Students and staff across the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District came together in powerful and uplifting ways to celebrate P.S. I Love You Day throughout the week ending Feb. 13. 

From meaningful lessons to interactive activities, each building embraced opportunities to spread kindness, strengthen connections, and remind one another that we are never alone. 

At the Meadowbrook Alternative Program, special education teacher Wil Gilles and student council member Juliet Harvey led Quest challenges in the gym to boost collaboration and teamwork, while school clubs hosted a kindness fair filled with positive messaging activities. 

At John F. Kennedy High School, the Key Club decorated the halls with bucket-filling messages, and under the leadership of teacher Brianna McKeough, students in select English, science, social studies, and art classes created heartfelt displays. 

Grand Avenue’s SADD Club, led by teacher Julia Motley, designed an interactive display promoting self-worth, and students and staff wore purple while decorating their own purple hearts during CARES Connect; thanks to teachers Lisa Marino and Taylor Hayes. 

At Mepham, students celebrated on Feb. 12-13 in physical education classes, learning about the meaning of the day while rotating through stations like “Who Is My Trusted Adult?”, mindfulness coloring, positive affirmation fortunes, yoga, stretching, and deep breathing. Led by Taylor Hayes, Samantha Foronjy, James Koester, and Dorothy Marino, these centered on this year’s theme, “Be the Light.” 

At Merrick Avenue, special education teacher Lauren Beinert guided students in a “Be the Light” activity, and during Connect classes students read The Starfish Story. PPS staff, clerical staff, and Assistant Principals Nicole Rhodes and Nathalie Job decorated balloons with every student’s name, filling the entryway in purple. 

At Sanford H. Calhoun High School, the day began with the unveiling of a “You Are Not Alone” mural made possible by the Calhoun PTSA and brought to life by art teachers Jessica Conte and Arianna Partland, Assistant Principal Danielle Amato and PTSA committee members Lisa Triano, Chris Mitkish, Michelle Leo, Jeanette Cregg, Christine Alonso and Colette Harris.  

The PTSA also sponsored a photo booth that saw hundreds of smiles from both students and teachers and a wellness table with stress-relieving goodies.  

P.S. I Love You Day was dedicated to spreading love, kindness, and mental health awareness while reminding everyone that they are supported and never alone.