The leprechaun came and went, but it certainly left its mark in Amanda Baxter’s classroom at Park Avenue Elementary School.  

Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, students worked on a STEAM activity to build leprechaun traps. Using cardboard boxes brought in from home along with various classroom supplies, they channeled their creativity and imaginations to design the traps. The young engineers even tried to entice the leprechauns with images of rainbows and pots of gold. 

Before building their traps, students read “How to Catch a Leprechaun,” then brainstormed ideas together. Once construction was complete, the traps were set up around the room. 

On March 17, students returned from the weekend to find the leprechaun had been there. The room was a little messy and there were small green footprints on the floor. But even through the leprechaun escaped, he still left each student a pot full of goodies.  

Click here to view the Park Avenue Students Craft Leprechaun Traps slideshow.

Date Added: 3/17/2025

A Women’s History Month project had some St. Patrick’s Day inspiration at Martin Avenue Elementary School. Sixth graders in Lauren Fleigner’s class completed “Lucky to Learn From Her” research projects.

Each student selected a famous woman to research. They used the online site PebbleGo to gather their information. The notable figures they learned about included Abigail Adams, Maya Angelou, Ruby Bridges and Coretta Scott King. Sixth graders include information about their contributions to society.

Their research projects were printed out, along with pictures, and hung in a bulletin board in the hallway so all students could learn about these pioneering women.

Date Added: 3/14/2025

Young scientists got a close-up look at the smallest components of life during a lesson on cell systems at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School. Sixth graders worked in small teams and used microscopes to view different kinds of cells. 

Teacher Jim O’Brien said that students have been studying cell theory and learning about the different parts of plant and animal cells. Through the microscopes, they viewed the cells of leaves, grass and organisms in pond water.  

“It brings it to life for them,” Mr. O’Brien said. “All of the sudden, it’s no longer just a picture in a book.” 

He added that the process allowed students to assume the role of scientists in conducting an experiment, recording observations and discussing their findings with each other. The sixth graders worked on their microscope skills by learning how to focus on a specimen, switch objective lenses and create their own slides.

Click here to view the Microscopes Spark Scientific Discovery slideshow.

Date Added: 3/11/2025

 

To build their Spanish vocabulary, fifth and sixth graders at Newbridge Road Elementary School and throughout the North Bellmore School District participated in a competition.  

During their Spanish language courses, which are held once per six-day cycle, students had to answer questions about the weather, day of the week and date. The faster they answered, the more points they got. Students were also rewarded for their use of other Spanish vocabulary words.  

At the end of the February, Kristen Giris announced the class winners at each building. During her visit to Newbridge Road on Feb. 28, she gave the good news to Paige Becker’s fifth graders and presented them with a trophy. 

Ms. Giris said the competition helped student reinforce their knowledge of days of the weeks, months, numbers and weather terminology. Students will begin a new contest that will focus on other topics and vocabular words that will last until the end of the school year. North Bellmore’s Spanish program includes instruction for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

Date Added: 3/6/2025