The fire truck in front of John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School on Oct. 3 wasn’t responding to an emergency, but was part of a lesson for children to learn what to do in case of an emergency. Throughout October, local fire departments are visiting North Bellmore’s five elementary schools for Fire Prevention Month programs. 

Dinkelmeyer students got to go through the North Bellmore Fire Department’s smokehouse, a trailer that mimics a home. Sitting in a mock kitchen, youngsters learned about basic home fire safety such as the importance of working smoke detectors and having an escape plan. Next, they moved into the bedroom, which filled with fake smoke. As a smoke detector sounded, children crawled to the window, called for help and climbed down a ladder with help from a firefighter. 

After going through the fire safety trailer, children then ventured over to the fire truck. Firefighters put on their full gear so students could understand that there is a person behind the helmet, jacket and mask who is there to help. They also showed some of the equipment on a typical fire engine. 

The purpose of the Fire Prevention Month program is to equip students with the knowledge they need to stay safe in their homes, and have conversations with their parents to make sure they are fully prepared for an emergency.  

The North Bellmore firefighters leading the safety lesson included ex-Chief Tim Green, fire inspector Sal Ancona, Captain Michael Schroeck and firefighter Aidan Masten. They provided each student with a goodie back that included a coloring book, crayons and squishy firefighter, as well as a red plastic helmet.  

Click here to view the Schools, Firefighters Partner Up for Safety slideshow.

Date Added: 10/14/2025

Young scientists explored the principles of flight while also getting a taste of the scientific method in Kim Rackley’s class at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School. During the STEM activity, fourth graders created and tested paper helicopters known as whirly birds.  

The goal was to get their propellers to spin more and come down as slowly as possible. Students changed the size, shape and material, but only altered one variable at a time so they could see the effect of each change. After testing each whirly bird, students would then drop two different ones side by side to see the differences in how they descended.  

Ms. Rackley explained that students are learning about the scientific method, so they have been conducting different experiments to better understand the process used by real scientists. The whirly birds project was a fun way to follow the steps of the scientific method while also learning about concepts such as air resistance, gravity and lift.

Click here to view the A Spinning Science Lesson at JGD slideshow.

Date Added: 10/8/2025

The smiles were from ear to ear as students arrived for the first day of school at North Bellmore’s five elementary schools on Sept. 2. Although it marked the unofficial end of summer, it served as new beginning for approximately 2,100 youngsters in grades K-6. 

Kindergartners, who began a journey that will lead them to high school graduation in 2038, were warmly greeted by their teachers who strive to make the transition as smooth as possible. For the returning first through sixth graders, the morning marked an exciting next step. They were thrilled to meet their teachers, see who their classmates would be and get a sneak peak of the exciting learning adventures they will take over the next 10 months.  

Click here to view the A Joyful School Year Begins in North Bellmore slideshow.

Date Added: 9/2/2025