Summit Lane Elementary School in Levittown was named a Long Island “Top Ten” school for its 2015-2016 fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association’s and the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Shape America Hoops for Heart program. Under the direction of physical education teacher Cynthia Dano, students participated in basketball-related activities, raising $10,535.

Hoops for Heart is a national education and fundraising program that promotes physical education and provides students with the knowledge of heart disease and stroke, while raising funds for cardiovascular disease research, stroke research and health education.

Photo Caption: Summit Lane Elementary School physical education teacher Cynthia Dano, left, and principal Keith Squillacioti, right, are pictured with students who participated in the annual 2015-2016 Hoops for Heart program, raising $10,535 for cardiovascular disease and stroke research and health education.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District

Members of the Bronxville High School Habitat for Humanity Club hosted one of their most popular fundraisers during the homecoming football game on Oct. 1, raising more than $300.

Students and families were encouraged to make a $5 donation and sign two-by-four pieces of wood, which will assist Habitat for Humanity in building affordable housing for people who qualify for their services.
“There was such a fun atmosphere at homecoming, which contributed to our very successful fundraiser,” said Sasha Ircha, a Bronxville High School senior and club member. “Knowing these planks of wood will actually be used to build homes for people in need in the local area made us all really proud.”
The club’s next fundraiser is the annual gingerbread house decorating event in December.

Photo Caption: Bronxville High School students raised money for Habitat for Humanity during their homecoming football game on Oct. 1.

Photo courtesy of the Bronxville Union Free School District

For the fourth consecutive year, students at Centre Avenue School are participating in the school’s 100-Mile Club, implemented by physical education teacher Wayne Smyle.

Each year the enthusiasm and interest increases substantially for the running/walking club, which challenges students to exercise and track their miles throughout the school year. Students have many opportunities to accumulate their miles during the school day, as well as outside of the school setting. Students are aware that this program is not only about incentives such as t-shirts, pencils, wristbands and medals, but for setting individual fitness goals now and for a lifetime.

Photo Caption: Pictured are Centre Avenue students in grades 3-6, who are taking part in the school’s 100-Mile Club.

Photo courtesy of the East Rockaway School District

Headed by physical education teacher Britt Klein, Valley Stream Central has undertaken the cause of supporting Breast Cancer Research this October, for the last nine years as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We’re hoping to raise $3,000 this year,” Klein said.

The group raised money by selling the pink T-shirts, which are emblazoned with this year’s theme “Pink Strong,” a play on the United States Army’s motto, “Army Strong.”

“I think it’s a really good cause, and me and Ms. Klein are really close, so I like to help her,” Gandasegui (homecoming queen) said.

Gandasegui, who plays soccer, basketball and softball for her school, is also a member of the National Honor Society.

The student volunteers at the game raised money while also advertising the school’s fourth annual Pink Fair, to be held at the high school on Friday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m.

Students each pay $1 to attend the event where school clubs sponsor tables, and host games and activities to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.

To learn more please visit: http://www.vschsd.org

Photo caption: In recognition of childhood cancer awareness month, Copiague Middle School’s Student Council held a fundraiser in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To raise awareness to both staff and students, members of the student council sold wrist bands over a two-week period. Their efforts raised $243 for the foundation.

Photo courtesy of Copiague School District