Elmont Union Free School District

Covert Avenue School scholars are continually growing into the best versions of themselves through rich and meaningful character-education experiences. Each month, the school community shines a spotlight on a new theme: September highlighted respect, October encouraged self-discipline and perseverance, and November celebrated citizenship.

Students explore these essential traits during monthly social-emotional learning push-in lessons led by the school’s dedicated SEL team, which includes guidance counselor Lymari Tattnall, social worker Alexandra Stone, and school psychologists Alexandra Archer and Jessica Weissman. Each staff member supports two grade levels and designs SEL activities that align with the monthly theme. Students deepen their understanding of the character education traits through the Inclusive Community Read Books of the Month, an annual district program to promote inclusivity and kindness through thoughtfully selected children’s books.

For November’s focus on citizenship, Covert Avenue’s scholars read, “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters” by former President Barack Obama. This moving tribute to 13 influential Americans showcases the qualities that strengthen and unite the nation.

This month’s SEL activity in first and third grade invited students to create vibrant “gratitude trees,” symbolizing how practicing gratitude helps build community and inspires good citizenship throughout the school. Led by school psychologist Ms. Archer, the students completed gratitude journals, responding to prompts such as “something outside you enjoy looking at,” “something that makes you laugh” and “someone you are grateful for.” They decorated their paper leaves with reflections from their journals, adding their gratitude to the growing trees.