Earlier in the week, Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools celebrated Halloween by wearing our Costumes for a Cause.

At Grand Avenue, students paid $1 to dress up and the money is then donated to a charity.
“What an absolutely amazing display of spirit and creativity,” said Grand Avenue Principal Carlo Conte. “The students, faculty and staff overwhelmingly participated.”

This year’s costume contest winners at Grand Avenue include; seventh-graders Isabella Jensen (voodoo puppet), Lindsey Kerner (skeleton), and Kieran Kehoe (zipper laker) and eighth-graders Ashton Martire (Freddy Krueger), Riley Fried (angler fish), and McKayla Parra (Little Red Riding Hood with the wolf’s head).

At Merrick Avenue, students donated non-perishable food items to be donated to the district’s Community Cupboard.

Team 5 teachers Matthew Chicco, Michael Hagens, Deanne Junior, Mary-Katherine Michels, Allison Roumbos and Jennifer Verwys collaborated for a superhero theme.

Unwanted candy can be donated at the middle schools to benefit Operations Sweet Tooth, a collection that supports armed forces overseas.

“Students are encouraged to bring in any wrapped candy to donate to this most worthy cause,” added Merrick Avenue Principal Dr. Taryn Johnson.