Writers of all ages are thinking deeply as they pen their latest works at Martin Avenue Elementary School.

First graders channeled one of their favorite activities, playtime, for their recent writer’s workshop project. To support an opinion writing unit, students wrote toy reviews. Each child was asked to pick his or her favorite toy, then create a piece to explain why. The young writers cited specific examples of why they enjoy playing with the toy.

Teacher Debra Ferretti said that the goal of the assignment was for students to learn how to use facts and evidence to back up their claims. They also worked on using descriptive language in their pieces.

Each student’s toy review included an illustration, a few sentences of persuasive writing and “ka-pow words” – lively adjectives to describe the toy. Before they began writing, students read mentor texts, which are relatable examples of good opinion writing, including “The Perfect Pet”by Margie Palatiniand “Kitty Found a Pet” by Troy Cummings. The writing process included brainstorming, a first draft, and a revising and editing process before publishing their final pieces.

Fourth graders recently completed their literacy analysis essays. The project began with a book swap, in which students brought in one book to trade, while getting to take home another.

From there, students selected a book, then analyzed one literary element from it, including author’s purpose, character development, character traits and theme. Teacher Lauren Fasano said they could choose a book from either the Fountas and Pinnell read alouds or the class novels.

Ms. Fasano explained that this was among the most challenging and thorough writing projects students have done in their elementary years. The purpose was for them to read and understand a book on a deeper level, use text evidence to support their thoughts and write a well-organized essay. Ultimately, she said, the hope is that it leads to more in-depth book discussions among students.

Date Added: 5/3/2024

Becoming a great teacher or administrator is not achieved alone, North Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa noted at the annual tenure celebration on April 11. It requires a great support system of family and colleagues.

Seven great educators earned the professional milestone after completing their probationary periods, and were recognized before a large audience of administrators, teachers, students, family members and friends. The tenure recipients included five teachers – Melissa Halaris, Maritza Lopez, Daniela McGee, Kim Rackley and Alexander Roff – and central office administrators Denise Fisher and Leyna Malone.

Ms. Fisher first joined the district as assistant principal at Saw Mill Road Elementary School, then became Newbridge Road Elementary School’s principal before moving into her current position as executive director of personnel. She oversees a human resources department that serves 660 employees. Ms. Testa described her as brave and kind, someone who strongly believes in the district’s mission and core values, and a person who quietly lifts up everyone around her.

When Ms. Fisher went to Newbridge, Ms. Malone was hired as assistant principal of Saw Mill Road. She then became principal of Martin Avenue, and then the executive director for pupil personnel services and special education. It’s one of the most challenging jobs in the district, Ms. Testa explained, and requires a strong knowledge of legal requirements. The superintendent said that Ms. Malone’s kindness and strong advocacy for both students and teachers is what has led to her success.

North Bellmore Teachers Association President Joann Signorelli congratulated the five teachers who received tenure. There were also remarks from their building principals and colleagues.

Mr. Roff teaches general music at Martin Avenue and Newbridge Road, with Ms. Lopez spreading her love for music at Saw Mill Road. John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School boasts Ms. Rackley in fourth grade and Ms. Halaris in fifth grade, while Ms. McGee is a speech therapist at Newbridge Road.

North Bellmore Board of Education President Christine Malloy added that the tenure celebration is her favorite meeting of the year because they get to recognize the district’s amazing teachers and administrators.

Date Added: 4/17/2024

 

 

 

North Bellmore’s annual sixth grade track meet is coming up on May 20 and students at Martin Avenue Elementary School have been taking advantage of nice weather to practice for the different events.

During physical education classes with teacher Michael Weiner, sixth graders are preparing for the different short- and long-distance events out on the fields.

The track meet is an annual tradition for students in their final year in North Bellmore, bringing sixth graders together from the five elementary schools. The event is held at the Mepham High School track.

Date Added: 4/15/2024

Student recommendations led to the creation of a March Madness-inspired book bracket at Martin Avenue Elementary School. Sixth graders are voting for their favorite books in head-to-head matchups.

The 16 books in the initial bracket were all based on student suggestions. Some are very popular among sixth graders, while others are lesser known. The purpose of the bracket, teacher Rachel Graber explained, is to introduce students to new books.

Students are working in groups and making short videos to promote the books. When it is time to vote, students from Ms. Graber’s and Stephanie Speciale’s classes come together to watch the book trailers. In the hallway, the large bracket is updated to reflect the books which advance to the elite eight, the final four and the top two before the winner is chosen at the end of the month. For each round, students make a new set of trailers.

“I like introducing my classmates to new books,” Alana Spiegel said, noting that a few of her suggestions made it to the initial bracket. “I get to show people some of the books that I’m interested in.”

Erin Flanagan added that she enjoys watching the trailer videos and seeing the creative ways her classmates are promoting the different books.

All of the books in the bracket are accessible to students either in classroom libraries, or in the school or public library.

 

Date Added: 3/29/2024

A thousand wooden blocks are turning out to be a simple, but valuable learning tool for students at Martin Avenue Elementary School. The school recently received a KEVA Maple Plank set which is inspiring students to imagine, converse and create.

Fifth grade teacher Ashley Vella gave her students their first opportunity to work with the KEVA Planks on Feb. 16. The large wooden box, filled to the top with the blocks, rolled into her classroom and students began building. They were encouraged to first build structures from the KEVA Maple challenge booklet to familiarize themselves with the planks before coming up with their own designs.

Ms. Vella said that building with KEVA Planks promotes many important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. She enjoyed watching her students share ideas as they built ramps, towers, pieces of furniture and more, and declared this endeavor a great success.

“It’s something different that really engages them,” Ms. Vella said. “This gives them the opportunity to work together and be innovative.”

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/8/2024