Fourth graders are coast-to-coast experts now that they have completed their state research projects at Martin Avenue Elementary School. They got to showcase their splendid work during a presentation for family members on June 18.

As part of the social studies curriculum, fourth graders in Lauren Fasano and Tiffany Joosten’s classes studied the 13 colonies and American expansion. Each student was assigned a state and used books and online resources to find important facts such as its capital, major cities, founding date, landmarks, population size, famous people and historical events.

Students wrote written reports and created colorful posterboard presentations. The tri-fold boards included a regional map of the state and its neighbors, images associated with it like the state bird and professional sports teams, and its flag. Fourth graders set up their boards in the cafeteria and welcomed their special guests to learn more about United States geography.

Click here to view the Martin Avenue Fourth Graders are State Experts slideshow.

Date Added: 6/25/2025

They graduated from elementary school on June 24, 2019 and came back as high school graduates on June 18, 2025. North Bellmore alumni returned to their roots for the inaugural clap-out, which were held throughout the district on June 18 and 20, and were celebrated by students, teachers, staff and retirees.

In the intervening six years, graduates continued their educations Grand Avenue Middle School and Mepham High School. For the clap-out, many showcased their future plans by wearing shirts representing the colleges they will attend.

The goal is for the clap-out to become an annual tradition to celebrate the successful culmination of 13 years of education. At each school, students lined the hallways holding handmade signs that welcomed back the now two-time graduates congratulated them on their most recent accomplishment. Sixth grade ambassadors led the seniors on through the hallways.

“It was an incredible success that left a lasting impact on everyone involved,” said North Bellmore Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt. “Watching the high school Class of 2025 return to their elementary schools, welcomed with signs, cheers, music and heartfelt applause, was a powerful, full-circle moment. It not only celebrated their accomplishments but also inspired the younger students lining the halls. The energy and emotion of the day made it clear that this will become a cherished annual tradition in our district, one that highlights the strength of our community and the pride we share in our students’ journeys.”

The graduates hugged former teachers, took pictures with younger siblings and neighbors, and reminisced about their elementary school days. John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School Principal Danica Brugge, who came to school in January 2019, remembered her former students fondly even though they only spent six months together. She said her first graduating class as principal, and learning of their future plans, validates the work that is done in the elementary schools to build their foundation of knowledge.

“They spend so much time with us – seven years – and we really watch them grow,” she said. “To have this opportunity to be able to see them as young adults brings so much pride and so much excitement for their futures. We love the kids from the moment they enter these doors to the moment they leave, so to have the ability to see them again is a blessing. I think they enjoyed it just as much as we did.”

Click here to view the Class of 2019 Returns for Inaugural Clap-Out slideshow.

Date Added: 6/20/2025

Sixth graders gathered on the blacktop, looked up a second floor window and counted down… “3… 2… 1…” Moments later, a handmade contraption was on the ground and possibly a cracked egg. June 4 featured the annual egg-drop event at Park Avenue Elementary School, an end-of-year staple for the soon-to-be graduates.  

It was the culminating activity in a physic unit, in which students studied concepts such as acceleration, force and gravity. They worked in small groups to build contraptions to hold an egg as it fell from a second-floor window to the ground. Using materials from school and from home, the young engineers had two days to plan and build, and were encouraged to find methods to slow down its speed, like adding a parachute.  

The excitement was high when egg-drop day arrived. With most of the grade outside watching, a few students at a time were in the upstairs classroom. The egg was added just ahead of the drop, and most survived. After returning to their classrooms, students analyzed the results and reflected on their designs.    

Click here to view the Scientific Egg-Citement for Park Avenue Sixth Graders slideshow.

Date Added: 6/20/2025

The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome recently came to life at Saw Mill Road Elementary School, as sixth graders dressed up as notable figures. They could choose to portray famous leaders of those empires, or the gods and goddesses. 

Students studied the pair of ancient civilizations as part of the social studies curriculum. For a culminating project, each young historian picked a person real or fictional to research. They created digital presentations, wrote a speech and dressed in character. The project is an annual sixth grade tradition.  

Click here to view the Saw Mill Sixth Graders Revive Ancient Times slideshow.

Date Added: 6/18/2025

“It’s like bringing the outside into our school,” Newbridge Road Elementary School Principal Amanda Licci said at the unveiling of the Newbridge Quad on June 2. The space was created in partnership with the PTA as an outdoor learning area for students, or a place to relax and get some fresh air.

The long and narrow courtyard is tucked between the original 1920s section of the North Bellmore’s oldest school and an expansion from the 1950s. Ms. Licci said it has been a goal of hers to make the space more useful, and the addition of six picnic tables now gives it purpose. Classes can go out there for lessons, to read or have snack time.

As its yearly legacy gift, the PTA purchased the tables. The name Newbridge Quad was chosen because the space is surrounded by four walls. Last year, improvements to the space started when art teacher Erica Farley and her Beautification Club students created a mural of Thunder the Tiger, the school mascot.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which including Ms. Licci, Superintendent Marie Testa, teachers, PTA leaders and a student from every class, the first activity took place. Fifth grader Brock Granshaw and sixth grader Alice Boylan read “Maybe” by Kobi Yamada, a story about the endless potential of every child. The message of the story symbolized the potential of the upgraded space.

“The possibilities are endless,” Ms. Licci said. “We got the tables in there and we’ll see where it takes us.”

PTA co-President Italia Granshaw said planning for this project began in the fall. Money is set aside every year for a legacy gift from the PTA’s fundraising efforts.

Ms. Licci said that every class will be invited to use Newbridge Quad at least once before the end of the school year. Over the course of a full school year, teachers will be tasked with finding innovative and creative ways to take advantage of the outdoors.

Click here to view the Shared Vision Sparks Creation of Newbridge Quad slideshow.

Date Added: 6/16/2025