The 38 students who gathered on the back field of Saw Mill Road Elementary School on Oct. 22 had one thing in common – some pretty good football skills. The North Bellmore School District held the final round of its Punt, Pass, Kick competition, an annual event hosted by the physical education department.  

With sunny skies and temperatures that felt more appropriate for NFL training camp than middle of the season, the young athletes were thrilled to be outdoors and bonding with fellow football lovers. Two long rulers were set up on the turf field to measure, in feet, the distance each football traveled.  

Students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades competed in preliminary rounds at their schools, with the boys and girls winners from each grade earning a spot in the district championship. The young athletes then had their final chance in the three skills events – dropping and punting the football, throwing it down the field and kicking it off a tee. Each student was then able to redo one of those events to try and earn a higher score. 

At the end, the districtwide boys and girls winners were crowned in each grade level. Gabriel Guerriero and Vivienne Ferrie were tops in fourth grade, Brody Hislop and Maya Aruti were the fifth grade winners and Chase Almona and Vittoria DeMarco paced the sixth graders. They received trophies while runners up were awarded medals.  

The event was coordinated by physical education teachers James Breslin, Bill Green, Jim Mulvey, Anthony Novello, Alyssa Parker and Michael Wiener, as well as retired P.E. teacher Tom Steinmuller.  

Click here to view the Football Fanatics Compete in Punt, Pass, Kick Finals slideshow.

Date Added: 10/24/2024

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