In recognition of National Fire Safety Awareness Week, members of the Merrick Fire Department conducted hands-on lessons with students at Birch Elementary School. Merrick F.D. members gave demonstrations on the proper use of fire and rescue equipment as well as the proper technique for exiting a fire situation safely. Students were treated to a close-up look at some of the department’s trucks and learned about the truck’s apparatus. 

Fire officials also advised students to remind their parents to check their home smoke detectors regularly and identify a safe outdoor meeting place in the event of an evacuation. 

Special thanks to the Merrick Fire Department for dedicating their time to teach our students these valuable, life-saving lessons! 

Students from Levy Lakeside who participate in yearlong service projects through the school’s service learning program were recently invited to share their experiences at the Nassau County “Glow of Hope” reception, a special kickoff to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Lakeside students spoke about past and future efforts. Several of their service projects focused on the 1in 9 Hewlett House while others helped children with terminal illnesses. One grade level worked to ensure that Lakeside’s own incoming Kindergarteners were welcomed with open arms! The audience included Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Hewlett House Director Geri Barish and Lakeside’s Principal and Assistant Principal, Libby Trencheny and Justin Gabrus. Hundreds of family members and friends were there to support the Lakeside Lions. Also in attendance were many of the Lakeside teachers including, student council adviser, Soo Becchina. These teachers provided the support students needed in order to carry out their creative service projects. https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7587

Hewlett House is a community learning resource center for cancer patients and their families that has served tens of thousands of cancer patients and their families. Last year, Lakeside Students created inspirational tissue boxes for the patients of the Hewlett House, and student council members also beautified the grounds and nurtured the vegetable garden there, an annual tradition.

Barish attended Lakeside’s Service Assembly at the end of the school year and presented Becchina and students with a Pockets of Hope denim quilt, created by the patients of Hewlett House, as a gift showing their gratitude to the school.

On the morning of September 11, 2019, more than 600 members of the Lakeside family, along with some very special guests, gathered to pay tribute to the heroes who helped so many, so long ago. The ceremony took place around the flagpole at the front of our school. As both, the American Flag and the Levy Lakeside Flag were raised to half mast, the students stood in silence. Speeches were made by student council representatives reminding everyone that each of us has the power to be a hero to someone else. We do not need to wear a cape or a uniform, or carry a fire hose or badge to do this. We do not need to be a grown-up  to perform an act of kindness. We were reminded that whether we are four years of age or 12, we each had the power to make a difference in the lives of others. 

As the Lakeside Lions left the ceremony, they proudly watched the flags flying high in the sky, forever a symbol of our freedom. Especially exciting was seeing the new Lakeside Flag fly for the first time. Our new school flag was personally donated by Assemblyman Dave McDonough. He was one of the special guests in attendance that morning. The Lakeside Lions would like to give a BIG ROAR of thanks to Assemblyman McDonough for his generosity and continued support of our school!

– Submitted by Lakeside School