Before it was time to get down to business, North Bellmore School District Board of Education trustees, administrators and the public were treated to a musical delight. The district’s sixth grade Festival Band opened the March 13 meeting at Martin Avenue Elementary School with a pair of songs.

The performance celebrated Music in Our Schools Month and the district’s commitment to music education. The Festival Band includes sixth graders from all five elementary schools and is directed by Skylar Berkley and Christopher D’Orio.

“This talented group of musicians represents the dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm that make our district so special,” said Saw Mill Road Elementary School Assistant Principal Daniel Madden, administrative liaison to the music program. “Through every note they play, these students showcase not only their musical growth but also their ability to collaborate and rise to new challenges – skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Their journey is a testament to the power of the arts in shaping confident, passionate learners who are ready to make their mark on the world.”

Under the direction of Mr. D’Orio, the band played “Royal Crown March.” Ms. Berkley then led the ensemble in “Alpha Squadron.”

Superintendent Marie Testa recognized all of the district’s music teachers and noted that the program supports the mission of developing well-rounded students. She added that the performance reflects the joy and value that music brings to people’s lives.

“North Bellmore has an exemplary music education program,” she said. “We want to celebrate our students and our teachers.”

Click here to view the Festival Band Delights Audience at BOE Meeting slideshow.

Date Added: 3/18/2025

A Women’s History Month project had some St. Patrick’s Day inspiration at Martin Avenue Elementary School. Sixth graders in Lauren Fleigner’s class completed “Lucky to Learn From Her” research projects.

Each student selected a famous woman to research. They used the online site PebbleGo to gather their information. The notable figures they learned about included Abigail Adams, Maya Angelou, Ruby Bridges and Coretta Scott King. Sixth graders include information about their contributions to society.

Their research projects were printed out, along with pictures, and hung in a bulletin board in the hallway so all students could learn about these pioneering women.

Date Added: 3/14/2025

The smiles and laughter from both children and adults showed that it was mission accomplished for Global School Play Day at Martin Avenue Elementary School on Feb. 5. The North Bellmore School District embraced the annual initiative nearly a decade ago as a reminder that learning can be fun.

Each class at Martin Avenue blocked out time for unstructured play. In many rooms, students played with games and toys they brought from home.

Second grade teacher Mary Carrea said no electronics were allowed as she wanted her students to play the old-fashioned way. She noted the many benefits of playing board games like teaching compromise, fair play and sportsmanship.

Fifth graders in Ashley Vella’s class played bingo and charades before unstructured free play began. All of the desks were pushed to the edge of the room to create a wide-open space for play. Even the back table was transformed into a ping-pong table. In addition to board games, her students could be found drawing and playing with action figures.

“It’s always a fun day,” Ms. Vella said, adding that it’s a good chance for her students to tap into their creativity, bond over common interests and expand their friend groups.

First grade teacher Nicole Huttner had her students rotate through stations with different games that students brought in from home. Rachel Graber’s sixth graders hosted their buddies from Antonietta Fischetti’s second grade class. While the older students usually serve as the leaders, this time it was flipped as it was the second graders who brought in their games and taught others the rules.

“Unstructured play provides students the opportunity to develop their communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci said. “It supports the ongoing efforts of our teachers to build caring and compassionate classrooms.”

Click here to view the Learning Through Play at Martin Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 2/11/2025

It’s award season for school librarians, who every January look forward to the announcement of the Randolph Caldecott Medal winner for the best illustrated children’s book. North Bellmore librarian Yvonne Francolini turned it into a learning experience for her students at Martin Avenue, Newbridge Road and Park Avenue elementary schools. 

Leading up to the Jan. 27 announcement, her students reviewed 12 books that had “buzz” around them as possible Caldecott Medal recipients. They were asked to make predictions on if they felt each book could be a winner. The medal is part of the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards.  

This year’s gold medal winner was, “Chooch Helped” authored by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. Although it did not make the list of the 12 books that students reviewed, a pair of Caldecott Honor Books were there – “Noodles on a Bicycle” and “Home in a Lunchbox.”   

Some of the books that the students reviewed were strictly picture books, while others included both words and illustrations. Before making their judgments, students reviewed the Caldecott Medal criteria and also looked at past winners.  

“I love seeing the students get so excited about books,” Ms. Francolini said. “This lesson exposes them to some of the best picture books. There’s a real-world connection when they get to see the actual Caldecott Medal winners and compare it to their picks.” 

Click here to view the Readers Explore Best Children’s Books slideshow.

Date Added: 2/6/2025