Footballs soared through the air behind Saw Mill Road Elementary School on Nov. 8 as the North Bellmore School District held the championship round of its annual Punt, Pass, Kick competition. Grade-level winners from the five elementary schools gathered at the turf field to complete for the districtwide title.

Following a football skills unit, students in grades 3-6 took part in the preliminary rounds during their physical education classes. The top boy and girl from each grade level from the five schools were invited to the finals.

Long tape measures lined the field to determine the distance the ball traveled in each event. First, students tested their throwing abilities in the pass competition. Next was the punt, in which they dropped and kicked the ball. Finally, they kicked off of a tee. Each competitor was allowed to redo one event to try for a better score.

Park Avenue Elementary School Principal Michael DeBlasio, who oversees the district’s physical education department, noted that the sunny but chilly day was “perfect football weather.” He said it was a great opportunity for students to compete in a fun and friendly environment while also getting to meet their peers from other schools.

Running the events were physical education teacher James Breslin, Tim Byrne, Bill Green, Jim Mulvey, Alyssa Parker and Michael Weiner. When all of the events were complete, they tallied up the scores and announced the winners.

The districtwide champions are:

Third grade girl: Nina Hendershot, Saw Mill Road Elementary School
Third grade boy:Egan Malloy, Saw Mill Road Elementary School
Fourth grade girl: Xcenia Benden, Park AvenueElementary School
Fourth grade boy: Brody Hislop, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School
Fifth grade girl: Lea Pagnotta, Saw Mill Road Elementary School
Fifth grade boy:Chase Almona, Martin Avenue Elementary School
Sixth grade girl:Hailey Smith, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School
Sixth grade boy:Caleb Shogan, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 11/20/2023

Strong writers emerge from strong readers at Newbridge Road Elementary School. Recent fifth grade lessons have been connecting the two cornerstones of literacy.

In Michele Hooker’s class, students turn their reading into writing by crafting book reviews. Periodically throughout the year, they are asked to make recommendations on the books they are reading, either in class or at home. Time is set aside during school each day for independent reading, and students can choose from hundreds of books in the classroom library and book bins. They are also asked to read every night.

For their reviews, students are asked to give it a rating out of five stars, draw a picture of the main character and write a summary. The reviews are then hung up for all students to see.

Ms. Hooker challenges her students to read 40 books throughout the school year, between home and school. They are encouraged to read a variety of genres including biographies, fantasy, mystery, poetry and realistic fiction. The book reviews give students great suggestions to help them complete the challenge.

“It’s nice to get the perspective of your peers,” she said.

In Karen Barrins fifth grade class, students are getting started on their memoir writing unit. But before they put pen to paper, they read published memoirs to explore effective writing techniques and strategies. These mentor texts serve as a guide to help the young writers craft their own original pieces.

While students did explore books by noted authors, they also read memoirs that were done by other children their age.

“It makes it tangible for them,” Principal Amanda Licci said. “They think, ‘If a fifth grader did that, I can do it, too.’”

Whether they are writing about books or generating ideas for stories, “It all comes back to reading and thinking about what they’ve read,” Ms. Licci added.

Date Added: 11/9/2023

The North Bellmore School District will be conducting its annual central registration process for incoming kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year. Eligible students must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024 in order to register for kindergarten.

Registration for the upcoming school year will commence on Nov. 13, 2023, and will run through Feb. 2, 2024. Registration is by appointment only at the North Bellmore’s District Office located at 2616 Martin Ave. in Bellmore (west side of the Martin Avenue School). Parents and guardians may access the district’s registration packet online under the Central Registration Department. Please complete the registration packet and attach all required documentation prior to your registration appointment.

No child will be fully registered for kindergarten until all the required forms have been completed, received and verified by the district. To schedule an appointment or for questions relating to registration you may contact the District Registrar at 516-992-3000, ext. 3821.

Date Added: 10/31/2023

The 100th anniversary is right around the corner for Newbridge Road Elementary School. Principal Amanda Licci said this year’s theme is marrying the history of the school with today’s core values.

Newbridge Road was built in 1924 and has served tens of thousands of children in the last century. The school is steeped in history yet continues to evolve to serve each generation of students. On opening day, Ms. Licci read “Our School is a Family” via Zoom to Newbridge’s 330 students plus teachers and staff. She wanted to start the year off by reminding them that the school is their second home and their second family.

At the first spirit assembly of the year, the entire student body gathered in person for a community-building program. Students sang the school song so kindergartners and others new to the Newbridge family could become familiar with it.

Each class in the school is designing a flag that will be unveiled at the next spirit assembly in October. Students provide their input on their design to show what makes each class unique. Ms. Licci explained that flags are symbols for a group of people, whether a country, a state or class in school, and the images and colors should have meaning.

In Joann Belferder’s second grade class, the flag will be a collection of puzzle pieces, with each student contributing one piece. The purpose is to show that the class is comprised of unique individuals who wonderfully fit together.

“Newbridge Has Heart” continue to remain the school’s motto and a new bulletin board outside of the cafeteria that reflects this is a focal point for the year. It showcases the five values that makeup Newbridge’s “HEART” – honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect and teamwork.

Date Added: 10/11/2023

Students throughout the North Bellmore School District shared in a common literary experience, as principals at the five schools read “All Are Welcome” by author Alexandra Penfold and illustrator Suzanne Kaufman.

The picture book celebrates diversity through a warm and encouraging story of children from different backgrounds who play side by side. At an assembly with the entire student body, Martin Avenue Elementary School Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci read the book aloud, then discussed its message. He explained that just like in the book, the school is made up of students who hail from different towns, states and countries.

“It’s about making each other feel like they belong, making each other feel supported,” he said.

Saw Mill Road Elementary School Principal Jeff Rosof read the book, then students embarked on an art project under the direction of Amy Lopez. Each child created a self-portrait, which were then hung together on a bulletin board near the main office.

“No one is the same,” student Sean Egan said. “We’re all different and that works.”

Newbridge Road Elementary School students worked on a similar project after Principal Amanda Licci read “All Are Welcome” during a Zoom assembly. Under the direction of art teacher Erica Farley, students made paper self-portrait dolls that reflected their interests, talents and style. The pieces then adorned a first-floor bulletin.

“We have lot of different individuals who come together to make a beautiful school community,” Ms. Licci said. “Everyone has different talents and beliefs that help our building thrive.”

Date Added: 10/6/2023