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 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.

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Date Added: 6/3/2024

It will be a couple of years before the soon-to-be graduates of the North Bellmore School District are circling the halls of Mepham High School, but on May 20, they got to circle the track. Students from all five elementary schools gathered on the sunny spring day for the annual sixth grade track meet.

The event, which was coordinated by the physical education teachers, featured a mix of short- and long-distance races. It ranged from 50 meters to 800 meters, which was two full laps around the track. After four-person relay races, the day concluded with field events such as discus, javelin, long jump and shot put.

Students wore their school Class of 2024 shirts. In just a few months, they will be unified under one roof at Grand Avenue Middle School, and the track meet was an opportunity to meet their future classmates.

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Date Added: 5/30/2024

Donning their red, white and blue and holding miniature flags, students filled out the front lawn of Martin Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District on May 23 for the inaugural Memorial Day ceremony. The event was filled with patriotic songs, as well as speeches that educated students on the true meaning of the holiday.

“Each individual is responsible for his or her choices and the impact they create,” Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci said. “People we know, family, friends, neighbors, each made choices to serve our country. And what an impact they had. It allowed us the freedom to sit here today, the freedom to go to the beach tomorrow, the freedom to grill on Monday. So, while we’re enjoying some leisurely activities, never forget about the choices some very brave people made and the incredible impact it has made.”

The ceremony began with the raising of the flag. It was then brought down to half-mast to honor all of those who sacrificed their lives to defend the United States. Chorus students then sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

The master of ceremonies was school librarian Yvonne Francolini, an Air Force veteran. She spoke about her experience visiting memorials all over the United States and around the world.

In front of the podium was a White Table, which is set up in many mess halls at military bases as a tribute to service members who are fallen, missing or held captive. Ms. Francolini described the symbolism of each item including the white table cloth, black napkin, single red rose and inverted glass.

Student reflections from Matthew Asher, Cassie Chen, Sarah Falls and Jackson Laino focused on the history and meaning of Memorial Day. Students learned that the holiday started as Decoration Day in 1868.

Kindergartners, led by music teacher Alexander Roff, sang “Grand Old Flag” and “This Land is Your Land.” All students and staff were asked to join in the schoolwide sing-along of “America” and “God Bless America.” The music presentation concluded with a recording of the military bugle call, Taps.

The inside of the school was decorated with American flag art. Each grade created its own large flag. Every student also contributed a square to a quilt outside of the cafeteria, featuring drawings of the American flag. Dr. Yannucci noted that it showcased the uniqueness of each student and their united belief in the core values of the United States.

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Date Added: 5/28/2024