The North Merrick Minute

North Merrick Minute News and notes from Dr. Seniuk Dear Families and Community Members,   It’s hard to believe we’re already two months into the school year – and what a fantastic start it has been! From the energy in our classrooms to the enthusiasm at school events, including our three building-level welcome back events and SEPTA’s ice cream social, our students and staff have hit the ground running. It’s been wonderful to see so many smiling faces, active learning environments and community spirit across our district.   As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, prior to the start of the first day of school we held our Superintendent’s Conference Day, a professional learning day dedicated to supporting our teachers and staff. This year’s theme was “Work Smarter, Not Harder,” reflecting our focus on giving educators the tools and strategies they need to make teaching more effective and efficient.   Staff could choose from workshops and sessions that best fit their professional goals. The day’s offerings were designed to help teachers save time, strengthen instruction and enhance the student learning experience.   The day concluded with an inspiring message from Gerry Brooks, whose video reminded us of the joy, humor and purpose found in education. His words resonated deeply with our staff as we continue working together to make this school year a success for every student.   Thank you for your continued support of our schools and the dedicated professionals who make learning come alive each day. With such a positive start and continued community partnership, the rest of the year promises to be just as rewarding. Magic School AI One exciting addition this year was the introduction of MagicSchool AI, a new educational technology tool that has been approved by New York State for use under strict data privacy standards. This innovative platform supports our teachers by streamlining lesson planning, generating differentiated materials and enhancing communication with families. By reducing administrative burdens, MagicSchool AI allows our educators to reclaim valuable time and redirect their energy toward what matters most – building meaningful relationships with students and delivering high-quality instruction.   As we continue integrating technology thoughtfully and responsibly, we remain committed to ensuring that innovation serves our core mission: student success and growth. Project HELP Program expands districtwide for 2025-2026 school year Project HELP empowers sixth graders to become peer leaders by mentoring third graders throughout the school year. These peer helpers provide valuable academic, social and emotional support to their younger counterparts. What began as a pilot program at Old Mill School in 2024-2025 has now expanded to Camp and Fayette schools, creating a districtwide network of student leadership and peer support. Building Community Through Connection I’m thrilled to share the amazing success of our connection initiatives this year! Our Family Engagement Night brought our communities from Camp, Fayette and Old Mill together for an evening of connection, education and fun! Our Night to Connect program continues to be a hit, with families embracing time together through games, cooking, outdoor fun and quiet reading nights. Thank you for making these programs such a success. When we prioritize relationships and community, everyone thrives.   Follow us on Instagram

Wednesday, Oct 29 2025