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Mission Statement

Our mission is to inspire all students to be confident, passionate learners with the courage and skills to lead their lives with integrity, while contributing to our global community with creativity and compassion.

Prevention Program

North Bellmore Prevention Office
Gunther School
Administrative Offices
2600 Regent Place
North Bellmore, NY 11710
516-992-3036 

Jo Ann Signorelli, Director of Prevention, LCSW
jsignorelli@northbellmoreschools.org

 

Prevention Coordinator/LCSW: Jo Ann Signorelli
Prevention Secretary: Patty Lombardo
School Counselor: Faith Gaul
School Counselor: Keara McNamara
LCSW: Olivia Gentilucci
LCSW: Jillian Sears
LCSW: Alexis Fassenfeld
LCSW: ColetteHolzmacher


The program has been in existence for over 35 years. It is grant funded by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services.

Substance Abuse Prevention Philosophy
Prevention staff provides classroom lessons, presentations, activities, service clubs, and trainings that are directed toward increasing children’s protective factors.  In addition, we offer small skills practice and discussion groups to reinforce and model appropriate behavior.  Research suggests that young people who are provided opportunities for involvement in their school and community have enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, which results in a decreased likelihood that they will participate in problem behaviors.
 
North Bellmore Prevention Philosophy  
The North Bellmore School District believes it is important to start prevention at an early age and to focus on pupil competence and responsibility.  We recognize that students need a safe and comfortable climate in which to learn, and we are committed to creating a caring community within our schools.

The North Bellmore Prevention Program is a comprehensive program that focuses on the prevention of violence, alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse by creating a positive culture in our school, home and community. We work to achieve our goal by teaching and reinforcing socially appropriate behaviors, and by empowering students to find creative, non-violent ways to settle conflicts. One of the violence prevention models we use at North Bellmore Schools is from the Peace Education Foundation. It is a research-based, classroom-tested curriculum. All students, faculty and other staff are trained in this model.  Peace Works provides a creative, non-destructive way to settle conflicts, and establishes a supportive environment in the school. The program encourages trust, builds confidence, cooperation and group interaction.


A List of Our Programs:

Kindergarten
Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids
Second Step
Too Good For Violence
   
First Grade
Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids
Second Step
Too Good For Drugs
   
Second Grade
Too Good For Drugs
Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids
 
Third Grade Too Good For Violence
Peace Scholars: Learning Through Literature
Second Step
   
Fourth Grade
Friendship Matters/ Chat and Chew
Mediation for Kids
Peace Scholars: Learning Through Literature
Second Step
Steer Clear of Bullies
   
Fifth Grade Creative Conflict Solving
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education
Internet Safety
Too Good For Drugs
Mediation for Kids
Second Step
   
Sixth Grade Creating Peace, Building Community
All Stars
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education
Mediation for Kids
Positive Student Leader
Project TNT: Toward No Tobacco Use
SADD Club ( Students Against Destructive Decisions)
   
Additional Programs Offered Upon Request:
Caring Kids (K-1)
Steps to Respect (3-6)
Bully Prevention (K-6)
Child Safety - Stranger Danger Video (K-3)
World of Difference Program (K-6)
Banana Spilts Program (K-6)
Social Skills Practice Groups (K-6)

Bellmore Merrick Community Coalition
The Bellmore Merrick Community is coming together to form a Coalition to promote the healthy development of our youth.  The goal of the Coalition is to address the impact of alcohol and other drug use on the youth in our community.  

The Bellmore Merrick Community Coalition is based on the premise that in order to prevent a problem from happening, we need to identify the factors that increase the risk of that problem developing, and then find ways to reduce the risks.  In addition, we may need to increase or promote the presence of individual protective factors in our young people’s lives as well as protective factors gained by their positive interactions with family, school, peers and the community at large.  Protective factors serve to balance and buffer risk factors, and strengthen prevention efforts.

A successful coalition needs the commitment of dedicated community members like you.  Please join us in building a shared vision of our community as a safe, nurturing environment for all children. If you would like to get involved please contact the Prevention office at (516) 992-3036.