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

Kindergartners will make a lot of memories during the next seven years as students at Park Avenue Elementary School, and one that will likely stand out will be the welcome parade on their fourth day of school.

To celebrate their arrival as the school’s newest learners, they paraded through the hallways on the morning of Sept. 6 as upbeat music played over the loudspeakers. Students from first through sixth grades lined the hallways to applaud, cheer and give high-fives. Their handmade signs with inspirational messages and pictures really made the kindergartners feel welcome in their new home.

Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle said this was the first time the school has hosted a kindergarten welcome parade, and her goal is for it to become an annual tradition. It will also serve as the other bookend for students who already parade through the halls for a clap-out at the end of sixth grade.

“It really gives our kindergartners a sense of belonging, which is of utmost importance,” Dr. Coyle said. “It’s a way of spreading kindness and inclusivity withing the school building.”

After the parade, kindergartners gathered in the all-purpose room where Dr. Coyle read aloud the Mo Willems book, “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School.” Then it was back to their classrooms to continue work on their ABCs and 123s.

Click here to view the Park Avenue Embraces its Newest Learners slideshow.

Date Added: 9/16/2024

To get to know her students both inside and outside of the classroom, Park Avenue Elementary School fourth grade teacher Lauren Manginelli had a fun game for them on Sept. 6.

In “Picks and Icks,” the youngsters were asked their opinion on different topics, ranging from school subjects and classroom habits, to food and sports. Each child had a placard and showed her the green side with a thumbs up when something was a “pick” and the red side with a thumbs down when it was an “ick.”

Students also completed worksheets with this information as a way for Ms. Manginelli to become more familiar with the tendencies and interests of her students, and create a warm and welcoming classroom environment for all.

Click here to view the Picking the Brains of Park Avenue Fourth Graders 24-25 slideshow.

Date Added: 9/9/2024

More than 2,000 children laced up their sneakers and put on their backpacks for the first day of school in North Bellmore on Sept. 3. The five elementary schools were full of excitement, with administrators, faculty and staff warmly greeting students as they arrived on the bright, sunny morning for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Parents snapped back-to-school pictures at photo stations at each school, then youngsters went inside to find their classrooms. They sat down at their desks with fresh nametags, unpacked supplies and shared summer stories.

At Park Avenue Elementary School, new principal Dr. Lynn Coyle was eager to meet her students for the first time. Across town at Saw Mill Road Elementary School, Principal Jeffrey Rosof helped guide students to their classrooms in the district’s largest building.

Click here to view the School Year Off to a Stellar Start in North Bellmore slideshow.

Date Added: 9/3/2024

First-year faculty members got a thorough introduction to the North Bellmore School District at new teacher orientation on Aug. 14. The 18 new hires will work across the district’s five schools and include classroom, special education and special area teachers, as well as nurses, social workers and speech language pathologists.

As they gathered in the Park Avenue Elementary School library, they learned about North Bellmore’s mission, core values, instructional program and technology resources. They met with several members of the district’s leadership team including Superintendent Marie Testa, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara and Executive Director for Personnel Denise Fisher.

The program included breakout sessions for teachers to work on planning and programming with their colleagues. A few of the new hires are familiar faces, having served as leave placement or student teachers in the district.

“New teacher orientation is a special occasion dedicated to welcoming educators into our school district,” Ms. Fisher said. “It’s energizing to see these exceptional individuals come together, having been chosen for our belief in their dedication to supporting the emotional, social and academic well-being of our students. We are fortunate to have this day so that we can begin fostering a strong, supportive community among our teachers, just as we value community building with our students and families."

Date Added: 8/20/2024