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Birch Third Graders Work on Fraction Lessons

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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

Merrick Celebrates Music in Our Schools Month

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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.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/21/2024

VIDEO: Birch Third Graders Dance Around the World

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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.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.



Date Added: 3/7/2024

Birch Fifth Graders Investigate Circuitry

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Fifth graders in Jessica Giovino and Debra Vernice’s co-taught classroom at Birch completed their second New York State science investigation, “Light It Up.”

“They explored and observed how electricity flows through an open and closed circuit, and how to make a circuit stronger,” Giovino explained.

Date Added: 3/4/2024

VIDEO: Birch Celebrates Lunar New Year

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Kindergartners at Birch School celebrated the Lunar New Year with a traditional lion dance on Feb. 12.

With decorations in hand, the students lined the hallways as Assistant Principal Meredith Kelly and Principal Kerri Galante paraded down the hallways under the embellished lion costume.

Throughout the celebration, the kindergartners clapped and chanted “Gung Hay Fat Choy” – “May You Become Prosperous” in Chinese.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.



Date Added: 2/13/2024