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Students in Long Beach High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Program participated in a “Day of Service” on April 16. Just in time for Earth Day, the juniors dedicated themselves to outdoor work, environmental initiatives and outreach projects that will benefit others.

IB Diploma candidates could be found engaging in many activities throughout morning and afternoon sessions. Some cleaned up the area near the pond, while others painted benches and planted flowers. Inside the building, students continued their ecological efforts as they collected and sanitized old mascara wands for donation to the Wands for Wildlife program. The items will eventually be used to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of wild animals. Another endeavor was the introduction of the school’s first Upcycle and Recycle closet, which provides a drop off and pick up location for gently used clothing and school supplies.

Additionally, students gathered in the library and prepared sandwiches for the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, collected items for military care packages and made cards for the Confetti Foundation to distribute to children who are ill. They also created coloring books for the district’s elementary schools portraying what it means to be from the “City by the Sea.” Special thanks go to the staff members and students who donated supplies and time to help make these activities successful.

Photo Captions:

1: IB juniors made cards for the Confetti Foundation during the Day of Service.

2: IB Diploma candidates cleaned up and beautified the outdoor area near the school pond.

Photos courtesy of Long Beach Public Schools

A group of students from Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus got a first-hand look at the environmental impacts of pollution when they went out on the water with Operation S.P.L.A.S.H. in early April.

More than 30 members of the Helping Hands Club, a student community service organization, joined the environmental group for a spring cleanup of the Great South Bay. The day began with a 40-minute lesson at the S.P.L.A.S.H. headquarters in Freeport about how pollution on Long Island over the past 50 years has negatively affected the environment, and future impacts if there is not a change.

Students suited up in lifejackets and work gloves, then got on a boat and took a short ride to an island in the bay. They got to work right away, with many students saying they could not believe how much trash was on just one little island. After filling up many garbage bags, along with collecting large items such as pieces of foam and crates, the ninth graders got back on the boat and traveled to a marina to properly dispose of the trash.

“I always want to help out when I can,” Colin Mushorn said. “The ocean is very important to me and it’s important to keep it clean.”

Colin said he was very impressed by the passion that Operation S.P.L.A.S.H members have for their environment.

Lindsey Black noted that this was her first time participating in a cleanup project of this magnitude. She said it opened her eyes to a real problem but also showed her how people can make a positive difference.

Advisers Alyssa Levine and Erin Mosier said the purpose of the trip was to educate students about how debris affects the ecosystems, how to prevent pollution and how they can make an impact in their own community.

“Living in Massapequa, many students go out on boats and down to the beach, so this is a project that has a big impact on their lives as residents of the South Shore,” Ms. Mosier said. “At the end of the day, students were thankful for the experience and said that they want to become more involved with Operation S.P.L.A.S.H. and cleaning up Long Island.”

Photo Captions:

1: The Helping Hands club at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus collected several bags of garbage during a cleanup on the Great South Bay with Operation S.P.L.A.S.H.

2: Ninth graders picked up any trash they found on a small island in the Great South Bay.

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

As a way of paying it forward, Deer Park High School’s students and staff joined together on April 15 for a special night of competition, camaraderie and charity. The Sports Night event featured sign-ups to form teams in such fun events as cage ball, scooter relay race, tug of war, three-legged race, crab soccer, wheelbarrow race, dodgeball and a choreographed coed dance routine.

Proceeds from Sports Night were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, and the school welcomed special guest Mira Hobson, an 8-year-old from Miller Place with a heart ailment. Hobson’s wish to be a runway model was recently granted by Make-A-Wish, who sent her to Fashion Week in Los Angeles.

Photo Captions:

DSC_0056: Deer Park High School’s Sports Night on April 15 benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, and the school welcomed 8-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient Mira Hobson as special guest.

DSC_0066, DSC_0073: Deer Park High School’s Sports Night on April 15 included exciting games of cage ball.

Photos courtesy of the Deer Park School District

Landing Elementary School in the Glen Cove City School District raised $11,003 during its Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, which took place during February in correlation with the American Heart Association’s American Heart Month.

Congratulations to Kalia Edwards, who raised $1,200 thanks to the generosity of her family and friends. Her accomplishment is the highest, all-time fundraising record for a single student at Landing Elementary School. In addition to Kalia, other top fundraisers were:

Nathan Rup: $600

Elianna Cavese: $400

Sal Totino: $375

Arden Jimenez: $350

David Jimenez: $350

Paige Jimenez: $350

Through the Jump Rope for Heart program, students secure donations to jump rope during their physical education class to raise awareness about heart health. There were 137 Landing students who participated in this fundraiser, as well as staff members Ms. Caminiti, Ms. LeDonne, Mrs. Martinovic, Mrs. Muzante, Mrs. Reynolds, Ms. Serani and Ms. Thomas. Every participant raising money received a lanyard and a “Heart Hero,” which was placed on a “Hearty Hero” team poster at school.

Thanks to Mrs. Muzante and Mr. Grazioso, who helped distribute more than 200 prizes to the participating students. A special thanks to all of the Landing families who participated in this event and all those who donated. Each year we are thankful and appreciative of the incredible support throughout this fundraiser.

Photo Captions:

1. Landing School students raised more then $11,000 for the American Heart Association.
2. Pictured are Landing School’s top student fundraisers. Together they raised more than $3,600.  

Photos courtesy of the Glen Cove City School District