“The best is yet to come,” North Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa said of the eight educators who officially received tenure at the April 10 board of education meeting.

During a standing room-only celebration at Martin Avenue Elementary School, the newly tenured administrators and teachers were lauded for their hard work and dedication to students during their probationary periods. They reflect the strength, breadth and excellence of the district, Ms. Testa noted.

Receiving tenure were:

Amanda Licci, principal, Newbridge Road Elementary School

Daniel Madden, assistant principal, Saw Mill Road Elementary School

Danielle Calapai, instructional coach

Alexa Cappuzzo, second grade teacher, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School

Yvonne Francolini, librarian

Kerri Maxwell, first grade teacher, Newbridge Road Elementary School

Alyssa Parker, physical education teacher

Catherine Schlaich, computer science teacher

The night was filled with speeches celebrating each tenure recipient from proud colleagues. They also had the honor of achieving this career milestone with their families in attendance.

“We know the amount of time and effort and care and love that goes into being a teacher or an administrator,” Ms. Testa said. “Tenure reflects our confidence in their ongoing impact and their role in helping all learners succeed.”

Date Added: 4/22/2025

A months-long art project is taking shape at Park Avenue Elementary School. The creation of a new mural is being spearheaded by art teacher Jillian Bock and will feature a contribution from every child in the school.

The sunrise and meadow scene is being created on an upper section of wall on the first floor. At 16 feet wide and 4 feet tall, it is a sizeable piece that should bring joy to generations of students. Ms. Bock said that she was approached by Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle to come up with ideas to beautify the school. From there, the mural was born.

Painting began in November and Ms. Bock expects to wrap up work in May. The idea for the meadow with flowers is connected to the school’s culture, as students and staff maintain a community garden adjacent to the building. Children are contributing to the mural by using their fingerprints as the petals of the flowers.

Ms. Bock said that students are excited to leave their mark in this legacy project. They have been invested in watching the mural come together over the past few months as more elements are added and more students make their imprint.

“It adds a sense of happiness and pride,” she said. “It feels good to be a part of something, and they feel good that had a hand in it.”

Click here to view the Uplifting Mural Blooms at Park Avenue School slideshow.

Date Added: 4/3/2025

At nearly 80 students, North Bellmore’s fifth grade orchestra rivals the size of a philharmonic orchestra. Playing at that level may be years away for the young musicians, but their dedication to their craft is comparable. 

Once per six-day cycle, the fifth grade orchestra gets together at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School for morning rehearsals. It consists of students from the district’s five elementary schools and features violin, viola, cello and bass players. Conducting the group is first-year orchestra teacher Patrice Ryan. 

Currently, the ensemble is working on three pieces for the spring concert, “Arco-ology,” “Entry of the Tumblers” and “Spy Rock.” They will showcase their talents at the district orchestra concert on May 12. 

Lisa Uckardes conducts the district’s sixth grade orchestra, which meets at Martin Avenue Elementary School on the same mornings as the fifth grade ensemble. In addition to their full-group rehearsals, students from both groups take part in small-group lessons with Ms. Ryan and Ms. Uckardes at their schools. 

Click here to view the Orchestra Students are Becoming String Savvy slideshow.

Date Added: 3/26/2025

Before it was time to get down to business, North Bellmore School District Board of Education trustees, administrators and the public were treated to a musical delight. The district’s sixth grade Festival Band opened the March 13 meeting at Martin Avenue Elementary School with a pair of songs.

The performance celebrated Music in Our Schools Month and the district’s commitment to music education. The Festival Band includes sixth graders from all five elementary schools and is directed by Skylar Berkley and Christopher D’Orio.

“This talented group of musicians represents the dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm that make our district so special,” said Saw Mill Road Elementary School Assistant Principal Daniel Madden, administrative liaison to the music program. “Through every note they play, these students showcase not only their musical growth but also their ability to collaborate and rise to new challenges – skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Their journey is a testament to the power of the arts in shaping confident, passionate learners who are ready to make their mark on the world.”

Under the direction of Mr. D’Orio, the band played “Royal Crown March.” Ms. Berkley then led the ensemble in “Alpha Squadron.”

Superintendent Marie Testa recognized all of the district’s music teachers and noted that the program supports the mission of developing well-rounded students. She added that the performance reflects the joy and value that music brings to people’s lives.

“North Bellmore has an exemplary music education program,” she said. “We want to celebrate our students and our teachers.”

Click here to view the Festival Band Delights Audience at BOE Meeting slideshow.

Date Added: 3/18/2025

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