Birch School hosted its annual PTA-sponsored Community Read Aloud on March 28, welcoming teachers, business owners, politicians, board and community members to the annual event.

The theme was “Wild About Reading,” and esteemed guests from the Merrick community visited each classroom to share stories.

School librarian Vanessa Schroeder worked with the PTA committee members to curate a special guest list and pair them with age-appropriate books to read to the students.

“It means so much to our students and community members that you took the time to read to the children today,” said Principal Kerri Galante during the welcome breakfast. “We focus a lot on reading within the school district, trying to motivate kids to read just for the love of reading.”

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

“It's exciting for the students to welcome esteemed community members as guest readers,” added Schroeder. “This event shows the children that reading is an important lifelong activity,”

After each read-aloud, students were encouraged to learn more about their guests and their role in the community.

Click here to view the Birch Hosts Annual Community Read Aloud? slideshow.

Date Added: 4/1/2025

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Date Added: 3/20/2025

Students at Birch School in the Merrick Union Free School District once again welcomed local middle school/young adult author, Jen Calonita for an engaging literary presentation on March 12.

Calonita shared her latest work, “Isle of Ever” with these Birch Beavers before it has even hit the bookshelves.

“Students were excited to get this sneak peek into the newest book and into Ms. Calonita’s writing process,” explained Vanessa Schroeder, the Birch school librarian who organized the visit.

Date Added: 3/13/2025

Birch students are 100 days smarter! PreK students dressed up as 100-year-olds to celebrate their one hundredth day of school during the last week in February.

Date Added: 3/4/2025

From February 5-7, the Birch Theatre Residency presented “Annie, Jr.” The annual PTA-sponsored program was open to all fifth and sixth grade students, with roles decided by both audition and assignment depending on need.

Director Bruce Grossman, owner of Cultural Arts Playhouse, a regional theater with locations in Merrick and Syosset, auditioned each child before assigning the roles accordingly.Audition sessions were held in October with rehearsals beginning directly after.

“The children have a large time and preparation commitment,” explained Lauren Sigel, a PTA chairperson who headed the committee along with Lauren Arnone. “This allows them to really learn all of the songs and their lines and feel confident and comfortable to perform by the time the shows happen in February.”

For their three performances, cast and crew members arrived approximately an hour and a half before the show’s start to prepare, get in costume and perform mic checks. Several parents also volunteered to assist with the coordination.

“It's a big operation and the children truly do become seasoned professionals by the time the performances happen,” Sigel noted. “It's also incredible to see how they learn, adapt and grow between each performance.”

Click here to view the Birch Theatre Residency Presents ‘Annie, Jr.’ slideshow.

Date Added: 2/10/2025