Although their age is in the low double digits, sixth graders at Saw Mill Road Elementary School are the elders of the student body. With that age and experience comes great responsibility.

This year, Principal Jeffrey Rosof and Assistant Principal Daniel Madden started the year off by meeting with each sixth grade class. They engaged students in dialogue on how they can serve as role models for the rest of the school.

Each session began with an ice breaker activity. Students were split into two groups and formed two circles. The two students across from each other then spoke, answering a prompt from either Mr. Rosof or Mr. Madden. After each question, one circle would rotate so the students got to talk to different classmates. The purpose was to foster communication and emphasize the importance of listening to one another.

Gathering back in one large circle, it was time to talk about their role as the student leaders of the school. Mr. Rosof reminded them what it was like to be younger and looking up to the sixth graders then as role models. He emphasized the importance of setting a good example wherever they are, such as in class, in the hallways or on the playground. Students were also reminded that they have a responsibility to make others feel welcome in school, and that their words can have great impact.

The goal of the sessions were to “set the stage for a great sixth grade year,” Mr. Rosof said, noting some of the special events coming up exclusively for them.

“This was a chance to let the sixth graders have some time with us, set expectations and recognize what it means to be a leader in school,” Mr. Rosof said. “I hope they hear that they’re special as our sixth graders. That comes with privilege and responsibility, and we want them to reflect on that.”

Click here to view the Saw Mill Sixth Graders Set Up to Be Leaders slideshow.

Date Added: 9/23/2024

More than 2,000 children laced up their sneakers and put on their backpacks for the first day of school in North Bellmore on Sept. 3. The five elementary schools were full of excitement, with administrators, faculty and staff warmly greeting students as they arrived on the bright, sunny morning for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Parents snapped back-to-school pictures at photo stations at each school, then youngsters went inside to find their classrooms. They sat down at their desks with fresh nametags, unpacked supplies and shared summer stories.

At Park Avenue Elementary School, new principal Dr. Lynn Coyle was eager to meet her students for the first time. Across town at Saw Mill Road Elementary School, Principal Jeffrey Rosof helped guide students to their classrooms in the district’s largest building.

Click here to view the School Year Off to a Stellar Start in North Bellmore slideshow.

Date Added: 9/3/2024

First-year faculty members got a thorough introduction to the North Bellmore School District at new teacher orientation on Aug. 14. The 18 new hires will work across the district’s five schools and include classroom, special education and special area teachers, as well as nurses, social workers and speech language pathologists.

As they gathered in the Park Avenue Elementary School library, they learned about North Bellmore’s mission, core values, instructional program and technology resources. They met with several members of the district’s leadership team including Superintendent Marie Testa, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara and Executive Director for Personnel Denise Fisher.

The program included breakout sessions for teachers to work on planning and programming with their colleagues. A few of the new hires are familiar faces, having served as leave placement or student teachers in the district.

“New teacher orientation is a special occasion dedicated to welcoming educators into our school district,” Ms. Fisher said. “It’s energizing to see these exceptional individuals come together, having been chosen for our belief in their dedication to supporting the emotional, social and academic well-being of our students. We are fortunate to have this day so that we can begin fostering a strong, supportive community among our teachers, just as we value community building with our students and families."

Date Added: 8/20/2024