Becoming a great teacher or administrator is not achieved alone, North Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa noted at the annual tenure celebration on April 11. It requires a great support system of family and colleagues.

Seven great educators earned the professional milestone after completing their probationary periods, and were recognized before a large audience of administrators, teachers, students, family members and friends. The tenure recipients included five teachers – Melissa Halaris, Maritza Lopez, Daniela McGee, Kim Rackley and Alexander Roff – and central office administrators Denise Fisher and Leyna Malone.

Ms. Fisher first joined the district as assistant principal at Saw Mill Road Elementary School, then became Newbridge Road Elementary School’s principal before moving into her current position as executive director of personnel. She oversees a human resources department that serves 660 employees. Ms. Testa described her as brave and kind, someone who strongly believes in the district’s mission and core values, and a person who quietly lifts up everyone around her.

When Ms. Fisher went to Newbridge, Ms. Malone was hired as assistant principal of Saw Mill Road. She then became principal of Martin Avenue, and then the executive director for pupil personnel services and special education. It’s one of the most challenging jobs in the district, Ms. Testa explained, and requires a strong knowledge of legal requirements. The superintendent said that Ms. Malone’s kindness and strong advocacy for both students and teachers is what has led to her success.

North Bellmore Teachers Association President Joann Signorelli congratulated the five teachers who received tenure. There were also remarks from their building principals and colleagues.

Mr. Roff teaches general music at Martin Avenue and Newbridge Road, with Ms. Lopez spreading her love for music at Saw Mill Road. John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School boasts Ms. Rackley in fourth grade and Ms. Halaris in fifth grade, while Ms. McGee is a speech therapist at Newbridge Road.

North Bellmore Board of Education President Christine Malloy added that the tenure celebration is her favorite meeting of the year because they get to recognize the district’s amazing teachers and administrators.

Date Added: 4/17/2024

North Bellmore’s annual sixth grade track meet is coming up on May 20 and students at Martin Avenue Elementary School have been taking advantage of nice weather to practice for the different events.

During physical education classes with teacher Michael Weiner, sixth graders are preparing for the different short- and long-distance events out on the fields.

The track meet is an annual tradition for students in their final year in North Bellmore, bringing sixth graders together from the five elementary schools. The event is held at the Mepham High School track.

Date Added: 4/15/2024

Students at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School supported healthy hearts for themselves and others by participating in the Kids Hearts Challenge. The school raised $565 for the American Heart Association.

Physical education teacher Jim Mulvey spearheaded the initiative. During their P.E. classes, students took part in various basketball competitions including Around the World, Challenger Champ and one-on-one contests. They asked family and friends to make donations for the American Heart Association.

“They did a great job,” Mr. Mulvey said. “We’re trying to build health and wellness for life.”

Date Added: 4/12/2024