Leadership opportunities are aplenty for sixth graders at Newbridge Road Elementary School. Principal Amanda Licci met with the entire sixth grade class on Sept. 26 to discuss ways they can make a difference as the student leaders of the school.

Among the activities available to them are Beautification Club, Junior Librarian, Students Against Destructive Decisions, student council and intramural sports. Ms. Licci also introduced them to three clubs that she advises, which offer a greater leadership role.

Spirit Club members have an active role in the school’s monthly spirit assemblies. Students in the Smile Club spend time with younger peers during recess, playing games, reading together and getting to know one another.

A new opportunity this year is the Café Club. Sixth graders will be able to take on a leadership role to keep lunchtime orderly, using the microphone to make announcements such as when it's time to buy snack or line up for recess. Because sixth graders have lunch together with fourth graders, this will allow them to set an example for the school’s up-and-coming leaders. The inaugural members of the Café Club will also be asked to contribute their ideas on other ways to take on leadership roles during lunch.

Ms. Licci provided sixth graders with applications for the three clubs, with space to explain why they should be chosen. She noted that students must demonstrate the core tenets of the “Newbridge has HEART” motto – honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect and teamwork.

Ms. Licci said that these various clubs prepare students for the greater leadership roles they can take on in middle school and beyond, while also developing lifelong skills.

“Our goal is for students to take ownership of their learning environment,” she said. “In our mission to grow the whole child, we want to provide them with opportunities to direct their energy in a positive way and make an impact on the school community and other students.”

Date Added: 10/1/2024

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