Students are “Wild About Reading” year-round at Newbridge Road Elementary School, which made it the perfect theme for this year’s Pick a Reading Partner week from March 17-21.

The annual literacy program is designed to engage children and their families in shared reading experiences. PARP emphasizes the importance of reading as a tool for success and strives to fortify each child’s reading habits. The school partners with the PTA to provide meaningful and authentic opportunities for students to read with their families.

Principal Amanda Licci said that this year’s theme corresponds with the transformation of her office into Mrs. Licci’s Lair, where she hold read-alouds. While PARP is about encouraging children to read at home, there are many activities in school designed to get them excited about reading.

The Scholastic Book Fair featured opportunities for students to purchase new books, and the PTA provided each child with a $5 credit. On the evening of March 17, Ms. Licci hosted a virtual read aloud of “Edward the Emu” that all families could join. Over the next several days, masked readers read pages of the sequel, “Edwina the Emu,” during live Zoom sessions for the school.

March 18 featured an in-person PARP night. In addition to a night book fair, librarian Yvonne Francolini and students from the Junior Library Club set up books around the cafeteria for families to come in and read together.

Spirit Club and the junior librarians led safari tours around the school to find all of the words in the hallways, from signs to student work. The second annual “new to you” book swap on March 20 featured hundreds of books donated by students. Ms. Francolini and PTA volunteers sorted books by age group and category. Each class visited the auditorium and there were enough donations for each child to go home with three books.

“The most important piece of PARP is getting books in the hands of children,” Ms. Licci said.

At home, students were encouraged to do reading activities from a choice board. They could visit the North Bellmore Public Library, read to a pet or stuffed animal, read with a sibling or friend, or create their own reading lair, among other choices. The public library even planned a series of animal-themed experiences for Newbridge Road students. Ms. Licci said that if 150 students completed five or more activities, she would complete a principal’s challenge.

Date Added: 3/31/2025

At nearly 80 students, North Bellmore’s fifth grade orchestra rivals the size of a philharmonic orchestra. Playing at that level may be years away for the young musicians, but their dedication to their craft is comparable. 

Once per six-day cycle, the fifth grade orchestra gets together at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School for morning rehearsals. It consists of students from the district’s five elementary schools and features violin, viola, cello and bass players. Conducting the group is first-year orchestra teacher Patrice Ryan. 

Currently, the ensemble is working on three pieces for the spring concert, “Arco-ology,” “Entry of the Tumblers” and “Spy Rock.” They will showcase their talents at the district orchestra concert on May 12. 

Lisa Uckardes conducts the district’s sixth grade orchestra, which meets at Martin Avenue Elementary School on the same mornings as the fifth grade ensemble. In addition to their full-group rehearsals, students from both groups take part in small-group lessons with Ms. Ryan and Ms. Uckardes at their schools. 

Click here to view the Orchestra Students are Becoming String Savvy slideshow.

Date Added: 3/26/2025

Before it was time to get down to business, North Bellmore School District Board of Education trustees, administrators and the public were treated to a musical delight. The district’s sixth grade Festival Band opened the March 13 meeting at Martin Avenue Elementary School with a pair of songs.

The performance celebrated Music in Our Schools Month and the district’s commitment to music education. The Festival Band includes sixth graders from all five elementary schools and is directed by Skylar Berkley and Christopher D’Orio.

“This talented group of musicians represents the dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm that make our district so special,” said Saw Mill Road Elementary School Assistant Principal Daniel Madden, administrative liaison to the music program. “Through every note they play, these students showcase not only their musical growth but also their ability to collaborate and rise to new challenges – skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Their journey is a testament to the power of the arts in shaping confident, passionate learners who are ready to make their mark on the world.”

Under the direction of Mr. D’Orio, the band played “Royal Crown March.” Ms. Berkley then led the ensemble in “Alpha Squadron.”

Superintendent Marie Testa recognized all of the district’s music teachers and noted that the program supports the mission of developing well-rounded students. She added that the performance reflects the joy and value that music brings to people’s lives.

“North Bellmore has an exemplary music education program,” she said. “We want to celebrate our students and our teachers.”

Click here to view the Festival Band Delights Audience at BOE Meeting slideshow.

Date Added: 3/18/2025

To build their Spanish vocabulary, fifth and sixth graders at Newbridge Road Elementary School and throughout the North Bellmore School District participated in a competition.  

During their Spanish language courses, which are held once per six-day cycle, students had to answer questions about the weather, day of the week and date. The faster they answered, the more points they got. Students were also rewarded for their use of other Spanish vocabulary words.  

At the end of the February, Kristen Giris announced the class winners at each building. During her visit to Newbridge Road on Feb. 28, she gave the good news to Paige Becker’s fifth graders and presented them with a trophy. 

Ms. Giris said the competition helped student reinforce their knowledge of days of the weeks, months, numbers and weather terminology. Students will begin a new contest that will focus on other topics and vocabular words that will last until the end of the school year. North Bellmore’s Spanish program includes instruction for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

Date Added: 3/6/2025