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February 12, 2026

Students Enjoy a Day of Play at Park Avenue

“I get to be a kid, too, today,” Park Avenue Elementary School fourth grade teacher Lauren Manginelli exclaimed as she watched her students play a variety of games around the classroom on Feb. 5. The North Bellmore School District continued its long-standing tradition of celebrating Global School Play Day, a national initiative that promotes the benefits of unstructured play. 

In Ms. Manginelli’s room, there was kids’ choice time in the morning, during which her students could play any of the games that were brought in from home. The afternoon featured teachers’ choice time as she led games for the entire class.  

Fifth grade teacher Jenna Stack said there was some time set aside for English language arts and math, but a majority of the day was devoted to play. Students enjoyed the benefits of positive social interaction, building upon their communication skills, and learning to share and work with others.  

She brought in many toys from home such as a basketball hoop, fort-building kit and hockey net and sticks. A table normally covered in books and worksheets was transformed into a ping pong table simply by adding a net. At the crafts table, students enthusiastically bedazzled different objects. Music played in the background throughout the day.  

“This is my favorite day of the year,” Ms. Stack said. “I love that they get to be kids for a day and I love seeing the excitement. They just have so much fun.” 

From kindergarten to sixth grade, the enthusiasm could be felt in every classroom. Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle noted the laughs and cheers that were heard as she walked through the halls. She even stopped into several rooms to join in the fun. 

“Global School Play Day is a special opportunity for our students to collaborate, imagine and learn through unstructured play during the school day,” she said. “Watching their creativity, teamwork and joy reminds us that play is an essential part of childhood and a powerful way to build social and problem-solving skills.” 

Three children gather around a table, looking at an object with interest.  Children sit on the floor, focused on small objects in their hands.  Two students work at a desk in a classroom, one holding up a paper.

Two children smile at the camera while working at desks in a classroom.  Four students stand in a classroom, smiling at the camera.  Two young children sit at a table, each holding a toy.

Three young girls sit on the floor, looking at a collection of toys.  Two young girls sit on the floor, playing with toys in a classroom.  Four young girls smile while gathered around a table in a classroom.

Three children sit at a table, engaged in an activity in a classroom.  Three students collaborate on a project at a desk in a classroom.  A teacher sits with two children on a blue rug in a classroom.

Children gather around a colorful display in a classroom setting.  A teacher and students collaborate around a table, looking at learning materials.  Students participate in an activity in a brightly lit classroom.