 12 years in the military as a Squad Designated Marksman, was a graduate of the Army’s Master Gunner course and perennial sharpshooter.  

In addition to being an assistant and head coach for the last six years, he works in the district’s network operations team for the technology department.  

There are 14 students on the squad from across the CHSD’s schools.  

“I have been coaching some of these kids for four years and will miss them as they move onto the next phase of their lives,” noted Schratwieser. “I am so very proud of them, their hard work and the recognition they bring to the sport and to themselves as a result.” 

Date Added: 2/13/2025