From their first day of kindergarten, students in the North Bellmore School District are nurtured to become joyful lifelong learners. Please view the district’s spring newsletter and Kindergarten Experience video to learn more about all facets of the program:

Spring 2025 Newsletter:
Please click here to view the Spring 2025 Newsletter.

Kindergarten Experience Video:

Date Added: 5/14/2025

Second graders welcomed spring at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School by growing their own grass. Students in Ellen Tournour’s class each grew grass in a cup, then added eyes and a mouth to the outside to create their own grassheads.

After a weeks of growing, it was time for a “haircutting” party. Each student grabbed his or her scissors and gave the grass a trim. Some children even worked on stylish cuts for their grassheads.

The project was part of a science unit on the life cycles of plants. They put grass seed and dirt into a stocking, tied it up and placed it in a clear cup. Ensuring their seeds got regular sunlight and water, students observed the roots growing in the soil and then the grass sprouting through the stocking.

Ms. Tournour also connected the science project to literacy, as students gave their grassheads names and wrote fictional stories about them. After the cutting party, they were able to take their grassheads home.

Click here to view the Grassheads Engage JGD’s Young Scientists slideshow.

Date Added: 5/8/2025

The North Bellmore School District celebrates its fabulous educators for Teacher Appreciation Week. Students from our five elementary schools share the qualities that make their teachers special in this video:

Date Added: 5/6/2025

“The best is yet to come,” North Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa said of the eight educators who officially received tenure at the April 10 board of education meeting.

During a standing room-only celebration at Martin Avenue Elementary School, the newly tenured administrators and teachers were lauded for their hard work and dedication to students during their probationary periods. They reflect the strength, breadth and excellence of the district, Ms. Testa noted.

Receiving tenure were:

Amanda Licci, principal, Newbridge Road Elementary School

Daniel Madden, assistant principal, Saw Mill Road Elementary School

Danielle Calapai, instructional coach

Alexa Cappuzzo, second grade teacher, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School

Yvonne Francolini, librarian

Kerri Maxwell, first grade teacher, Newbridge Road Elementary School

Alyssa Parker, physical education teacher

Catherine Schlaich, computer science teacher

The night was filled with speeches celebrating each tenure recipient from proud colleagues. They also had the honor of achieving this career milestone with their families in attendance.

“We know the amount of time and effort and care and love that goes into being a teacher or an administrator,” Ms. Testa said. “Tenure reflects our confidence in their ongoing impact and their role in helping all learners succeed.”

Date Added: 4/22/2025

While students were making baskets at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, they were simultaneously thinking about their cardio well-being and the heart health of others. A basketball unit coincided with the annual Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser, which generated $771 for the American Heart Association.  

Physical education teacher Jim Mulvey has hosted the fundraiser for more than a decade in the district, including the past seven years at Dinkelmeyer. Students made donations to the cause while also working on their basketball skills. During physical education classes, they practiced dribbling, passing and shooting skills, and played competitive games including Around the World, Challenger Champ and three-on-three. 
 
“The students gave great effort this year,” Mr. Mulvey said, “and they’re helping the global community which reflects our district mission statement.” 

Date Added: 4/15/2025