Cast Of Characters Leads Community Read Aloud At Birch School

MERRICK, NY — The Birch School got a little help from the community last week, as the Merrick school district hosted its annual community read aloud day with the theme, “Birch Beavers Are Monster Readers.”

The day was part of national school library week, a weeklong celebration that district and Birch School leadership said was aimed at promoting a love of reading among the student body. Joining in the effort were fixtures from around the Merrick community, like magician and mentalist Kevin Nicholas, who gave an impromptu close-up magic performance for students in Mrs. Pikowsky’s class.

“We hope to spread the joy of reading many times throughout the year,” Principal Kerri Galante said. “Our students love our library, which [Birch School Librarian Vanessa]. Schroeder sets up for them every single day.”

Also present was Richard Rubenstein, who owns Bangz Hair & Color Lounge in Bellmore. Rubenstein read an excerpt from a book about magic to introduce Nicholas, while Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Technology Dr. Salvatore Dossena read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. To complete the exercise, Dossena dressed as a butterfly to look the part. As the story moved along, students in the class Dossena read to had the chance to affix velcro food items to Dossena’s costume, bringing the story of the famished insect to life.

“It’s always special to see students connect with members of their community through books,” Schroeder said. “Events like this help reinforce that reading is both meaningful and enjoyable at every stage of life.”

The read aloud was followed by Q&A sessions with the guest readers, giving students an opportunity to learn a bit more about what these adults do in their day-to-day lives.