Students from Rhame Avenue School in East Rockaway proudly participated in the 21st annual Trees for Troops event at Dee’s Nursery in Oceanside, contributing to a cherished tradition that spreads holiday cheer to service members stationed overseas. The event, which has grown into a significant community effort, showcased the generosity and collaboration of local organizations, schools and first responders.

Twenty-one years ago, a mother walked into Dee’s Nursery and asked if they could send a Christmas tree to her son, who was deployed overseas. With the help of DHL, that tree made its way to the serviceman. Since then, Dee’s Nursery and DHL have partnered to send over 12,000 Christmas trees to troops stationed abroad, including locations such as Bahrain, Kuwait and Djibouti.

Dee’s Nursery, a family-run business founded as a flower cart 70 years ago by Tom DiDominica, has grown into a cornerstone of the Oceanside community. Today, it is run by Tom’s son Joe, with four generations of the DiDominica family contributing to its legacy.

This year’s Trees for Troops event was a collaborative effort involving numerous organizations and schools. Participating police departments included Nassau County PD, Garden City PD, Lynbrook PD, Malverne PD, Hempstead PD, Sands Point PD, NYPD and the MTA.

These agencies provided an escort for the trucks carrying the trees to DHL’s facility at JFK Airport, where the trees would begin their journey overseas. Partners such as TSA and border control also played essential roles in facilitating the process.

Representatives from the Oceanside Fire Department, Nassau County fire marshals, and Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick were in attendance, along with veterans’ groups including the VFW, Patriot Riders, and American Legion chapters. The Girl Scouts of Nassau County also participated, with one member singing the national anthem and the CEO speaking about Operation Cookie.

Students from Rhame Avenue School joined other schools from Lynbrook, Hewlett, Hempstead’s Academy Charter School, and Oceanside High School at the event. Two Rhame Avenue students, Chase Kearns and Alexis Merceus, had the honor of reading a heartfelt letter they wrote to the troops. They were joined by 15 classmates, members of the Student Council and World Culture Clubs, who proudly represented their school.

The event featured musical performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an exhilarating flyby by the DHL helicopter. Students from all participating schools shared letters they had written to service members, adding a personal touch to the day’s festivities.

Following the ceremony at Dee’s Nursery, participants drove to JFK Airport to assist in loading the trees onto a DHL cargo plane bound for Cincinnati and, ultimately, to troops stationed overseas. The event demonstrated the power of community spirit and the importance of supporting those who serve our nation.

Rhame Avenue School is immensely proud to have been part of this heartwarming event, which brought joy and gratitude to service members far from home during the holiday season.

Click here to view the Rhame Avenue Students Join 21st Annual Trees for Troops Event at Dee’s Nursery slideshow.

Date Added: 12/10/2024

Students in Ms. Healy's STEAM class at Rhame Avenue School recently had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of engineering in a hands-on challenge that tested their creativity and problem-solving skills. The task? Design and build hurricane-proof houses.

In groups of three, students used their engineering knowledge to construct model homes with the goal of making them as weather-resistant as possible. As they worked, they considered factors such as materials, structure and stability, just as engineers do when designing real-world buildings to withstand extreme weather events like hurricanes.

Once the designs were complete, it was time for the ultimate test. Ms. Healy simulated a hurricane using a fan, a spray bottle of water and a leaf blower, recreating the intense winds and rain that accompany such storms. Each team’s house was subjected to these conditions and students anxiously watched to see whether their structures would hold up.

The challenge provided a fun and engaging way for students to learn about the principles of engineering and design. Not only did they develop practical skills in teamwork and problem-solving, but they also gained a deeper understanding of how engineers protect buildings from natural disasters.

Click here to view the Rhame Avenue School students put their engineering skills to the test in hurricane-proof challenge slideshow.

Date Added: 12/2/2024

Kindergartners at Rhame Avenue School brought creativity and community spirit to life during their annual Thanksgiving celebration, Balloons Over Rhame. Inspired by the story “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet, the students designed and crafted their own colorful balloon creations, which they proudly showcased in a festive parade.

Dressed as turkeys, the kindergartners paraded through the hallways, where the entire student body cheered them on with excitement. The event, a cherished tradition at Rhame Avenue, highlighted the importance of community spirit and collaboration—concepts that kindergarten teachers have been exploring with their students in preparation for this day.

The celebration concluded in the school gymnasium, where proud parents eagerly awaited their little ones. The kindergartners performed a selection of Thanksgiving songs, filling the room with warmth and gratitude. Families then gathered to complete a Thanksgiving craft together, making for a joyful and meaningful end to the event.

“Balloons Over Rhame” not only showcased the students’ creativity and hard work but also reinforced the values of togetherness and celebration. It was a day of smiles, laughter, and thanksgiving—a true reflection of the spirit of the holiday.

Click here to view the Balloons Over Rhame: A Joyful Thanksgiving Tradition in East Rockaway 24-25 slideshow.

Date Added: 11/25/2024

In an inspiring gesture of inclusion, Rhame Avenue School’s kindergarten playground now features a new “Say and Play” communication board, thanks to the efforts of teachers Alexis Freudenberg and Heather Bolanos. The board, a type of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool, is designed to help nonverbal children and those with speech and language delays express themselves and participate fully in playground activities. With colorful images depicting common playground activities, the board allows children to point to pictures of the actions they’d like to join, breaking down communication barriers to foster a more inclusive play environment.

Communication boards like this one empower children with speech and language challenges to share in social experiences alongside their peers. Designed with inclusivity in mind, they enable children with varying communication abilities to indicate their choices, share interests, and express needs. Notably, this board includes a QR code that can be scanned to access a digital version on mobile devices. This feature extends the board’s utility beyond Rhame Avenue, allowing families to use the communication tool at other playgrounds that may not yet have such resources.

The unveiling event was a joyous occasion, attended by several kindergarten classes, including students both with and without language delays. School administrators and Principal Jack Bixhorn joined Ms. Freudenberg and Ms. Bolanos as they introduced the communication board to the young crowd. The teachers explained how to use the board, showing students how they could point to images representing various activities. The children eagerly took to the new tool, using it right away to indicate the games they wanted to play and express themselves in real-time.

The addition of the Say and Play board marks a meaningful step toward making Rhame Avenue’s playground an inclusive space for all children. By providing a simple yet powerful way for nonverbal students to connect with their peers, the board enriches playtime and encourages positive social interactions among students of all abilities.

Date Added: 10/30/2024

On Oct. 28, Rhame Avenue School students had a special assembly dedicated to Halloween safety. Officers from Precinct 4’s Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) unit stopped by to discuss how to stay safe while trick-or-treating. The officers engaged students in an interactive session, sharing valuable tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween night.

The officers emphasized the importance of knowing what to do if children find themselves separated from their parents. “If you get separated, call 911, look for a police officer with a real badge—not someone in a costume,” they advised. “Another safe option is to find a grownup who has kids with them, who is likely a parent.”

They also reminded students to always stay on sidewalks, be mindful of moving cars, and look both ways before crossing the street. Wearing something reflective was encouraged for trick-or-treaters venturing out after dark to help drivers spot them more easily.

For additional safety, the officers advised children to wait until they’re home to open their candy, where parents can check each piece to make sure it's safe. They also encouraged kids to know their phone number, step back after ringing a doorbell to give the homeowner some space, and never go anywhere with a stranger.

The officers encouraged students to look out for one another, stay with friends, and alert a parent if they see anyone who looks lost or separated. The assembly provided a memorable and practical guide to staying safe while enjoying Halloween fun, reinforcing Rhame Avenue School’s commitment to student safety and community involvement.

Date Added: 10/29/2024