Students and staff across the Middle Country Central School District proudly wore purple in honor of P.S. I Love You Day 2026, embracing this year’s theme, Be the Light. The annual observance promotes mental health awareness, kindness, and inclusivity, encouraging school communities to shine a light on the importance of connection and support.
Throughout the district, schools hosted a variety of meaningful activities designed to foster positivity and open lines of communication. For example, at Newfield High School, the Cohen Strong Program joined forces with the school’s S.A.D.D. Club to support Wellness Week and P.S. I Love You Day initiatives. Students received daily handouts focused on important mental health topics and were invited to respond to the “Cohen Strong Question of the Day.” Participants also contributed to a word wall filled with messages promoting positive mental health, reinforcing a culture of encouragement within the school community.
The Newfield High School Drum Club also marked the district’s 100th day of school by celebrating P.S. I Love You Day with students at Eugene Auer Elementary School. The Drum Club performed two assemblies where elementary students enthusiastically played along. Following the performances, Drum Club members visited classrooms for a meet-and-greet alongside the school’s friendly “Grimace” mascot. As a special gesture, the Drum Club gifted each classroom with purple mindful mindset bags filled with healthy mindset goodies and personal journal entries written by Drum Club students. The heartfelt messages promoted self-worth, kindness, and reminded every student that they matter.
At North Coleman Road Elementary School, the celebration extended throughout the week. Students decorated the building with hearts featuring motivational statements and participated in “Chalk the Walk,” filling hallways with uplifting and kind messages. Together, staff and students embraced the “Be the Light” theme by promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every member of the school community feels valued and supported.
Meanwhile, at Selden Middle School, students made a heartfelt contribution to the districtwide initiative. Ms. Scott’s sixth-grade Family and Consumer Sciences students created self-esteem snowflakes, while seventh graders designed color-scheme-inspired hearts—simple yet powerful projects centered on kindness, confidence, and self-care. In a touching extension of the day’s mission, Ms. Scott delivered 136 handcrafted hearts to veterans at the Long Island State Veterans Home. The hearts were created by Selden Middle School students, their families, and faculty members, reflecting a true community effort.
Through creative activities, meaningful conversations, and acts of service, students and staff across the Middle Country Central School District demonstrated that even small gestures can make a powerful impact. By choosing to “be the light,” the school community once again affirmed its commitment to supporting mental health awareness and building a culture of compassion and connection.