Through colorful and creative fall projects, young artists are expanding their talents at Park Avenue Elementary School.

Sixth graders drew oil pastel fall landscapes under the direction of art teacher Jillian Bock. She explained that the purpose of the project was for students to learn how to create the illusion of depth and space in their artwork. The only requirement was that the landscapes needed to include pumpkins, while the rest of the setting was up to their imaginations. For the pumpkins, students practiced light and shadow techniques to make them appear round.

“The pieces are awesome and I’m very proud of the work they’re doing,” she said. “It’s great to watch them channel their own creativity and individuality.”

The work began with pencil sketches before they began coloring with oil pastels. Finally, they went over their pieces gently with a wet paintbrush, as the water gave it a smooth appearance.

Fifth graders worked with multiple mediums, using colored pencils and oil pastels for their fall projects that had to feature a tree missing its leaves. Students learned the Y-tree technique, using the letter repeatedly to create the trunk and branches.

When it was time to add color, they had to decide a time of day their artwork would reflect, such as morning, sunset or night, and choose the appropriate hues. They also explored perspective and worked with color blending.

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Date Added: 11/27/2023

Footballs soared through the air behind Saw Mill Road Elementary School on Nov. 8 as the North Bellmore School District held the championship round of its annual Punt, Pass, Kick competition. Grade-level winners from the five elementary schools gathered at the turf field to complete for the districtwide title.

Following a football skills unit, students in grades 3-6 took part in the preliminary rounds during their physical education classes. The top boy and girl from each grade level from the five schools were invited to the finals.

Long tape measures lined the field to determine the distance the ball traveled in each event. First, students tested their throwing abilities in the pass competition. Next was the punt, in which they dropped and kicked the ball. Finally, they kicked off of a tee. Each competitor was allowed to redo one event to try for a better score.

Park Avenue Elementary School Principal Michael DeBlasio, who oversees the district’s physical education department, noted that the sunny but chilly day was “perfect football weather.” He said it was a great opportunity for students to compete in a fun and friendly environment while also getting to meet their peers from other schools.

Running the events were physical education teacher James Breslin, Tim Byrne, Bill Green, Jim Mulvey, Alyssa Parker and Michael Weiner. When all of the events were complete, they tallied up the scores and announced the winners.

The districtwide champions are:

Third grade girl: Nina Hendershot, Saw Mill Road Elementary School
Third grade boy:Egan Malloy, Saw Mill Road Elementary School
Fourth grade girl: Xcenia Benden, Park AvenueElementary School
Fourth grade boy: Brody Hislop, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School
Fifth grade girl: Lea Pagnotta, Saw Mill Road Elementary School
Fifth grade boy:Chase Almona, Martin Avenue Elementary School
Sixth grade girl:Hailey Smith, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School
Sixth grade boy:Caleb Shogan, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School

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Date Added: 11/20/2023

From eating well to saying “no” to drugs, students at Park Avenue Elementary School to healthy choices during Red Ribbon Week. The national anti-drug campaign was observed from Oct. 23-27.

To begin the week, Park Avenue students wore red and went out to the community garden class by class to tie red ribbons to the fence. Students made promises to themselves to make good choices while creating a visual display of the school’s collective commitment to healthy minds and bodies.

This year’s theme for Red Ribbon Week was “Be Kind to Your Mind, Live Drug Free.” Park Avenue partnered with the PTA for spirit days throughout the week to unite students behind the message. Besides wearing red, students also donned sports jerseys, crazy socks and Park pride gear. They closed out the week by wearing pajamas as a reminder to follow their dreams.

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Date Added: 11/6/2023

The North Bellmore School District will be conducting its annual central registration process for incoming kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year. Eligible students must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024 in order to register for kindergarten.

Registration for the upcoming school year will commence on Nov. 13, 2023, and will run through Feb. 2, 2024. Registration is by appointment only at the North Bellmore’s District Office located at 2616 Martin Ave. in Bellmore (west side of the Martin Avenue School). Parents and guardians may access the district’s registration packet online 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: 10/31/2023

An annual Halloween tradition continued at Park Avenue Elementary School this year with the character pumpkin contest. Students were encouraged to create pumpkin designs that resembled character from books, including fairy talks, novels, nursery rhymes, picture books and tall tales.

Children could design their pumpkin independently or with the help of their family, and winners in each category will be unveiled on Oct. 31.

Date Added: 10/24/2023