After a year as interim principal of Newbridge Road Elementary School, Amanda Licci will be its leader going forward, following her permanent appointment by the Board of Education.

Effective July 1, “interim” was removed from her title. Ms. Licci has been with North Bellmore since 1998, teaching kindergarten, first, second and third grades, and also serving as a districtwide instructional coach. She became interim principal of Newbridge Road in August 2021 when Denise Fisher was named the district’s personnel director.

Superintendent Marie Testa noted that during Ms. Licci’s year as interim principal, she demonstrated key leadership skills and qualities that support the academic growth of students as well as their social and emotional wellness.

“Ms. Licci is an outstanding instructional leader whose depth of curricular knowledge has fostered academically rich partnerships with our talented teachers and staff leading to increased positive outcomes for students,” Ms. Testa said. “Her commitment to the Newbridge community is visible in her positive relationships with staff, students and families. I am confident that Mrs. Licci will continue the legacy of excellence that is synonymous with Newbridge Road School.”

Date Added: 7/7/2022

With great fanfare and plenty of words of encouragement, 311 sixth graders from the North Bellmore School District closed out the first part of their educational journeys during graduation ceremonies on June 22.

The five elementary schools hosted their programs throughout the evening in various Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District buildings, the system that the graduates will be moving to for their secondary years. The ceremonies included musical performances, reflections from student speakers and, most importantly, the presentation of diplomas in blue North Bellmore folders.

Martin Avenue Elementary School Principal Jim O’Brien beamed with pride over his first graduating class. The former teacher and assistant principal at Saw Mill Road Elementary School said this year’s class met every challenge with grace and determination, and he encouraged them to embrace future challenges with confidence.

“Remember your Martin Avenue crew as you make new friends in your new school,” he told them, noting that they will soon head to middle school with students from multiple elementary buildings.

It was also the first graduation for principals Amanda Licci at Newbridge Road Elementary School and Michael DeBlasio at Park Avenue Elementary School.

In writing her speech, Ms. Licci said she thought about what she wanted to know when she went from elementary to middle school. She encouraged her graduates to embrace their unique qualities.

“Don’t worry about what others think of you,” she said. “Be the ‘you’ that you want to be. Be the ‘you’ that you are proud to be. Make yourself proud each and every day.”

Mr. DeBlasio said he was amazed how the sixth graders not only came to school with smiles every day, but smiles that said to the world, “You can throw anything at me, and I will always keep moving forward.”

Saw Mill Principal Jeff Rosof told students to use their strong foundation from elementary school, as well as support from their families, to continue to grow intellectually and socially while creating their own futures.

Danica Brugge recalls becoming principal of John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School when this year’s graduates were in third grade. She remembers their energy, warmth, love, acceptance and “some of the biggest 8-year-old personalities that I had ever seen.” Their perseverance and determination got them through challenging years in fourth and fifth grade because of the pandemic, she noted, and those traits will serve them well in middle school and beyond.

Musical selections included “Best Day of My Life” at the Martin Avenue and Newbridge Road graduations, “What a Wonderful World” by Dinkelmeyer sixth graders and the Park Avenue school songs. Several schools featured photo slideshows full of sixth grade memories.

Students also reflected on their elementary years. Martin Avenue graduate Colleen Flanagan recounted hatching quail eggs in kindergarten, writing biographies on famous people in second grade and a trip to Safety Town in third grade. Olivia Lettieri, a Dinkelmeyer student, pointed to those everyday memories like snack time and recess where they had opportunities to bond and form friendships.

“Although we are sad to leave,” Olivia said, “I know we are really excited to see what the future holds for all of us and what new memories we can make with each other and with new friends.”

Date Added: 6/24/2022

With a collective 266 years of service to the North Bellmore School District, 13 retiring teachers and staff members were honored at the Board of Education meeting on June 9 and thanked for their commitment to the community’s children and families.

Superintendent Marie Testa said they are “part of the fabric of North Bellmore” and probably had a greater impact on students than they ever realized.

“When you work in a school and you do it well, it’s as much about your intellect as it is about your heart,” Ms. Testa said, before she introduced the retirees, who included teachers, specialists, office staff and cooks from all five elementary schools as well as the district office.

The retirees were celebrated by a large crowd that included their colleagues and family members, as well as North Bellmore students and parents. Administrators spoke about each retiring staff member and presented them with gifts.

This year’s retirees are:
Tom Steinmuller, physical education teacher at Saw Mill Road School, 31 years.
Lois Peck Elhilow, speech teacher at John G. Dinkelmeyer School, 28 years.
Laura Russo, fourth grade teacher at John G. Dinkelmeyer School, 27 years.
Linda Mann, reading teacher at Saw Mill Road School, 25 years.
Chris Kropp, secretary at Newbridge Road School, 23 years.
Roseann Moskowitz, secretary at Martin Avenue School, 22 years.
Kathleen Fiocco, cook at Newbridge Road School, 20 years.
Marjorie Hoffman, cook at Park Avenue School, 19 years.
Robin Obey, first grade teacher at Park Avenue School, 19 years.
Kathleen Rut, reading teacher at Saw Mill Road School, 17 years.
Susan Quinn, nurse at Martin Avenue School, 15 years.
Mary Meyers, prevention specialist, 13 years.
Vicki Scalici, secretary in the curriculum office, 7 years.

Date Added: 6/22/2022