Elmont Joins More Than 30 Nassau County School Districts for Inaugural ‘Be the Change Day’

Launched through a partnership between the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and the Shanti Fund Organization, the initiative was held in recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and the International Day of Non-Violence. Inspired by Gandhi's enduring message, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," the event encouraged students to reflect on how their actions can positively impact their schools and communities. The initiative invited participation from students in grades 2 and 10. 

Thrroughout the district, scholars participated in a variety of age-appropriate activities designed to foster understanding, compassion and respect for others. Classroom discussions and read-aloud activities focused on themes of peace, kindness and nonviolence, while students also engaged in creative projects that reinforced the importance of making positive choices and treating others with empathy.

Among the activities, second grade students at Alden Terrace School worked together to create a hallway display featuring a peace sign, with individual handprints highlighting five ways they can “be the change” at school and at home. At Clara H. Carlson School, students designed a colorful Kindness Puzzle display, decorating puzzle pieces with examples of how they can make a positive difference and help foster a culture of kindness. Stewart Manor School second graders explored the question, “How can you solve problems peacefully?” and shared strategies for resolving common school conflicts in thoughtful, respectful and nonviolent ways.

Additional activities across the district included Gotham Avenue School scholars dressing in white to symbolize unity and contributing to a schoolwide bulletin board focused on making their school community a better place through positive actions. At Dutch Broadway School, students created a “Be the Change” tree adorned with leaves illustrating ways they can make a difference, while Covert Avenue School students decorated flowers with messages about how they can be helpful to others.