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On January 31, 2017, The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District along with SEPTA is pleased to announce our 10th annual Transition Fair for students with disabilities.  The event is hosted by Sanford H. Calhoun High located at 1786 State Street, Merrick, NY 11566. 

This fair is designed to help students with special needs reach their fullest potential by engaging them along with their parents in a workshop style of the transition process.  Whether it is eligibility determination, employment opportunity, supported living or self-direction services, the various organizations and agencies across Long Island that participate are there to help target your specific needs.
            The events highlights are subjects including determination to special needs trusts for social security benefits, Medicaid and Non-Medicaid services.  All workshops are given by expert representatives who specialize in the field of disability rights.  A questions and answer opportunity to follow at the booths after the workshop presentations.
            High point of the night, our student workshop!  This workshop is a way for students to take part in understanding the transition process by listening to Bellmore-Merrick alumni who have already taken part in the pre-vocational and vocational experiences.  Following the workshop, students will participate in a guided scavenger hunt with opportunity to win prizes.  Refreshments will be provided to students.
            Pre-registration is open up to the day of the event, January 31, 2017.  All inquiries can be made to bellmoremerricksepta@gmail.com or by following the link below.
 
http://www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us/district/special_ed_upcoming_events




Cheryl Gitlitz, LCSW
District Wide Transition Coordinator
Bellmore-Merrick Central
High School District
516-992-1349
Yesterday was history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.
But, today is a gift.  That is why they call it the present.
  

Thank you again for everything that you are doing to get everyone through this.  Together we are strong and can get through anything.  In case you have not received the donation information, I thought I would send it out. 
 
The family and friends of Jessica have put together a Go Fund Me page and we just wanted to share it with you:https://www.gofundme.com/ralphie-and-gabby

Please do what you can to help her family, whether it's with a donation, sharing the page, or both.

Thank you again! 
​
Carlo A. Conte
Principal
Grand Avenue MS
Bellmore-Merrick CHSD

Below is a link that will take you to a list of members who are on the Senate Health Education Labor and Pension Committee (HELP). This committee will begin hearings on January 17, on the recommendation for Secretary of Education, Betsy Devos.

There will be more sharing of information regarding educating our communities on what "school choice" truly means; however, the hearings are happening soon.

Please take the time to make these calls. No matter what your party affiliation is, you must realize that it is public education that has been the one constant that offers opportunity toALL students. We may not have control over how each individual student and his or her family takes advantage of that opportunity, but we must do what we can to protect it. 

We cannot allow public education to be dismantled on our watch.


In Unity,
Tomia Smith, ED17 Director
http://npeaction.org/2017/01/05/devos-hearing-set-january-11-1000-call-senate-help-committee-members/


Mark Steinberg
President

Forever 9, the Robbie Levine Foundation offers nationwide support for AED/CPR awareness. ​They are holding their 9th Annual Dealing With Hearts Gala on February 2, 2017. ​Please see the attached flyer.


​For more information on this foundation, please go to: www.robbielevinefoundation.org

Mark Steinberg
President

Dear Colleague,

Every year BMUST honors one individual in each building as an “Outstanding Professional”. These colleagues are recognized for their professional excellence at our annual dinner in June.
 
The recipient of this award may include teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses and other members of our union.  We are asking for your input in the selection process.
 
Please nominate a colleague by February 15 and also indicate the reason for your selection.  All nominations should be returned to your Head Building Representative.
 
Please be assured that all correspondence will remain confidential.
 
We thank you for your cooperation.

Mark Steinberg
President

BMUST Members,

Attached is the Community Cupboard flyer. If you would like to donate your time to help support the community in need, please contact Catrina Christensen by emailing her at Cchristensen@bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us.

There is a drop off box outside of Room 21 on the first floor at Brookside for donations of non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, etc. Donations can be made anytime. 

Items that the Community Cupboard is short on today are:
   Breakfast bars
   Canned fruit such as fruit cocktail
   Canned meat
   Snacks
   Sugar
   Pancake mix & syrup
   Oil
   Bread crumbs
   Body wash
   Household cleaning supplies
   

​Any help would be greatly appreciated!