North Bellmore School District

Prevention staff provides classroom lessons, presentations, activities, service clubs, and trainings that are directed toward increasing children’s protective factors.  In addition, we offer small skills practice and discussion groups to reinforce and model appropriate behavior.  Research suggests that young people who are provided opportunities for involvement in their school and community have enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, which results in a decreased likelihood that they will participate in problem behaviors.
 

The North Bellmore School District believes it is important to start prevention at an early age and to focus on pupil competence and responsibility.  We recognize that students need a safe and comfortable climate in which to learn, and we are committed to creating a caring community within our schools.

The North Bellmore Prevention Program is a comprehensive program that focuses on the prevention of violence, alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse by creating a positive culture in our school, home and community. We work to achieve our goal by teaching and reinforcing socially appropriate behaviors, and by empowering students to find creative, non-violent ways to settle conflicts. One of the violence prevention models we use at North Bellmore Schools is from the Peace Education Foundation. It is a research-based, classroom-tested curriculum. All students, faculty and other staff are trained in this model.  Peace Works provides a creative, non-destructive way to settle conflicts, and establishes a supportive environment in the school. The program encourages trust, builds confidence, cooperation and group interaction.
 

Kindergarten

• Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids
• Second Step
• Too Good For Violence

   
First Grade

• Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids
• Second Step
• Too Good For Drugs

   
Second Grade

• Too Good For Drugs
• Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids

 
Third Grade Too Good For Violence

• Peace Scholars: Learning Through Literature
• Second Step

   
Fourth Grade

• Friendship Matters/ Chat and Chew
• Mediation for Kids
• Peace Scholars: Learning Through Literature
• Second Step
• Steer Clear of Bullies

   
Fifth Grade Creative Conflict Solving

• HIV/AIDS Prevention Education
• Internet Safety
• Too Good For Drugs
• Mediation for Kids
• Second Step

   
Sixth Grade Creating Peace, Building Community

1. All Stars
2. HIV/AIDS Prevention Education
3. Mediation for Kids
4. Positive Student Leader
5. Project TNT: Toward No Tobacco Use
6. SADD Club ( Students Against Destructive Decisions)

   
Additional Programs Offered Upon Request:

• Caring Kids (K-1)
• Steps to Respect (3-6)
• Bully Prevention (K-6)
• Child Safety - Stranger Danger Video (K-3)
• World of Difference Program (K-6)
• Banana Spilts Program (K-6)
• Social Skills Practice Groups (K-6)

The Bellmore Merrick Community is coming together to form a Coalition to promote the healthy development of our youth.  The goal of the Coalition is to address the impact of alcohol and other drug use on the youth in our community.  

The Bellmore Merrick Community Coalition is based on the premise that in order to prevent a problem from happening, we need to identify the factors that increase the risk of that problem developing, and then find ways to reduce the risks.  In addition, we may need to increase or promote the presence of individual protective factors in our young people’s lives as well as protective factors gained by their positive interactions with family, school, peers and the community at large.  Protective factors serve to balance and buffer risk factors, and strengthen prevention efforts.

A successful coalition needs the commitment of dedicated community members like you.  Please join us in building a shared vision of our community as a safe, nurturing environment for all children. If you would like to get involved please contact the Prevention office at (516) 992-3036.