Students and staff in the North Bellmore School District marked the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a show of patriotism, wearing red, white and blue to school on Sept. 10.

At John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, Principal Danica Brugge spoke about Patriot Day, which is observed each year on Sept. 11. In her morning announcements, she led a moment of silence in honor of “our patriot heroes.”

Age-appropriate activities and discussions took place in classrooms throughout the day. Kindergartners took a trip out to the flagpole and learned about the meaning and symbolism of the American flag. Fifth graders watched a read aloud video on YouTube of ‘The Man Who Walked Between the Towers” so students could learn about the buildings that once stood in the New York City skyline.

Sept. 1 marked the first day back for 2,022 students in the North Bellmore School District, a fitting number for a school year that will end in June 2022.

But no one was thinking that far ahead just yet. Instead, the first day was a celebration of new beginnings. Students arrived with their new backpacks, filled with fresh school supplies, ready to learn and to make lots of memories.

“I want to make this the best year in elementary school,” said sixth grader Edy Volpe, who marked her final first day at Park Avenue Elementary School, which she admitted gave her mixed emotions. She is looking forward to field trips, building a rocket in science and just having fun times with her friends.

There were lots of new faces in the schools this year. In addition to a few hundred kindergartners at the five elementary schools, there were 10 new teachers and several returning teachers. New Martin Avenue Elementary School teacher Jordan Sabinsky quickly learned the building so he could give his kindergartners a tour on the first day, showing them important locations like the cafeteria, gymnasium and main office while also teaching hallway etiquette. His kindergarten colleague, Jennie Kuhn, had her classroom library stocked with books to help her students with the transition, such as “My First Day of School” and “Who Will Go to Kindergarten Today?”

It was also a true first day for administrators at four buildings. Martin Avenue Principal James O’Brien and Newbridge Road Interim Principal Amanda Licci moved from other positions in the district with while Park Avenue Principal Michael DeBlasio and Saw Mill Road Assistant Principal Daniel Madden are newcomers to North Bellmore.

A new school year means several new faces in the North Bellmore School District’s teaching staff. To get themselves acquainted with the district, first-year teachers attended an orientation program on Aug. 26 at Newbridge Road Elementary School.

The new teachers received a warm welcome from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, Director of Personnel Denise Fisher and Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara. They learned about the district’s mission statement and core values and were introduced to the vast array of instructional technology resources, which will allow them to provide students with interactive and engaging learning experiences.

There was the nitty gritty like payroll and benefits, a welcome from the North Bellmore Teachers Association and afternoon breakout sessions, which focused on the specific content areas of the new teachers.

The 10 newcomers to North Bellmore include elementary classroom teachers as well as special area teachers for library, music and technology.

“Our new teachers were selected from a pool of many qualified candidates during a thorough and rigorous hiring process,” Ms. Pollitt said. “We welcome them with open arms to the North Bellmore School District and wish them long and prosperous careers. They will receive the full support of the district so they can be successful and help our children reach their full potential.”