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eSports Students Compete at Districtwide Tournament

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Forty-two students across five schools met up at Kennedy on March 22 to compete in a districtwide Super Smash Bros. tournament.

After winning their school level tournament earned them a bid into the districtwide event. Kids brought their own controllers, some with custom modifications. 

Mikaela Coni, assistant superintendent for business, added that “it’s another avenue for people to get connected to something they love.”

David Prince, a math chair, organized the first competition, which was played in bracket style.

“eSports puts all students on the same playing field,” Prince explained. “We have middle school students competing against high school students, boys against girls, students who receive academic accommodations against those who don't, and everyone has a great time.”

Dan Stiglitz, the eSports coach at Merrick Avenue Middle School, 3D printed trophies for the top finishers, but the real prize is bragging rights.

“And they get the chance to defend their title next year,” Stiglitz, added.

The winner was Ruben Cardona of Mepham (left) with Matt O'Brien of Mepham coming in second.

There hasn’t been a live tournament like this across Long Island.

“Next year, we'll try to invite Esports teams from neighboring schools to join the competition and include other games,” Prince added.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/28/2024

High School Students Offer Guidance to Elementary Peers

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Students from Kennedy and Calhoun High Schools visited Merrick’s Lakeside and North Merrick’s Fayette elementary schools, respectively.

A group of Lakeside alumni who now serve in their high school’s student government revisited their alma mater to engage with current student council members.

The focus was emphasizing the profound impact of service in shaping strong communities. Their message resonated deeply with the future Cougars, sparking enthusiasm and renewed commitment to making a positive difference. As we continue to foster a culture of service and leadership, let's draw inspiration from these alumni and their continual service.

Calhoun athletes regularly visit Fayette School through the ACES program, or Athletes Compassionately Educating Students, to lead lessons about healthy and positive life habits. During their recent visit, sixth graders broke out into groups as ACES athletes discussed the importance of avoiding drugs and alcohol and maintaining an active lifestyle. The high schoolers also shared what sixth graders can expect both at Merrick Avenue Middle School and Calhoun, including classes, teachers, participating in sports and independently following a daily schedule. Sixth graders greatly enjoyed receiving the beneficial insight.

Date Added: 3/28/2024

MAP, PREP Academy Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day

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To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, our Prep and MAP teachers Rebecca Menachem and James Balestrieri got pairs of blank socks for Prep students to decorate one and MAP students to decorate the other. Then they were hung up in pairs to recognize the day.

VIDEO: Mepham St. Baldrick’s Event Raises $56K

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The entire Bellmore-Merrick school community came together March 20 for the districtwide annual Chop Your Locks for charity event benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, hosted by Wellington C. Mepham High School.

This year’s event has already raised $56,000 for the foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research and outreach.

Together with teachers Kerry Dennis and Chris Patten, and social studies chairperson Robyn Einbinder, members of the department oversaw various details of the evening’s success. Patten also played the bagpipes with the Amity Highland Pipes Band, of which he is a member.

Seniors Emma Alfaro, Brahim Alam, Olivia Guarascio and Kieran Kehoe were hosts for the evening.Students in Participation in Government classes volunteered as part of their senior service learning project.

Matt Chicco, a teacher from Merrick Avenue Middle School, was the evening’s top fundraiser, bringing in at $5,210. Mepham senior Kieran Kehoe was second, raising $4,291.

Members of the Star Wars-themed cosplay group, the 501st Legion, were also on hand to support the cause. The district’s Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting program documented the event and produced an on-air segment during the fundraiser.

When it came time for head shaving, students from the district’s cosmetology program, led by instructor Jaime Pendl, operated the hair buzzers. The program is housed at Calhoun High School.

Calhoun’s DECA raised more than $1,000, led by senior Nickolas Mascary. His efforts inspired Assistant Principal Michael Hughes to chop his locks for charity that night.

Donations are still being accepted at https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/868/2024.

 

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

 

 

Date Added: 3/22/2024

Grand Production Includes Those Who Missed Out During Covid

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A few years ago, Grand Avenue English teacher/drama director Rebecca Levy watched her students miss out on a production, “All Shook Up.” All of the experiences and lifelong memories when the world came to a screeching halt with the Covid shutdown in March 2020.

Years in the making, she resurrected the same show this school year and came up with this idea of bringing the current and former casts together for new more incredible memories.

“For those of us that have been around a while, certain phrases resonate,” added Principal Carlo Conte. “The one that seems most fitting here is, “The Power of Bellmore-Merrick.”And The Power of Bellmore-Merrick was on full display that day and kids were able to walk away with some priceless memories.”

“Having our former drama students back today to revisit the show that they previously worked so hard on was very special,” Levy explained. ‘Listening to them share words of wisdom with their younger counterparts that were filled with so much maturity and joy and watching them finally take their bow that was four years in the making is something that will stay with all of us for a long time.”

Merrie Ober, a pastry instructor in the CHAMP program housed at Kennedy, volunteered some students to cook lunch for the cast and crew of the Grand Avenue production.

“This allowed them to connect with new students and reconnect with each other over some yummy food,” Levy added.

Date Added: 3/26/2024

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