“It’s like bringing the outside into our school,” Newbridge Road Elementary School Principal Amanda Licci said at the unveiling of the Newbridge Quad on June 2. The space was created in partnership with the PTA as an outdoor learning area for students, or a place to relax and get some fresh air.

The long and narrow courtyard is tucked between the original 1920s section of the North Bellmore’s oldest school and an expansion from the 1950s. Ms. Licci said it has been a goal of hers to make the space more useful, and the addition of six picnic tables now gives it purpose. Classes can go out there for lessons, to read or have snack time.

As its yearly legacy gift, the PTA purchased the tables. The name Newbridge Quad was chosen because the space is surrounded by four walls. Last year, improvements to the space started when art teacher Erica Farley and her Beautification Club students created a mural of Thunder the Tiger, the school mascot.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which including Ms. Licci, Superintendent Marie Testa, teachers, PTA leaders and a student from every class, the first activity took place. Fifth grader Brock Granshaw and sixth grader Alice Boylan read “Maybe” by Kobi Yamada, a story about the endless potential of every child. The message of the story symbolized the potential of the upgraded space.

“The possibilities are endless,” Ms. Licci said. “We got the tables in there and we’ll see where it takes us.”

PTA co-President Italia Granshaw said planning for this project began in the fall. Money is set aside every year for a legacy gift from the PTA’s fundraising efforts.

Ms. Licci said that every class will be invited to use Newbridge Quad at least once before the end of the school year. Over the course of a full school year, teachers will be tasked with finding innovative and creative ways to take advantage of the outdoors.

Click here to view the Shared Vision Sparks Creation of Newbridge Quad slideshow.

Date Added: 6/16/2025