The big red fire truck in front of John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School on Oct. 15 was just for show that morning, with hooks and hoses coming off only to give students a look at the tools commonly used by firefighters.  

It was one of several Fire Prevention Month presentations in October throughout the district. The valuable partnership between the district and local fire departments aims to educate children about multiple facets of fire safety.    

Each class from grades K-3 visited the North Bellmore Fire Department’s safety trailer, which resembles a house on the inside. In the first room, set up as a kitchen, children listened intently as volunteers gave fire prevention tips. Then, they moved to the bedroom, which filled up with fake smoke as an alarm sounded. One by one, students had to practice escaping through secondary means and were helped out of a window by local firefighters.  

A North Bellmore fire engine was parked nearby. Volunteers showed students the equipment they use at emergency scenes and even let youngsters hold the nozzle of a hose. After sitting in the same cab where firefighters sit, they were given a goodie bag which included a coloring book, squishy firefighter and plastic red helmet.

Click here to view the Firefighters Share Safety Tips at Dinkelmeyer slideshow.

Date Added: 10/18/2024

 

Sixth graders are experimenting with artificial intelligence while building their vocabulary at Martin Avenue Elementary School. 

Students in Stephanie Speciale’s class are using Twin Pics, a website that provides an image that has to be recreated using AI. The goal is to match the image by writing a description of up to 100 characters. The website then uses their words to create a new image with AI. The closer they are to the original image, the higher the score.  

Ms. Speciale said that this activity appeals to students on many levels, including the use of technology and the competition aspect. It also supports their literacy unit on the parts of speech, as students use adjectives, adverbs and nouns to come up with the best descriptions and achieve a high score.

Date Added: 10/15/2024

Every fifth grader in Ryan Catalano’s class at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School has a unique personality, and they were proud to showcase what makes them special. 

Students read “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig, a story about friendship, inclusion and kindness. They talked about the differences between physical characteristics – what is seen on the outside – and their invisible characteristics within.  
 
In creating their own “Invisible Me,” projects, Mr. Catalano’s fifth graders shared their own interests and passions. It was a way for students to get to know their classmates better and build a strong classroom community.   

Date Added: 10/9/2024

Fifth and sixth graders at Park Avenue Elementary School recently lined the front garden with kindness rocks in a project inspired by the book, “Scribble Stones” by Diane Alber. The heartwarming story is about a little stone who, while on a mission to become something greater, spreads kindness and joy.

The project was designed to inspire creativity, spark personal connections among students, and promote a sense of community. Fifth and sixth graders turned their “dull grey stones” into beautiful creations with colorful images and uplifting messages.

Students went outside and placed the rocks in front of the 9/11 memorial garden and peace pole. Each child found a special spot to display his or her rock for all of the Park Avenue community to see.

Teachers noted that “Scribble Stones” is a wonderful way to educate students that, no matter anyone’s age, it is important to set goals and focus on personal growth. Students were reminded that a new school year is a blank canvas, just like their rocks were. The activity allowed them to think of a goal or a passion and share it with others through imaginative images and messages

Click here to view the Kindness Rocks Inspire Students at Park Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 10/7/2024

Leadership opportunities are aplenty for sixth graders at Newbridge Road Elementary School. Principal Amanda Licci met with the entire sixth grade class on Sept. 26 to discuss ways they can make a difference as the student leaders of the school.

Among the activities available to them are Beautification Club, Junior Librarian, Students Against Destructive Decisions, student council and intramural sports. Ms. Licci also introduced them to three clubs that she advises, which offer a greater leadership role.

Spirit Club members have an active role in the school’s monthly spirit assemblies. Students in the Smile Club spend time with younger peers during recess, playing games, reading together and getting to know one another.

A new opportunity this year is the Café Club. Sixth graders will be able to take on a leadership role to keep lunchtime orderly, using the microphone to make announcements such as when it's time to buy snack or line up for recess. Because sixth graders have lunch together with fourth graders, this will allow them to set an example for the school’s up-and-coming leaders. The inaugural members of the Café Club will also be asked to contribute their ideas on other ways to take on leadership roles during lunch.

Ms. Licci provided sixth graders with applications for the three clubs, with space to explain why they should be chosen. She noted that students must demonstrate the core tenets of the “Newbridge has HEART” motto – honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect and teamwork.

Ms. Licci said that these various clubs prepare students for the greater leadership roles they can take on in middle school and beyond, while also developing lifelong skills.

“Our goal is for students to take ownership of their learning environment,” she said. “In our mission to grow the whole child, we want to provide them with opportunities to direct their energy in a positive way and make an impact on the school community and other students.”

Date Added: 10/1/2024