Eighth grade students from Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools participated in staggered drives through Moving Up celebrations on June 12.

School administrators, staff and teachers donning school colors lined the decorated parking lot as carloads of families made their way around the grounds.

At Grand Avenue, Principal Carlo Conte and Assistant Principal Christopher Riccardi handed out diplomas and other awards.

“Although the typical ceremony could not take place, we were committed to creating a drive-through experience that was filled with the Grand CARES spirit and serves as a celebration of our students’ time at Grand Avenue,” said Conte.

At Merrick Avenue, Principal Katelyn Dunn was joined by Assistant Principals Rich Aceste and Kate Caporusso to distribute diplomas and certificates.

“Our Merrick Avenue family was dotted along the route to cheer and support students,” added Dunn. “We wanted to convey the spirit of black and gold as our eighth graders came through.”

DJ’s pumped up the crowds and backdrops with school logos were also provided for solo student portraits.

The drive throughs were recorded and edited together. To view the MAMS video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FSvZ2szmXk&feature=youtu.be.

To view the GAMS video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWBueZxQgnDGS8CxJIF4yzw.

The Counseling and Wellness Center at Merrick Avenue Middle School has been offering a variety of group sessions during what would have been students’ lunch period during the shutdown.

“This was an opportunity for students to socialize with peers, and further interact with staff during this extended closure,” explained Principal Katelyn Dunn.

Social skills and friendships with counselors Bob Kaible and Mark Gross, breathing and mindfulness exercises with Brittney Peterson and Dr. Kristine McKiernan were some of the Zoom sessions offered.

After raising more than $3,000 schoolwide for the St. Baldrick’s organization, the top fundraisers at Merrick Avenue Middle School earned a unique opportunity on May 14.

In the past, social studies teacher Matt Chicco has allowed the top two students to shave his head in support of St. Baldrick’s pediatric cancer campaign.

In front of the middle school building, eighth graders James Gecsedi and Lana Guber shaved Chicco’s head social distance-style, using a 6-foot paint pole extender.

“Thank you to Mrs. Chicco for making sure this was all done in a safe manner,” explained Principal Katelyn Dunn.

The districtwide event scheduled for mid-April was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 related school closures. It will now be held virtually on June 5 beginning at 7 p.m. The event will also be streamed via the Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting program’s YouTube channel,

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC02KdyXGoyUouNNohkccdFQ.

Additionally, here is the link for donations: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/868/2020