Merrick Avenue Middle School turned an ordinary Wednesday into an extraordinary day of learning, leadership, and kindness when students from Sanford H. Calhoun High School visited on Oct. 24 for “Reset Day” — a day designed to recharge minds and hearts through collaboration, creativity, and connection.
Throughout the day, middle schoolers took part in activities that blended academic enrichment with social-emotional learning — all while reinforcing Merrick Avenue’s core values of responsibility, teamwork, and kindness.
“The event featured a blend of academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and school spirit designed to strengthen relationships among students and reinforce the school’s values of collaboration, responsibility, and kindness,” said Assistant Principal Nicole Rhodes, one of the day’s coordinators.
Under the direction of Calhoun Leadership teacher Brian Joyce, high school leaders joined Rhodes and the Merrick Avenue staff to facilitate team-building exercises for eighth graders inside the gymnasium.
“Watching students really collaborate and work together created a really wonderful environment in the gym,” Rhodes said.
The challenge of the day involved teamwork, communication, and patience — as students were tasked with moving a marble from one end of the gym to the other using only pool noodles. Calhoun’s leadership students encouraged their younger peers, awarded points for teamwork, and modeled problem-solving skills throughout the activity.
“At the end of the activity, the leadership students led a debriefing with each group and guided conversations about collaboration and team building — then transitioned to acceptable behaviors that are needed to work together and build a community,” Joyce explained.
Meanwhile, seventh graders explored another kind of teamwork — the one between brain and body — through a presentation by Dr. Stephen Dewey, a neuroscientist who spoke about the science behind addiction and the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain.
Both grades later came together for an assembly led by Richard Specht, whose Cultivate Kindness presentation challenged students to lead with empathy and compassion. Sharing his family’s personal story, Specht inspired students to carry the day’s lessons beyond the classroom.
“We hope students learn from his presentation but also are provided with the knowledge to make the best decisions for their own health and well-being,” said Principal Katelyn Dunn.
Beyond the assemblies and leadership challenges, Reset Day featured a series of creative and spirited events that strengthened school culture. Advisory groups participated in an extended Rams Connect lesson on inclusion and positivity, transformed pumpkins in a seasonal decorating contest, and capped the day with a spirit rally celebrating school pride.
“The combination of interactive learning, personal reflection, and schoolwide celebration made the day a meaningful experience for students at every grade level,” Rhodes said. “By integrating leadership, kindness, and awareness initiatives, the district continues to promote its mission of developing responsible, compassionate, and engaged learners.”
