Students in Ms. Giovino and Mrs. Vernice’s class at Birch made their own models that simulated a solar eclipse. They used clay to model the moon and the Earth, and a flashlight to model the sun.

Students lined up the clay model of the moon to block the flashlight sun to demonstrate the upcoming solar eclipse that they would be observing at home this afternoon.

Date Added: 4/9/2024

Birch School hosted its annual PTA sponsored Community Read Aloud on April 5. The theme was “Dive into Reading” and esteemed guests from the Merrick community visited each classroom to share a story.

School librarian Vanessa Schroeder worked with the PTA, dedicating hours of time “making sure that our full school community feels the love of reading,” noted Principal Kerri Galante.

This program was enjoyable for students and teachers, as well as rewarding and memorable for guest readers.

“This event was a wonderful opportunity for important members of our local community to make a difference and show our children that reading can be engaging and enjoyable,” added Schroeder.

Students engaged in a question-and-answer session with the visiting readers to learn more about their essential roles in our community.

“We are hoping they all grow into amazing community members one day, just like all of you,” added Galante during her welcome speech.

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Date Added: 4/8/2024

Third graders in Ms. Papa’s class at Birch worked together in hands-on math centers to solidify concepts of fractions on a number line and telling elapsed time.

Date Added: 3/26/2024

Kids across Merrick Schools marched to the beat of their own drum during Music in our School month.

At Birch, each day music/chorus teacher Robb Normandeau created grade-level lessons, as well as daily discussion topics such as how music connects people universally and more. He also included musical history, online references, and a song of the day to get the entire building in the swing of things.

During a music lesson with first graders, Normandeau worked on pitch and rhythm reading while performing on four instruments, xylophones, drums, tambourines and maracas.

“This lesson is a little night music, so it's themed after how music can help focus, relax, and motivate us,” Normandeau.

Just last year, Merrick Schools were among 59 schools on Long Island – and 738 nationwide – to be named a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

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Date Added: 3/21/2024

After learning about cultures from around the world during their history and English curriculum, third graders at Birch School worked on various dances during a five-day residency with an outside arts in education program.

The Vanaver Caravan Dance and Music Company visited Birch on multiple occasions, teaching the students about their style of dance, its history, as well as some of the clothing worn. They outfitted students in traditional garb and props that really made the dances stand out.

Mrs. Millevoi and Mrs. Mastellon performed the samba, Ms. An’s class performed the Charleston, Ms. Papa’s class performed the cumbia and Mrs. Rose’s class performed a Chinese Ribbon Dance.

“When you leave here with the hope that you will take this song and dance back with you in your hearts and in your minds,” owner Livia Vanaver addressed the crowd during a March 6 dress rehearsal. “As well as appreciate the importance of and honor each other’s cultures.”

They performed the dances for an audience of parents and peers as well.

For over 50 years and through three generations, Vanaver Caravan has traveled to schools with their immersive arts-education programs that promote diversity, community-building and cultural understanding. The school’s PTA cultural arts committee sponsored the workshop.

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Date Added: 3/7/2024