Fifth graders in Melissa Mignoli and Christine Zillmann’s class at Saw Mill Road Elementary School began the year with a math-based teamwork activity. Students worked in groups of 3 or 4 and had to take turns to sequentially circle numbers on a sheet.

They strived to see how many numbers they could get in the timed activity. The goal was for students to develop effective communication skills and learn how to be a leader, not a boss. After the activity was complete, Ms. Mignoli and Ms. Zillmann talked with students about effective communication strategies and how to use those skills to be successful in fifth grade and beyond. 

Click here to view the Teamwork is No. 1 for Saw Mill Fifth Graders slideshow.

 

Date Added: 9/8/2025

The smiles were from ear to ear as students arrived for the first day of school at North Bellmore’s five elementary schools on Sept. 2. Although it marked the unofficial end of summer, it served as new beginning for approximately 2,100 youngsters in grades K-6. 

Kindergartners, who began a journey that will lead them to high school graduation in 2038, were warmly greeted by their teachers who strive to make the transition as smooth as possible. For the returning first through sixth graders, the morning marked an exciting next step. They were thrilled to meet their teachers, see who their classmates would be and get a sneak peak of the exciting learning adventures they will take over the next 10 months.  

 

Click here to view the A Joyful School Year Begins in North Bellmore slideshow.

 

Date Added: 9/2/2025
 

Educational leader, coach and author Dr. Mary Hemphill was the keynote speaker for North Bellmore’s Superintendent Conference Day on Aug. 28, reminding the district’s educators to be the stewards of joy. She provided words of inspiration and motivation to approximately 350 administrators, teachers and paraprofessionals in the Newbridge Road Elementary School auditorium.

Superintendent Marie Testa opened the program by reminding the district’s educators that they are the “heart and soul” of North Bellmore, and encouraging them to go into the new school year with love, hope, kindness and promise.

“We’re all educators,” Mrs. Testa said. “We all teach. We all model. We all set an example. What the world needs now is educators, all of us.”

Mrs. Testa noted that the incoming kindergartners will be graduating from high school in 2038, and what’s most important is to teach them lifelong skills that will be applicable in any profession. They need to be thinkers, be curious and show love to others.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt cited a phrase that captures the importance of education: “Teaching is the profession that leads to all others.”

Dr. Hemphill, who spoke in North Bellmore at the June Superintendent Conference Day, returned to the district to support the implementation of the Portrait of a Graduate blueprint. She noted that district’s mission statement shows that North Bellmore is already a model, as its references to confident, passionate learners, leading lives with integrity, and contributing to the global community with creativity and compassion reflect the pillars of Portrait of a Graduate.

“You’re already doing the work,” she said. “The foundation has been laid.” 

Her presentation, “The Blueprint Within: Future-proofing Our Classrooms, Teams and Culture” served as inspiration to teachers to be adaptable to changes in education to help students prepare for various life pathways. She cited 14 in-demand jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago.

Educators are architects of learning and transformation, she said. They must be there to guide children who are navigating the world for the first time, and looking for ways to be seen and heard. When students demonstrate a skill, educators should look for outside-of-the-box ways to nurture it and channel it into a positive and productive outcome.

Dr. Hemphill also spoke about the importance of human-centered leadership and shared “helping influences” that contribute positively to a school’s culture. She also reminded teachers to surround themselves with people who are positive and share their vision for growth.

Following her presentation, teachers and staff attended various workshops throughout the day, and are now ready energized and ready to begin the 2025-2026 school year.

Click here to view the North Bellmore Educators Inspired To Lead and Love slideshow.

Date Added: 8/29/2025

For more than a decade, the North Bellmore School District received a generous donation of backpacks and school supplies from Abigail Ptacek, with the goal of helping students in need.

Her first donation of seven backpacks came when she was 8 years old and walked to Martin Avenue Elementary School from her grandparents’ house nearby pulling a red wagon. Since then, the donations have grown larger every year. Abigail recently visited the district office to donate 75 backpacks filled with school supplies. Additionally, she contributed three bins of supplies for new teachers. Superintendent Marie Testa and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt accepted the donation.

The district’s principals and members of the pupil personnel services staff determine how to distribute the backpacks to families within the school community. Over the years, Abigail, a rising college sophomore, has donated more than 700 backpacks to support North Bellmore students.

Date Added: 8/21/2025

The highly anticipated first day of school is still a few weeks away for the newest educators in the North Bellmore School District, but they will be ready when that day arrives. New teacher orientation took place on Aug. 12 at Martin Avenue Elementary School, giving them a thorough introduction to the district.

This year’s new faculty members include general and special education teachers, two speech pathologists, a librarian, a psychologist and a nurse. They gathered in the library for introductions from Superintendent Marie Testa and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, who gave an overview of the district and spoke about North Bellmore’s mission statement and core values.

There were additional presentations on curriculum and lesson planning, business and human resources, and instructional technology, as well as a welcome from the North Bellmore Teachers Association. Following lunch, new faculty members attended breakout sessions to learn from experienced colleagues.

“New teacher orientation is the beginning of a professional collaboration that we anticipate continuing for a long time,” said Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara. “Everything we do is about the kids; they are always at the center. Our newest faculty members learned about our commitment to promoting growth and ensuring the happiness of every child.”