We continue to celebrate all of the great lessons and activities taking place in our schools. Here, in the Student Corner, we hear from our students in their own voices.
Student Corner
By Josie M.
The members of Lakeside’s Student Council and Kennedy High School’s Student Government worked together to plant flowers and shrubs at the Hewlett House, which is a community center that provides resources for people with cancer. On May 18, 2025, children took time from their weekend to beautify the grounds of the Hewlett House. The Lakeside Student Council has been doing this project for many years. This is the second year the Kennedy Crew joined in. They did it for the sake of making something beautiful for other people to enjoy.
The Lakeside Student Council pledged $1,000 for plants and shrubs. The Kennedy High School Student Government added even more money, so overall, a huge number of plants were purchased. All the students and adult supervisors worked until every flower and bush was planted. In honor of all the people diagnosed with breast cancer, the students even planted pinkimpatiens in the shape of the breast cancer ribbon. These groups of students and adults united to give a beautiful example of what happens when many people work together to make their community better.
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By Isabella H.
In April, the Student Council Crew held their monthly service project and showed support to the Sunrise Day Camp by sponsoringa collection of needed items.We collected: bean bags, tennis balls and rackets, Nerf foam footballs, badminton birdies & rackets and balls used for pickleball. We also collected 4” plastic flowerpots, 16” garden stakes, watering cans, garden tools, and board games. The Sunrise Day Camp is a Long Island-based camp that provides camp experience for children who have cancer and their siblings. Attending Sunrise Day Camp gives kids an opportunity to just be kids and have fun!! We want to help these children have an awesome time this summer and all summers to come. Each box we collect brings us one step closer to helping these kids have an amazing time this summer!! A HUGE thank you to all the Lakeside Lions who contributed to this collection!! Together we can make a difference and let kids just be kids!!
By Katie E.
On March 21st,the Lakeside Lionspromoted inclusion and showedtheir support for World Down Syndrome Awareness Dayby wearing blue and yellow clothing and brightly colored mismatched socks,whichsymbolizesthe extra chromosome in individuals with Down Syndrome.The student council also fundraised for the Down Syndrome Awareness Foundationby sellingblue and yellow bracelets for $2.00 each. The Down Syndrome Awareness Foundation, specifically theGlobal Down Syndrome Foundation, isa non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. The Student Council Crew raised $400.00 to donate to the foundation with the sale of 200 bracelets. Thank you to everyone who bought a bracelet to make this fundraiser such a huge success!
By Madison H.
The “Harvest of Love” drive aiding Soup to Nuts has truly brought together our community with such generosity and affection. We are thrilled to announce that we collected 12 boxes filled with greatly needed donations in just 3 days! This incredible achievement reflects the hard work of everyone involved and the kindness of our community members. Each box is a step closer to helping people in need. Soup to Nuts provides families and individuals with not only food, but daily essentials including rolls of toilet paper, gloves for men and women, socks and soap for those faced with hunger and homelessness. The student council is so happy to sharethese donations with the community. Thank you so very much for participating in this amazing initiative. Together we can make a difference!
Birch Podcast: Student Reporters
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By Joey B.
We are so grateful toall Lakeside familieswho donated to Birthday Wishes. We collected 12 BIG boxes of birthday supplies. We send all the boxes to an organization that helps provide a birthday celebration for kids whoare living in the homeless shelters of Nassau County. We collected napkins, cake batter, Barbie Dolls, Lego's, birthday banners, reusable water bottles and so much more. We collected all the things children love to play with. This helps to keep their worries away and just focus on having a good time.We donate to help kids in need. We want them to focus on being a kid!
Joey B.
We are so grateful toall Lakeside familieswho donated to Birthday Wishes. We collected 12 BIG boxes of birthday supplies. We send all the boxes to an organization that helps provide a birthday celebration for kids whoare living in the homeless shelters of Nassau County. We collected napkins, cake batter, Barbie Dolls, Lego's, birthday banners, reusable water bottles and so much more. We collected all the things children love to play with. This helps to keep their worries away and just focus on having a good time.We donate to help kids in need. We want them to focus on being a kid!
By Oren M.
The Student Council Crew at The Lakeside School is so proud of all the Lions. In January, we sponsored a service project where we collected stuff like: old blankets, sheets, towels, leashes, cat and dog food, kitty litter, wee-wee pads and more. All these supplies were sent to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. They will be used to keep the dogs and cats safe and cozy while they wait for their forever home. This is a service project we do each year. This year was very successful. It took two large vehicles to deliver everything we collected. It makes us feel so good that we were able to make such a difference. If you donated to our service project, thank you very much.
Save The Animals - Episode 1
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At Lakeside, we got to be part of an amazing project. We collected toys and board games for kids who need them. This year we worked with the Merrick Kiwanis. We held the drive for two weeks and we collected eight HUGE bags of toys! It was super awesome because it means the students and staff at the Lakeside School were able to help kids who are not as fortunate. We feel so happy and proud to be able to bring joy to these kids.
We are super grateful for the support and generosity that made this possible. Thank you to everyone who donated toys or board games. Your generosity has truly made an enormous difference. It warms our hearts to know that our teamwork will bring smiles to so many kids during this holiday season.
We look forward to helping those in need while positively impacting the Lakeside Community. Happy holidays to all!
J.J. S.
For the past two weeks, Lakeside had been collecting items to help the residents of Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina who were affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Some of the items we collected included: socks, paper goods, blankets, baby wipes, diapers, underwear, baby food, work gloves, flashlights, and batteries. Once again, the Lakeside Family did not disappoint. We were able to fill 5 huge boxes of donations and a huge bag of blankets. We hope our neighbors get back on their feet soon so they may enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Jack B.
Member of the Student Council Crew
During the month of April, the student council crew sponsored a service project to benefit Birthday Wishes. Birthday Wishes is an agency that provides all the children living in Nassau County's Homeless Shelters, with the items needed to celebrate a birthday! Some of the items we collected were beauty items, sports equipment, and wrapping paper. Our volunteer mamas dropped off what we collected. They were very happy with what we donated. It feels so good that we were able to help other kids celebrate their birthday!
Oren M.
The student council crew has just completed their service project for the month of March. They sponsored a collection for the Sunrise Day Camp. This camp offers children with cancer and their siblings a fun and safe summer experience. This special camp is located right here on Long Island. We collected arts and crafts supplies alongwith sports equipment. The Lakeside Lions did not disappoint! Their generosity was overwhelming. We collected over 15 boxes and bags filled with crayons, paint, glue, paper, scissors, hula hoops, jump ropes, basketballs and so much more! The Lakeside Lions definitely caught the spirit of giving for this amazing charity. We are so happy we could help kids just like ourselves!
Jla N.
Recently the Lakeside Student Council invited the student government members from John F. Kennedy High School to attend one of their meetings! The student government shared some of the service projects they do. The student council crew will start incorporating some of these ideas into their own projects. The student council crew and the Kennedy Student Government have planned a joint service project. The recipient of the service will be The Hewlett House. The Hewlett House is a community resource center that assists anyone on Long Island who is suffering with cancer. Our goal is to spend a Sunday morning planting and beautifying the grounds. We plan to plant flowers and shrubs. This special project is slated to happen on May 19th. This is such a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together as a team! Lastly, the student council crew would like to thank the Kennedy Student Government members for coming by to see us. This meeting helped us to realize that service doesn't end with elementary school. It is a life long gesture! What an amazing experience!
Zach K.
Over at Lakeside, students have been collecting for the Harvest of Love drive. In only two days, students and staff collected 12 boxes of individual snack bags, pieces of fruit, and toilet paper. The items were donated to The Inn.It felt great to know that we were able to help so many of neighbors who are struggling at this time.
By Olivia W.
The student council crew of Lakesidehas just finished their last service project for the 2023 school year. It was for Birthday Wishes. Birthday Wishes is an agencywhere theyprovidea birthday box for all the children who live in the homeless shelters of Nassau County. The Lakeside Lions collected gel pens, party favors, bubbles, fidget spinners, birthday wrapping paper, andRubik’s Cubes to name a few of the items. We were able to collect five huge boxes of supplies to donate to Birthday Wishes.All ofLakesidehopesthat every child in Nassau County has a wonderful birthday.
Jackson F.
The Levy Lakeside Student Council Crew just finished a very successful service project! We decided to collect donations for the Ronald McDonald House of the Metro New York area. The Ronald McDonald House is a place that provides housing for parents of very sick children who are in a hospital far from their home. We collected items like: boxed & canned food, paper goods, baby supplies, and toiletries.
These items are used to help guests feel more comfortable while they are away from home. We set up bins in the lobby. We collected over 14 boxes/bags of the items that were listed on the flyer we sent home. We were thrilled with the outpouring of love that was received! We want to thank all the Lions who donated! It feels good to know we made a huge difference in the lives of others!
By: Marin K.
The Student Council would like to thank all of the Lakeside families who contributed over the last few weeks to our collection for the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter has dogs and cats that can be adopted. We are so happy to be able to help many animals at the shelter while they are waiting for a family to adopt them. We collected newspapers, food/treats, toys, leashes, collars, blankets, sheets, wee wee pads and more! We collected ten big bags and eight boxes worth of items! The Lakeside Lions are grateful to all of the generous families for helping our furry friends.
Rina G.
Recently the Lakeside Student Council has been buying different things to help the school including the purchase of a new bench for our lobby, buying even more cups and cup dispensers, and buying three new trash cans for the outside fields.
In the front lobby of Lakeside, there is a brown bench and the student council has purchased a brand new red bench. This is so all students or visitors have a comfortable place to sit while waiting to be let in.
Last year the Student Council Crew tried putting cup dispensers in the 5th and 6th grade hallways and it was successful. Because of this success, they installed one next to each water fountain I the building. The cup dispensers are there so if you forget a water bottle you can always get a drink.
Recently, the Student Council Crew has purchased new trash cans for the back playground and fields. If you are at recces or even if you are here for a baseball game it is more convenient to throw out trash. These new cans have a covered lid so no trash can blow out of them.
These are only some of the things that the Student Council happily does to help our school.
By: Zachary K.
In early December, the Lions of the Levy Lakeside Elementary School collected brand-new toys for the Toys for Tots program. Members of the Merrick Kiwanis came to pick up all the bags. In total, we collected enough bags to fill 11 HUGE bags. The toys collected were brand-new and unwrapped. The toys will be distributed to Long Island Children who may otherwise go without a holiday gift. The collection lasted for just 10 days and hundreds of toys were donated. We thank all the Lakeside Lions who brought in a toy for the collection.
Thomas K.
In late October, the students of Levy Lakeside placed Kindness Rocks in the front of the school. Last year all the Lakeside Lions in each class painted rocks with positive messages. Due to the construction that was taking place in the front of the building, we were not able to place the rocks outside at that time. Now that the construction has been completed, the Student Council Crew was able to finally place the rocks in front of the building. Now when students and parents come into our school their minds will be filled with positive words, messages, and quotes on beautiful, bright colored painted rocks. Last year The Student Council purchased hundreds of rocks and the materials for this project. During art class Ms. Raadsen oversaw the project making sure that the rocks were made the best they could be by each and every student. The rocks were thoughtfully placed around the island and front of the school. We hope you stop by to delight in a message of kindness.
By: Jack Z.
Recently, Norman J. Levy Lakeside hosted a Veteran’s Day ceremony to honor all the amazing veterans. This was an incredibly special moment because we have not hosted this event since before Covid. Our music teacher, Mr. Glemboski, played the piano and led us in the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. We also had some of our 5th grade Student Council representatives stand as our color guard. We are so thankful that the veterans made time in their day to come and speak to all the Lakeside Lions. It is truly inspiring to see what others have done and continue to do to protect our country. Thank you to all the veterans for serving our nation. These veterans' honorable acts should be something we all continue to look up to.
By: Lena M.
On Monday, March 21, our school supported World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. We dressed up in blue and yellow, and wore our most unique socks. It is important that we recognize this special day to ensure that everyone feels accepted for who they are. We thank all the Lakeside Lions who dressed up in recognition of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. We wanted to show that respecting everyone's differences is the key to FRIENDSHIP!
Written by: Jenna F.
Date Added: 4/27/2022
On March 22, the Levy Lakeside Students helped collect items for its annual Harvest of Love Day. The Harvest of Love Day gave the Lakeside family an opportunity to donate to those who are going through a rough time.
We would like to thank everyone who brought in items to donate, they were much appreciated. The items were brought to a local soup kitchen, The Inn.
We collected 26 bags/boxes of fresh apples and oranges, individual packages of snacks and individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper! This collection only took place for one day.
The Lakeside Lions did an incredible job of collecting and we hope that we were able to help those in need!
Written by: Sami G.
Date Added: 4/12/22
This past month, the boys and girls at Levy Lakeside School helped collect tissue boxes for a service project. The idea was to decorate and color them.
Then, bring to the Hewlett house which is a community resource center for anyone suffering with cancer. We collected so many boxes and would like to thank everyone that brought them in. We are so glad that we could give back to the community.
The Lakeside Lions are so proud that we could help put a smile on their faces.
Ryan D.
Lakeside Student Council Member
Date Added: 3/22/2022
The Lakeside Levy School Student Council crew tries hard to help other kids ALL year long.
Over this past week, members of the Levy Lakeside student council helped collect many items for the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter and Ruff House Rescue. We collected so much and would like to thank everyone who donated because it is super important to give back to the community. This will help our furry friends out until they can find a family to adopt them. We are so grateful that these wonderful shelters were willing to accept pet food, toys, towels, and so much more! Again, thank you to all who donated. All the Lakeside Lions are proud to live in such a giving community.
By,
Owen K.
The Lakeside Levy School Student Council crew tries hard to help other kids ALL year long.
During the holidays we want to make sure that every child in our neighborhood receives something special. This year we tried to help out by collecting brand new toys. We participated in Toys for Tots. The Lakeside Lions were able to collect nine HUGE boxes of brand-new toys for children of all ages.
We want to thank all the grown-ups and students who helped out by donating toys. We are so proud that we were given the chance to help. We wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Written by: Ben M.
