Students were feeling just ducky at the marquee field day event on May 29 at Martin Avenue Elementary School. The Adventure Bound game show featured trivia questions and physical challenges that engaged youngsters in friendly competition.

The prizes for the winners were rubber duckies. There were two assemblies – kindergarten through second grade, and third through sixth grade. The program was hosted by the PTA.

Four students per grade came up to answer trivia questions and earn points for their team. The grade-level questions ranged from general knowledge to the various academic subjects. Physical contests included a hula-hoop challenge, cup-in-ball contest, Simon Says game and more.

Click here to view the A Battle of Minds and Moxie at Martin Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 6/9/2025

Third graders recently had some tiny, spotted guests in their classrooms at Park Avenue Elementary School, but soon the creatures returned to their rightful home – nature. 

As part of a science unit on animal life cycles, third graders had lady bug habitats in their rooms. They watched the insects go through all stages of development from eggs to larvae to pupa to adults. Students ensured the lady bugs had adequate food and water along the way. Throughout the lesson, they studied the myths and facts of lady bugs, such as the meaning of its spots. 

Teachers Jennifer Howe and Kim Mathison escorted their students to the Park Avenue Community Garden on a sunny afternoon to release the lady bugs into nature. Children were excited but also a little sad to say goodbye.  

Click here to view the Lady Bugs Liven Up Science at Park Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 6/9/2025

Singing, dancing and lively costumes delighted the family members of first graders at Saw Mill Road Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District, as they came out for the production of “A Barnyard Moosical” on May 29.

The 30-minute show was about five months in making. Students began learning the songs in their music classes back in January, along with a few full rehearsals in the days leading up to the performance. Students from the five first grade classes dressed up as cows, goats, horses and pigs. The entire ensemble sang every song, while each class had once dance number.

The show was directed by music teacher Maritza Lopez with support from first grade teachers Angela Byrnes, Melissa DiPalma, Josephine Leach, Pamela Miceli and Christopher Randazzo. “A Barnyard Moosical” had a successful debut last year and the teachers decided to make it an annual tradition.

Ms. Lopez said the students developed many skills from this experience. They gained confidence and learned the importance of teamwork. By performing on stage at a young age, they will be better prepared for concert performances as they get into the upper elementary grades, she added.

Click here to view the A ‘Moo-ving’ Musical at Saw Mill slideshow.

Date Added: 6/4/2025

The living wax museum is the can’t-miss event of the year for fifth graders and their parents at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School. Now in its fourth year as the culmination of a biography research project, students highly anticipate the day to dress up as their famous figures.

On May 27, family members toured the cafeteria and gymnasium to learn about famous people from the past and present. The 80 fifth graders dressed up as artists, athletes, entertainers, scientists and others who have made a positive impact on society. They stood still until guest came by to hear their prepared speeches.

Each student created a tri-fold presentation board on his or her notable person, with biographical information, achievements and fun facts. They did their research using books from the school and public library, as well as online resources. There was also a digital component as students used ChatterPix to create animated talking pictures of their subjects.

Fifth grade teacher Melissa Halaris was thrilled that students chose a variety of famous people to research, including several lesser-known individuals who made important contributions. 

“They picked people from all different walks of life, who all made a big difference in the world,” she said. 

Click here to view the Picture-Perfect Portrayals At JGD’s Wax Museum slideshow.

Date Added: 6/2/2025

It wasn’t a coincidence that hundreds of students in the North Bellmore School District were wearing sports jerseys on May 28. It was the product of the annual Democracy in Action initiative in partnership with the PTA Coordinating Council.

When parents came to vote in the school budget and board of education trustee election on May 20 at Newbridge Road School, their children could also vote for a spirit day. Computers were set up at a student voting station with the four choices – decades day, Disney/superhero day, future career day and sports jersey day.

There were 700 votes cast in the student vote. The results were tallied and jersey day emerged as the winner, garnering a plurality of 37.5%. The theme and date were then announced at each school. Many children wore shirts for their favorite professional teams, while others wore their own youth league jerseys. Lots of teachers and staff members joined in on the fun as well. 

Click here to view the Students Have Their Say: Sports Jerseys slideshow.

Date Added: 5/30/2025