Birch School hosted its annual PTA-sponsored Community Read Aloud on March 28, welcoming teachers, business owners, politicians, board and community members to the annual event.

The theme was “Wild About Reading,” and esteemed guests from the Merrick community visited each classroom to share stories.

School librarian Vanessa Schroeder worked with the PTA committee members to curate a special guest list and pair them with age-appropriate books to read to the students.

“It means so much to our students and community members that you took the time to read to the children today,” said Principal Kerri Galante during the welcome breakfast. “We focus a lot on reading within the school district, trying to motivate kids to read just for the love of reading.”

This program was enjoyable for students and teachers, rewarding and memorable for guest readers.

“It's exciting for the students to welcome esteemed community members as guest readers,” added Schroeder. “This event shows the children that reading is an important lifelong activity,”

After each read-aloud, students were encouraged to learn more about their guests and their role in the community.

Click here to view the Birch Hosts Annual Community Read Aloud? slideshow.

Date Added: 4/1/2025

At Chatterton, Ms. Pikowsky, Mrs. Scavelli, and Mrs. Maloney joined their classes together and paired up their students to create sweet little book buddy teams. 

Click here to view the Chatterton Student Pair Up as Book Buddies slideshow.

Date Added: 3/28/2025

The Lakeside theater program will present “The Wizard of Oz” on March 26-27 after rehearsing since last September.

The annual PTA-sponsored program is open to all fifth and sixth-grade students, and roles are decided via audition and assigned as necessary.

“It shows a great deal of dedication when they're not only present week after week, but they've studied their scripts, they've worked through choreography, they're responsive to rehearsals and ready to get creative,” noted Lauren Brotz, a PTA member who serves as committee chairperson/producer/choreographer for this year’s production.

An outside theater consultant, Pamela Wroblewski, and PTA co-presidents Andrea Kaplan and Mara Litroff also worked with the cast every week during rehearsals.

Additionally, students can join the stage crew.

“The crew is brought in later in the process, but is also very integral to the success of the show,” added Brotz.“They run our music, our lights, our microphones, and manage costumes for all in the cast.

While the stage can be a vulnerable place, the program aims to make it a safe and welcoming space for all.

“I think this cast has taken great advantage of the support it offers,” Brotz said. “It's magical what they've created in this limited time.”

The “Wizard of Oz” is playing March 26-27 at 7 p.m. To order tickets click here.

Click here to view the Lakeside Students Perform “The Wizard of Oz” slideshow.

Date Added: 3/25/2025

The Chatterton on Stage program is set to perform “Beauty & the Beast, Jr.” on March 26-27.

Fifth and sixth-grade cast members have been preparing for their roles in the school’s self-sustaining, annual theatrical production for months. After auditioning in early November, students have been rehearsing twice per week.

“The cast is responsible for learning and practicing their lines, blocking, and choreography,” noted Shira Voulgarakis, a reading interventionist at Chatterton who also serves as director of the Chatterton on Stage program. “They also so work to get to know their characters and understand the motivations behind their actions. This helps them approach their roles in a more well-rounded way and helps them act accordingly.”

In addition to Voulgarakis, Michael Schwartz, a music teacher from Locust Valley School District, and Voulgarakis’ sister, Loni Panos-Stein, assist in the production.

While a polished production is one objective for the finish line of Chatterton on Stage, there are more life skills to be gained for students.

“My biggest goal is for the students who participate, is to leave the program more confident and with a stronger, more empathetic perspective about the world,” Voulgarakis said.

Photo captions:

Juliet and Eliana play the Teapot and Cup.

Daniella plays Babette.

Jack and Mia, play Beast and Belle.

Hillary, Valentina, and Madelyn play villagers.

Noah, Owen, James, and Elliott.

Shira Voulgarakis, a reading interventionist at Chatterton also serves as director of the Chatterton on Stage program (center) with cast members.

Click here to view the Chatterton on Stage Performs “Beauty & the Beast, Jr.” slideshow.

Photos courtesy of the Merrick Union Free School District.