The summer edition of the North Bellmore Beacon newsletter celebrates the Class of 2024, with a spotlight on graduation ceremonies at the five elementary schools, as well as reflections from the district’s recent graduates:

Click here to view the newsletter.

Sixth graders from this year’s graduating class also shared their fondest elementary school memories in our latest video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B52CbwzDjWY

Date Added: 7/18/2024

The North Bellmore School District welcomes Dr. Lynn Coyle as the new principal of Park Avenue Elementary School. She brings 25 years of experience as an elementary teacher and administrator.

Most recently, Dr. Coyle was the associate principal of John Quincy Adams Primary School in Deer Park, which serves students in pre-K through second grade. After beginning her career in New York City, she was an elementary teacher for 19 years at Sherwood Elementary School in Islip. In 22 years in the classroom, she taught every grade from first through fifth.

A staunch believer in student voice and choice, Dr. Coyle created a leadership club during her time as a teacher in Islip, then launched a second grade student council in Deer Park, a club that focused on community service. She is also an advocate for social and emotional learning, noting that children need to be well supported so they can thrive and succeed academically.

As the school’s academic leader, Dr. Coyle wants to hit the ground running as she is already familiar with many of the programs that North Bellmore uses, particularly for literacy.

Dr. Coyle holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, a master’s degree in special education from LIU Post and a doctorate in administration and leadership from St. John’s University. She now inspires the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at LIU Post in the graduate education program.

In joining the leadership team in North Bellmore, Dr. Coyle said she has received a warm welcome and is looking forward to meeting her students in September. One of her top priorities will be developing strong connections with children and their families, and her teachers and staff.

“Relationships are the foundation for everything, and North Bellmore embraces that,” she said. “I’m eager to bring my experience, dedication and vision to this position, and create a nurturing and challenging school environment. I want to make a positive, lasting impact on the Park Avenue School community.”

Date Added: 7/11/2024

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 sun was shining and the energy was high for field day at Park Avenue Elementary School on June 7. Donning their blue and white T-shirts, students competed in various activities on the back field during a day that was filled with school pride.

Students in grades K-2 spent the morning outside, while grades 3-5 took the afternoon session. Activities were coordinated by physical education teacher Bill Green and based on sports and games they have played throughout the year. Chicken cacciatore was a relay-race in which students from two teams passed off a rubber chicken to each other, ran around a circle and tried to tag the opponent. In guard the castle, students had to try to sink a basketball into a heavily-protected bucket.

There were also traditional activities like the tug-of-war, and a sponge relay race that proved to be a great way to cool down.

Sixth graders, enjoying their final elementary field day, had a full-day experience. Each class spent a half-day playing the games and the other half leading the stations for their younger peers. The latter is a tradition that allows them to take on a leadership role as the oldest students in the school.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/14/2024

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.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/3/2024