By waving flags, singing patriotic tunes and a spontaneous chant of “U-S-A, U-S-A,” students at Martin Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District showed their gratitude for veterans during an assembly on Nov. 7. The entire school gathered for the Veterans Day ceremony as students and staff were encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

The program featured reflections from student speakers Ashley Blitz, A.J. and Peter Lucas, Angelica Nardo, Rachel Padilla, Riley Ryan and Matthew Telese. They recognized the courage, dedication and service of all veterans through their original writing. The honored guests were family members of Martin Avenue students and local residents, who have served in a branch of the military. They were recognized with applause and cheers.

Children received miniature American flags as they entered the gymnasium, which they waved at several points during the program. PTA Vice President Julie Walz, in her remarks, encouraged the Martin Avenue Lions to give veterans a roar of appreciation. Students also participated in a moment of silence for all veterans and sung “A Day for Honor,” led by music teacher Alexander Roff.

A posterboard in the lobby included pictures of family members of Martin Avenue students and staff who served in the armed forces. The school also hosted a collection drive for the Long Island State Veterans Home, seeking donations such as hats, sunglasses, socks, toiletries, adult coloring books and markers, holiday decorations and Hershey’s kisses.

Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci reminded students that when they are off from school on Nov. 11 they should take a few moments to reflect on the many freedoms they have as Americans, as well as the people who made the sacrifice to protect those freedoms.

“Veterans Day honors those who served our country,” Dr. Yannucci said. “Many of us have veterans in our lives – parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles. Our veterans are protectors, relatives, friends and neighbors. Let us carry their courage and dedication in our hearts.”

Click here to view the Martin Avenue Salutes America’s Service Heroes slideshow.

Second graders at Park Avenue Elementary School are making exciting strides as young mathematicians. After learning how to split even and odd numbers into equal and unequal groups, students in Kelly Podell’s class then explored arrays. 

Arrays are introduced through repeated addition, which helps lay the groundwork for multiplication in the grades ahead. To build a strong understanding of this concept, students used Unifix cubes and other hands-on manipulatives to explore rows and columns in a fun and interactive way. 

To take their creativity to the next level, second graders designed their very own “array city” using the windows of the buildings to show different arrays. This engaging project helped students apply their knowledge in a meaningful contest, while also encouraging imagination and problem-solving.  

Date Added: 11/10/2025

The impact of words was the theme for a program for fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Saw Mill Road Elementary School on Oct. 30. Students gathered for the “Power of Language” assembly presented by Limitless Learning and sponsored by the PTA’s Cultural Arts committee. 

The interactive workshop was designed to help students understand how the words they use can bring people closer together or divide them. It explored the myth of the well-known phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Students identified strategies to support one another when they witness words being used to hurt others and discussed the unique power they have to support one another in ways that have a lifelong impact. 

Presenters Dr. Lenny Breton and Dr. Nancy Kaplan called upon the district’s oldest students to set the example at Saw Mill Road. They explained that the knowledge they gained at the assembly should be carried with them through middle school, high school and into adulthood. The pain that words can cause was evidenced by a show of hands from teachers who still remember something mean that was said to them when younger.  

Dr. Breton and Dr. Kaplan noted that most children know they shouldn’t say certain words or phrases, but don’t understand why they shouldn’t be said. They helped educate children on the reasons that certain words and phrases should never be used, and told them to take that knowledge to teach others who say them.  

The presenters described the difference between words that constitute a “mini-ouch” and a “supersized ouch,” but noted that all mean words are hurtful, no matter how big or small. They also addressed the concept of “roasting.” 

Principal Jeff Rosof said that this topic is very important and encouraged teachers to continue the conversation in their classrooms.  

"At Saw Mill Road, we focus on building a strong and supportive community,” Mr. Rosof said. “This assembly focused on ways that we may undermine these efforts, often without intent.The impact of our words are huge and all Saw Mill Road citizens need to be aware of the power of our words and hopefully work towards using our words to uplift our school community.I appreciate the assembly bringing this awareness to our students.” 

Click here to view the Saw Mill Students Uncover the Power of Words slideshow.

Date Added: 11/6/2025

On a sunny but chilly morning that certainly felt like football weather, more than 30 students from the North Bellmore School District gathered to put their athletic skills to test. On Saw Mill Road Elementary School’s back field, the district held the final round of its annual Punt, Pass, Kick competition.

Preliminary rounds took place in physical education classes, with the fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys and girls winners from each school advancing to the championships. North Bellmore’s physical education teachers James Breslin, William Green, James Mulvey, Anthony Novello, Alyssa Parker and Michael Weiner coordinated the event.

With distance lines set up on the field, every participant got one turn throwing, punting and kicking off a tee. They were also allowed to try for a better score in one of the three challenges. After all of the scores were tabulated, grade level winners were announced and medals were handed out.

Punt, Pass, Kick is based on competition that was previously sponsored by the NFL and North Bellmore’s physical education department has kept it as an annual districtwide fitness activity.

Click here to view the All Fun and Football at Annual Skills Competition 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 11/4/2025