To close out their elementary careers, sixth graders in Alexis DeCapua’s class at Saw Mill Road Elementary School honed their research and presentation skills by creating passion projects.

Students could work independently or in a group to teach their classmates about a subject of personal interest. Topics included art, chess, Fortnite, the history of music, soccer and more. Each interactive presentation was created using Nearpod, which allowed students to view it either on the classroom’s electronic display board or their own iPads, where they could contribute their thoughts on a discussion board.

Ms. DeCapua said that students combined their own background knowledge on a topic along with additional research to create their presentations. Each group also used Canva to make a teaser poster for their slideshow.

Date Added: 7/1/2024

The 309 sixth graders comprising the North Bellmore School District’s graduating Class of 2024 put on their gowns and crossed the stage at five commencement ceremonies on June 24 and 25. After seven years of elementary education, they now head to middle school where they will have more choices, more responsibility and a chance to make many new friends.

John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School Principal Danica Brugge related the district’s mission to inspire confident, passionate learners with the courage and skills to lead their lives with integrity to this year’s graduates.

“I realized that I see those qualities shining brightly among our graduating sixth graders,” she said. “Each of you has grown not only in knowledge but also in character, embodying integrity and compassion — the very values that will guide you in your journey ahead.”

Saw Mill Road Elementary School boasted the largest group of graduates in the district with more than 100 students. Principal Jeffrey Rosof said Saw Mill was a place that they came to every day to learn, grow and hopefully have some fun. He asked them to rely on their foundation from elementary school and their families to continue to grow intellectually and socially.

“Each graduate has traveled a path to get to this moment and many people were involved in this journey,” he said.

Five student speakers focused on each of the five traits of a Saw Mill student – cooperation, creativity, curiosity, friendship and perseverance.

Martin Avenue Elementary School Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci spoke about one of North Bellmore’s core values, “There is no limit to human potential.” He reminded students that they each have unique talents, dreams and abilities that are waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

“Believe in yourself and your capacity to achieve incredible things is endless,” he said. “Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, learn from setbacks and keep striving towards your goals with determination and resilience. Your potential is limitless.”

At Newbridge Road Elementary School’s graduation, student speakers reflected on memories from kindergarten through sixth grade. There was also a musical performance of “I Will Remember You.” Principal Amanda Licci centered on the “Newbridge has HEART” motto in her address to graduates.

“Heart is more than just a symbol; it is the essence of who we are and how we approach the world,” she said. “It embodies the qualities of honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect and teamwork – values that you have embodied and exemplified during your journey through Newbridge Road Elementary School.”

Park Avenue Elementary School’s 41 graduates were celebrated for their achievements at a ceremony that included student reflections, a performance of the Bill Withers song “Lean on Me,” presentation of diplomas and turning of tassels. Superintendent Marie Testa noted how lucky students were to attend a “treasure of a school located in a beautiful, tight-knit neighborhood.”

“The education at Park Avenue has provided the graduates with a solid foundation of skills that will allow then to succeed in school and in life,” Ms. Testa said.

Board of Education President Christine Malloy, who spoke at the Saw Mill Road graduation, said students are leaving elementary school well prepared academically and as citizens. In middle school and beyond, she reminded them to be the example of good character.

“Most importantly,” Ms. Malloy told the graduates, “don’t be afraid to be you and shine in all you do.”

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/26/2024

The end of the school year will mark the end of successful careers for 18 staff members in the North Bellmore School District. The board of education honored its departing teachers and support staff at their June 13 meeting for their steadfast devotion to children.

The 18 retirees collectively totaled 484 years of service. Their time in North Bellmore spanned from a decade to nearly 40 years. Superintendent Marie Testa commended them for their hard work and dedication in support of the district’s mission and vision. She said their careers will be remembered for the love they showed students.

“All that you did for children will come back to you,” Ms. Testa told the retirees as she wished them happy and healthy retirements. There were also congratulatory remarks from North Bellmore Teachers Association President Joann Signorelli and North Bellmore Paraprofessionals Association President Lisa Basbin.

Retiring teachers include Gayle Angert (24 years), Desiree Behr (25 years), Tim Byrne (33 years), Chris DaRold (32 years), Celeste Diogo (38 years), Dana Hirsch (37 years), Laura Horvath (34 years), Jean Patterson (21 years), Robyn McClellan (20 years), Christine South (23 years) and Kristin Sturniolo (31 years).

Support staff included Laurie Weintraub (34 years) from the Prevention Department, paraprofessionals Maryann Adams (25 years), Geralyn Delaney (20 years), Sandra Goldsmith (22 years), Lynn Paolillo (23 years) and Rose Salerno (10 years), and custodian Joseph Lombardo (32 years).

Each month, sixth grade leaders from one of the five elementary schools begins the board meeting with a presentation. This month, student speakers from John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School paid tribute to the retirees, before the presentations to honor each individual began.

Date Added: 6/18/2024

The cafeteria was recently transformed into an innovation center at Saw Mill Road Elementary School. Kindergartners welcomed parents, grandparents and other special guests to help out with a series of STEAM challenges.

Two classes per day participated in the activities that merged science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Students and their guests rotated among four stations to build towers using different materials. There were wooden sticks and clothes pins, pencils, pipe cleaners and plastic cups.

Teacher Marylou Tolle said that the goal was to showcase for parents the problem-solving activities that students do in school. The STEAM activities also foster collaboration, critical thinking and persistence. Students and their guests were reminded that if a design didn’t work, they should try again.

This was the second year the school has hosted the daytime STEAM program. After last year’s successful debut, kindergarten teachers decided to keep it going, noting the energy and enthusiasm of both the children and the adults.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/11/2024

The North Bellmore School District held its annual district art show on May 21. Student work from the five elementary schools was featured at the evening exhibition, which was held in Newbridge Road Elementary School’s cafeteria.

There were drawings, paintings, sculptures and mixed media projects on display, created by students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The work was a sampling of projects created throughout the school year and showcased the various artistic techniques students have learned.

Artwork was completed under the direction of Jillian Bock at John G. Dinkelmeyer and Park Avenue elementary schools, Erica Farley at Martin Avenue and Newbridge Road elementary schools and Amy Lopez at Saw Mill Road Elementary School.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/3/2024