For Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, students at Park Avenue Elementary School learned about the important contributions of many Hispanic-Americans. 

Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle spoke about a notable person each day during the morning announcements, some familiar and others lesser known. On the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, librarian Yvonne Francolini read students “Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal. The story was about a girl who thought her name was too long, until her dad tells her about all the people she is named for as well as the uniqueness of her own name.   

Ms. Francolini then led students in discussions about the stories of their name. Third grader Madison Carabia shared that when she was 6 years old, her mom explained that her first name means “princess” in Chinese. As a culminating, hands-on activity, students then made their names out of Legos.  

“They’re hearing all these names,” Ms. Francolini said about the Hispanic-American being celebrated during the daily announcements, “so let’s get them thinking about their own names to culminate the month.” 

Click here to view the Celebrating Culture and Names at Park Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 10/17/2025

A cup-stacking challenge in Alexis DiCapua’s class at Park Avenue Elementary School helped fourth graders start the year off with a teamwork mentality. Students have been learning about being active members of the classroom community, and how they can work together to solve problems through collaboration. 

The class read “Someone Builds Dreams” by Lisa Wheeler, a book that emphasizes the importance of teamwork and how every individual contribute to the process. Students learned that it takes more than once person to create a vision and bring it to life, and have been applying this principle in the classroom. 

Fourth graders participated in a STEM activity in which each group received an assortment of plastic cups, a rubber band and a piece of string. The goal was to stack the cups but students couldn’t use their hands. They had to strategize, communicate and problem-solve to build their towers. They wouldn’t be successful without each team member playing an important role in the activity.  

“The lesson was all about building trust and communication skills,” Ms. DiCapua said, “proving that with a little creativity and a lot of collaboration, anything is possible.” 

Click here to view the Fourth Graders Build Relationships and Towers slideshow.

Date Added: 10/2/2025

Fourth graders at Park Avenue Elementary School are up for any challenges that come their way, thanks to inspiration from Bryson the Brave Bison. Students in Lauren Manginelli’s class learned how bison run into the storm, instead of away from it, and are using that lesson for their own personal growth.  

Ms. Manginelli read students the book, “Bryson the Brave Bison” by Nate Davenport and Luke Freshwater, about a bison who shows his herd how to face a storm and overcome a challenge through bravery and self-confidence. She even brought a stuffed bison into the classroom to help students connect to the character.  

Children often face tasks that are hard, Ms. Manginelli said, and the goal is to inspire them to “run into the storm.” They recently completed worksheets identifying challenges they want to overcome and creating an action plan to do so. Some of their goals include getting better at writing or math, playing an instrument and building better relationships with classmates or siblings.  

Throughout the year, students will write down the challenges they face and post it to an interactive bulletin board. By the end of the year, they will see all of the challenges they have conquered.  

Click here to view the Fourth Grade Herd Takes on Challenges at Park Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 9/25/2025

Students and staff throughout the North Bellmore School District marked Patriot Day on Sept. 11 by wearing red, white and blue to school. Through their attire, they honored the victims of the terrorist attacks 24 years ago, recognized the heroic actions of first responders and celebrated a spirit of unity. 

At Park Avenue Elementary School, students placed miniature American flags along the front walk. Throughout the day, each class took a turn going outside and by the end of school, more than 300 flags were waving in the breeze. The simple but meaningful act helped students embrace the spirit of the national day of service and remembrance. 

Click here to view the A Pause for Patriotism at Park Avenue School slideshow.

Date Added: 9/15/2025