The Lynbrook Schools community traded their green and gold for orange on Oct. 16 as they took a stance against bullying in an annual recognition of Unity Day. 

Teachers, staff and students donning orange turned hallways and classrooms into a sea of anti-bullying symbolism. Each building throughout the district participated in activities that promoted kindness and understanding while teaching ways students can stand against bullying. At South Middle School, for example, students started the day by decorating their class doors with anti-bullying messages in a friendly competition. At Marion Street Elementary School, a kindness tree was covered with orange leaves made of craft paper contributed by each student in the school, while a kindness wall at West End Elementary School encouraged students to be the “I” in kindness. Additionally, schools gathered outside to stand as one an promote an Owl-themed message, such as an infinity symbol made by the more than 400 students who attend Marion Street. #OwlProud #OwlCares

Click here to view the Lynbrook Owls go orange for Unity Day slideshow.

Date Added: 10/17/2024

In recognition of School Board Appreciation Month, students from throughout the Lynbrook School District presented a thoughtful surprise to trustees at the Oct. 9 board of education meeting. 

Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End elementary schools and the Kindergarten Center were represented by student leaders who read a tribute to the trustees. “To our wise board, with hearts so true, each decision you make helps our schools shine through,” read Waverly Park student Weston Schmieder. They each distributed bags filled with gifts such as wristbands and Lynbrook Owl themed keychains to board members. Each school also decorated a poster with messages of thanks that were covered in signatures from students. 

From Oct. 8 through 10, the Lynbrook School District’s three elementary schools made a groundbreaking impact through a unique songwriting experience with their participation in the Theatre Within sponsored John Lennon Real Love Project. 

In celebration of John Lennon’s 84th birthday, an unprecedented districtwide initiative spanned Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End elementary schools where students took part in a compelling presentation of Lennon’s life and philosophies. Working collaboratively, students reinterpreted the lyrics of Lennon’s song "Real Love" to echo the values of their own school and community. Performances were recorded and video and pictures were captured, showcasing the collective spirit and creativity of the entire fifth grade. These will be compiled into a professional grade video for each building. This pioneering project stands as a testament to the power of art and education in celebrating cultural legacies in the Lynbrook community.

Date Added: 10/10/2024

Waverly Park Elementary School’s students, staff and hallways were covered in colorful dots for Dot Day, an international celebration of expression and empathy.

Dot Day, inspired by “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, encourages children to unleash their inner creativity and make their mark on the world. Students and staff came to school dressed in clothes covered in dot patterns, while a variety of activities had students making their own dot-inspired artistic creations. Dot Day, which returns to Waverly Park each year, was a great day of collaborative fun for all. #OwlProud #OwlLearn

Date Added: 9/24/2024

In Lynbrook Schools, no friend is left behind. This message rang true during Start With Hello Week from Sept. 16 to 20, as students across the district united to promote unity and stand against social isolation.

Each year, thousands of schools and youth organizations nationwide participate in the Sandy Hook Foundation's Start With Hello Week. This week is a national call-to-action dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. The goal of Start With Hello Week is to help students understand the signs of social isolation and be able to reach out and start with a simple "hello."

This week, North and South middle schools participated in activities such as wearing Hello Stickers to meet new people in their building, spreading positive messages through “Positive Note Tuesday” and participating in a “Welcome Wednesday” photobooth to connect with new peers. At both North and South, the principals and social workers pushed-in to all sixth grade classes with a read-aloud of the book “Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig and facilitated a discussion about social awareness, kindness and the importance of reaching out.

At Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End elementary schools, empathy and unity was on full display as daily themes were celebrated. Random acts of kindness helped spread positivity, while students learned to say “hello” in other languages. They also invited someone new to play during recess, and positive notes were shared with teachers, friends and family members. Bright colors and shirts with positive messages worn by students brightened others’ days. Additionally, elementary schoolers signed Promise Pledges signaling their commitment to foster a culture of inclusivity and empathy.

Date Added: 9/20/2024