Burr Intermediate has enjoyed a relationship with the ALS Association for 24 years. It’s hard to imagine any moment during that span could have topped Thursday.

The ALS Ride for Life made its annual stop at Burr. And the event, moved inside because of the rainy weather, turned into a pep rally in the school’s auditorium.

The entire school greeted several Long Islanders who are battling ALS with signs and pompoms. Burr then presented a check for more than $5,000 to the association to help combat the disease.

In an emotional moment, Commack resident Desi Kessler — who has lost her ability to speak due to ALS — thanked the students for their support using computer-generated audio, which she typed with her eyes using an Eyegaze computer.

“You all give us hope and strength,” Kessler told the students.

Burr students have raised more than $100,000 for the ALS Association during the 24-year relationship. This year, the donation came from proceeds from the fifth-grade play, a basketball tournament, readathon, loose change and three students selling lemonade (which raised $131).

Principal Daniel Ciccone reminded the students about the importance of supporting their community.

“We are stronger and better when we all work together,” Ciccone said.

The event closed with the students in unison singing the ALS Association’s Anthem, “Ride for Life.”

CHS students in Robert Raeihle’s Studio in Digitial Media Arts classes had the opportunity to create gel print artwork on Tuesday and Wednesday with guidance from an accomplished visitor.

Via the Boces Arts in Education program, illustrator and designer Moriah Ray visited Raeihle’s classes to discuss the Gelli Plate art technique.

The tutorial — which involves applying acrylic paint to gelatin plates and then transferring images, similar to how a printing press would function — fit in well with the Studio in Digital Media Arts coursework. The class generally focuses on skills with digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, but the hands-on arts lesson similarly utilized layers to create art.

Executive Director of Instructional Technology Alise Pulliam surprised Ashley Kennedy's class at Burr Wednesday afternoon with a special presentation to recognize their achievements in using the Book Creator program. Each student in the class worked on creating a book within the platform, and was presented with a certificate for showing excellence in writing and using Book Creator.

The students each were given the opportunity to share their favorite part of using the book creator platform. Many students cited the easiness of the platform, while others thought that the photo search feature was unlike any other.

"You're not finding these images on Google images," one student remarked. "The results that are given when we search a photo are so specific and it's amazing."

One student even took it upon herself to draw illustrations throughout her book, and then published her book into a physical copy. 

"I'm so proud of the amazing work that you've done and will continue to do in Book Creator," Pulliam told the class. "You all truly are digital leaders and should be proud of yourselves."

Members of the CMS school store club had the opportunity to wrap presents on Monday to be delivered to Stony Brook Children's Hospital.

All CMS school store proceeds from the 2023-24 school year were donated to the charity of the students’ choice, with the group voting to donate to Stony Brook Children's Hospital. Students also crafted cards to send well wishes to patients. 

“It’s such a rewarding experience to give back to the community,” Cherney said. 

CMS school store advisors Diane Cherney and Donna Tufano will deliver the package of gifts in early June. 

“This group worked really hard all school year to be able to give something back for kids who are not able to be in school,” Tufano said. 

The CMS school store club meets biweekly, and provides students with the basic understanding of entrepreneurship, from job applications to the importance of customer feedback.

CMS hosted the Commack Multicultural Festival on Saturday.

Attendees had a great time while celebrating cultures from around the globe ... with a food sampling area, Flamenco dancers and plenty of other activities for youngsters.

Please check out the May edition of the Northwell School Mental Health Newsletter. It's Mental Health Awareness Month. This edition includes information on joining workshops addressing school avoidance as well as navigating conversations on puberty, consent and sexual health.

Please be reminded that Northwell Behavioral Health Center is more than a resource for a person in crisis. The highlight of the services offered is that they assist families to find providers (doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and more), who take their insurance. The center is exclusively available for students of partnering districts and is located at 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 345, in Commack.

Another day, another four-peat!

For the second time this week, a CHS team has claimed its fourth straight division title.

This time, the boys tennis team achieved the honor — joining the boys track team, which captured its fourth straight league title on Tuesday.

The Cougars expect to receive the No. 2 seed in the county tournament among the more than 20 teams that qualified.

CHS earned a bye for the opening round, which begins next week.

Individual singles and doubles competition begins Saturday. Ultimately, student-athletes who reach the county tournament’s semifinals become all-state players and advance to the state championships.