On April 11, Birch held its annual Scrabble Tournament for fifth and sixth-grade students.

“This is a preliminary tournament to determine which teams will be moving forward to the annual Kiwanis Club event at the end of May,” explained librarian Vanessa Schroeder, who organized the tournament.

Students from Lakeside, Birch, and Chatterton schools will compete in Scrabble, with the opportunity to earn awards for high scores, points, and the highest words.

Top winners at Birch were: Siena and Lianna – Sportsmanship, Mila and Mitchell - Highest word score, Max and Leo - First place, Jaymes and Mason - Second place, and Siena and Avery (not pictured) - Third place

Click here to view the Birch Word Wizards Compete in Scrabble Tournament slideshow.

Date Added: 4/22/2025

Under the direction of music teacher Robert Normandeau, Birch School's kindergarten students put on their 2025 production of "The Rhythm of the Seasons" on April 4. 

Normandeau thanked the kindergarten teachers and teacher assistants “for their support and assistance throughout the creative process.” 

Date Added: 4/7/2025

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

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Date Added: 3/20/2025

Students at Birch School in the Merrick Union Free School District once again welcomed local middle school/young adult author, Jen Calonita for an engaging literary presentation on March 12.

Calonita shared her latest work, “Isle of Ever” with these Birch Beavers before it has even hit the bookshelves.

“Students were excited to get this sneak peek into the newest book and into Ms. Calonita’s writing process,” explained Vanessa Schroeder, the Birch school librarian who organized the visit.

Date Added: 3/13/2025