Fifth and sixth graders at Park Avenue Elementary School recently lined the front garden with kindness rocks in a project inspired by the book, “Scribble Stones” by Diane Alber. The heartwarming story is about a little stone who, while on a mission to become something greater, spreads kindness and joy.

The project was designed to inspire creativity, spark personal connections among students, and promote a sense of community. Fifth and sixth graders turned their “dull grey stones” into beautiful creations with colorful images and uplifting messages.

Students went outside and placed the rocks in front of the 9/11 memorial garden and peace pole. Each child found a special spot to display his or her rock for all of the Park Avenue community to see.

Teachers noted that “Scribble Stones” is a wonderful way to educate students that, no matter anyone’s age, it is important to set goals and focus on personal growth. Students were reminded that a new school year is a blank canvas, just like their rocks were. The activity allowed them to think of a goal or a passion and share it with others through imaginative images and messages

Click here to view the Kindness Rocks Inspire Students at Park Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 10/7/2024

Leadership opportunities are aplenty for sixth graders at Newbridge Road Elementary School. Principal Amanda Licci met with the entire sixth grade class on Sept. 26 to discuss ways they can make a difference as the student leaders of the school.

Among the activities available to them are Beautification Club, Junior Librarian, Students Against Destructive Decisions, student council and intramural sports. Ms. Licci also introduced them to three clubs that she advises, which offer a greater leadership role.

Spirit Club members have an active role in the school’s monthly spirit assemblies. Students in the Smile Club spend time with younger peers during recess, playing games, reading together and getting to know one another.

A new opportunity this year is the Café Club. Sixth graders will be able to take on a leadership role to keep lunchtime orderly, using the microphone to make announcements such as when it's time to buy snack or line up for recess. Because sixth graders have lunch together with fourth graders, this will allow them to set an example for the school’s up-and-coming leaders. The inaugural members of the Café Club will also be asked to contribute their ideas on other ways to take on leadership roles during lunch.

Ms. Licci provided sixth graders with applications for the three clubs, with space to explain why they should be chosen. She noted that students must demonstrate the core tenets of the “Newbridge has HEART” motto – honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect and teamwork.

Ms. Licci said that these various clubs prepare students for the greater leadership roles they can take on in middle school and beyond, while also developing lifelong skills.

“Our goal is for students to take ownership of their learning environment,” she said. “In our mission to grow the whole child, we want to provide them with opportunities to direct their energy in a positive way and make an impact on the school community and other students.”

Date Added: 10/1/2024

Making good choices in Jennifer McGovern’s kindergarten class at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School is making students more literature rich. A pair of youngsters recently were rewarded with tokens to the school’s book vending machine for embodying one of the North Bellmore School District’s core values.

To begin their elementary school careers, Ms. McGovern wants students to be aware of the effect their choices have on others. This connects to one of the district’s seven core values, “Each individual is responsible for his or her choices and the impact they create.”

Students Abigail Chan and Lucas Petrizzo became the first two students from her class to receive tokens for the book vending machine in the lobby, which was donated two years ago by the Dinkelmeyer PTA. As the class gathered in front of the vending machine in the lobby, Ms. McGovern commended the two students as, one separate occasions, they each went to join a classmate who was playing alone.

Every day, the choices that they make in class can make others happy or sad, and Ms. McGovern always wants them to make a decision that will make someone’s day better. The two recognized students did just that through their actions, she explained.

The PTA provided each teacher with book tokens for every child, and Ms. McGovern will continue to reward her students throughout the year for demonstrating kindness and being a good school citizen. To vending machine is filled with selections for readers of different ages.

Date Added: 9/26/2024

Although their age is in the low double digits, sixth graders at Saw Mill Road Elementary School are the elders of the student body. With that age and experience comes great responsibility.

This year, Principal Jeffrey Rosof and Assistant Principal Daniel Madden started the year off by meeting with each sixth grade class. They engaged students in dialogue on how they can serve as role models for the rest of the school.

Each session began with an ice breaker activity. Students were split into two groups and formed two circles. The two students across from each other then spoke, answering a prompt from either Mr. Rosof or Mr. Madden. After each question, one circle would rotate so the students got to talk to different classmates. The purpose was to foster communication and emphasize the importance of listening to one another.

Gathering back in one large circle, it was time to talk about their role as the student leaders of the school. Mr. Rosof reminded them what it was like to be younger and looking up to the sixth graders then as role models. He emphasized the importance of setting a good example wherever they are, such as in class, in the hallways or on the playground. Students were also reminded that they have a responsibility to make others feel welcome in school, and that their words can have great impact.

The goal of the sessions were to “set the stage for a great sixth grade year,” Mr. Rosof said, noting some of the special events coming up exclusively for them.

“This was a chance to let the sixth graders have some time with us, set expectations and recognize what it means to be a leader in school,” Mr. Rosof said. “I hope they hear that they’re special as our sixth graders. That comes with privilege and responsibility, and we want them to reflect on that.”

Click here to view the Saw Mill Sixth Graders Set Up to Be Leaders slideshow.

Date Added: 9/23/2024

To celebrate International Dot Day and increase their knowledge of renowned artists, students at Martin Avenue Elementary School created colorful circle paintings.

Students read the Peter Reynolds book, “The Dot,” an inspirational story that focuses on growth mindset and perseverance. Working with art teacher Erica Farley, the young artists then made their mark with their own dot paintings. The pieces mimicked the style of modern artist Wassily Kandinsky who was known for his paintings of concentric circles. They used tempera paint and paint sticks to complete their masterpieces.

Date Added: 9/19/2024