The impact of words was the theme for a program for fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Saw Mill Road Elementary School on Oct. 30. Students gathered for the “Power of Language” assembly presented by Limitless Learning and sponsored by the PTA’s Cultural Arts committee. 

The interactive workshop was designed to help students understand how the words they use can bring people closer together or divide them. It explored the myth of the well-known phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Students identified strategies to support one another when they witness words being used to hurt others and discussed the unique power they have to support one another in ways that have a lifelong impact. 

Presenters Dr. Lenny Breton and Dr. Nancy Kaplan called upon the district’s oldest students to set the example at Saw Mill Road. They explained that the knowledge they gained at the assembly should be carried with them through middle school, high school and into adulthood. The pain that words can cause was evidenced by a show of hands from teachers who still remember something mean that was said to them when younger.  

Dr. Breton and Dr. Kaplan noted that most children know they shouldn’t say certain words or phrases, but don’t understand why they shouldn’t be said. They helped educate children on the reasons that certain words and phrases should never be used, and told them to take that knowledge to teach others who say them.  

The presenters described the difference between words that constitute a “mini-ouch” and a “supersized ouch,” but noted that all mean words are hurtful, no matter how big or small. They also addressed the concept of “roasting.” 

Principal Jeff Rosof said that this topic is very important and encouraged teachers to continue the conversation in their classrooms.  

"At Saw Mill Road, we focus on building a strong and supportive community,” Mr. Rosof said. “This assembly focused on ways that we may undermine these efforts, often without intent.The impact of our words are huge and all Saw Mill Road citizens need to be aware of the power of our words and hopefully work towards using our words to uplift our school community.I appreciate the assembly bringing this awareness to our students.” 

Click here to view the Saw Mill Students Uncover the Power of Words slideshow.

Date Added: 11/6/2025

On a sunny but chilly morning that certainly felt like football weather, more than 30 students from the North Bellmore School District gathered to put their athletic skills to test. On Saw Mill Road Elementary School’s back field, the district held the final round of its annual Punt, Pass, Kick competition.

Preliminary rounds took place in physical education classes, with the fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys and girls winners from each school advancing to the championships. North Bellmore’s physical education teachers James Breslin, William Green, James Mulvey, Anthony Novello, Alyssa Parker and Michael Weiner coordinated the event.

With distance lines set up on the field, every participant got one turn throwing, punting and kicking off a tee. They were also allowed to try for a better score in one of the three challenges. After all of the scores were tabulated, grade level winners were announced and medals were handed out.

Punt, Pass, Kick is based on competition that was previously sponsored by the NFL and North Bellmore’s physical education department has kept it as an annual districtwide fitness activity.

Click here to view the All Fun and Football at Annual Skills Competition 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 11/4/2025

The North Bellmore School District will be conducting its annual central registration process for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-2027 school year. Eligible students must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026, in order to register for kindergarten. 

Registration for the upcoming school year will commence on Nov. 17, 2025, and will run through Feb. 6, 2026. Registration is by appointment only at the North Bellmore’s District Office located at 2616 Martin Ave. in Bellmore (westside of the Martin Avenue School). Parents and guardians may access the district’s registration packet online at www.northbellmoreschools.org. 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: 10/31/2025

Kindness was blossoming at Martin Avenue Elementary School, which joined in the nationwide celebration of Unity Day. The initiative, sponsored by the PACER National Bullying Prevention Center, focuses on the values of acceptance, inclusion and kindness. 

On Oct. 23, all students, faculty and staff gathered on the basketball court to form a human peace sign. That day, everyone was encouraged to wear orange as a visual showcase of their unity. 

Students added paper leaves with messages of kindness to a unity tree in the hallway near the main office. In the cafeteria hung signed unity pledges from each class. Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci visited every classroom to read “I Am Human,” a book about empathy. During the morning announcements, students highlighted various ways to show kindness. 

Fifth graders in Lauren Fasano’s class spoke about the meaning of the unity. Following the prompt “We are united when,” each student wrote a response on a sticky note, which was then added to a class compilation. They then worked on pieces for a class mural with phrases like “choose kindness,” “courage” and “peace.”  

Ms. Fasano noted that each student completing a different piece was symbolic of their uniqueness as humans.  

Dr. Yannucci said the mission of Unity Day is to set a tone to always follow. 

“Our goal every day,” he said, “is to treat people with kindness, be accepting of all and be inclusive of people in our community.” 

Click here to view the Peace, Love and Unity at Martin Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 10/30/2025

The world around them was their science lab, as kindergartners at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School recently took a nature walk and recorded their observations. Students in Jennifer McGovern’s class had a checklist of items for their nature hunt such as trees with colorful leaves, acorns, birds, insects and sticks.   

As Ms. McGovern and her young scientists walked around on the sunny afternoon, they used their eyes to observe the seasonal change to fall.  

Click here to view the Kindergartners Observe Fall in JGD Nature Walk slideshow.

Date Added: 10/28/2025