Twenty-four talented students from the Merrick School District’s three Merrick schools were selected to participate in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Music Festival concerts at LIU Post’s Tilles Center for the Performing Arts this month. 
Congratulations to our amazing student musicians, as well as their parents and music teachers!

Chatterton School recently donated approximately 25 new or gently used dolls to the dementia unit at the Amber Court assisted living facility in Westbury. Second grade teacher Debra Levins is pictured (right) dropping off the donations with Amber Court Activity Director Ginger Bonner.
Dolls are widely used as an effective way to decrease stress and agitation in people living with Alzheimer’s disease or any kind of dementia. A caregiver can also use doll therapy for dementia patients as a way to bring responsibility, caring and structure back into their lives.


 

Every year, the administration, faculty and staff at Chatterton School reflect on the previous school year and challenge themselves to build upon its successes. With public displays of hate on the rise, it is more important than ever for schools to commit to programs that clearly define expectations in behavior for all members of the community. 
Joined by its sister schools, Birch and Levy Lakeside, Chatterton is implementing an initiative to become a No Place for Hate school. No Place for Hate is “a self-directed program helping the stakeholders take the lead on improving and maintaining school climate so all students can thrive.” As a kickoff to the program, each student signed a No Place for Hate pledge in their classroom to treat people fairly, be kind to others even if they are not like them and tell a teacher if they see someone being hurt or bullied.
Throughout the year, members of the Chatterton school community will complete three activities in which students and teachers will discuss different topics, including respect, bullying and inclusion. Chatterton recently completed its first activity, The Tree of Respect. During this activity, every classroom read the book, “All Are Welcome,” and held a discussion about kindness vs. respect. Students also discussed the difference between the two and developed ways that they can show respect towards one another, both in and out of school. Following the discussions, they were given a hand made from construction paper to write one idea that shows respect to others. 
Every student is committing to their idea. The paper hands are displayed together in the form of leaves on the school’s Tree of Respect as a constant reminder of the commitment made by everyone at Chatterton to respect one another.

Chatterton School welcomed kindergarten families for a special Thanksgiving celebration. Students enjoyed a reading of “The Thankful Book,” showcased their talents while singing Thanksgiving songs, talked about what they are thankful for and created a fun turkey day craft. 

The fifth and sixth grade Chatterton School student council recently spearheaded a schoolwide drive to collect food donations for local families. Working closely with the school social worker, Chatterton families who could benefit the most from the effort each received a box filled with enough food for several meals. Great job!