Students at Martin Avenue Elementary School recently enjoyed the circus arts unit in physical education classes. It is an annual tradition for students in grades K-6, led by teacher Michael Weiner. 

In the gym, students were spinning plates, balancing feathers and catching balls in nets. They learned how to use juggling sticks known as Lunastix, and launched large you-yos into the air to try and catch them on a string. Some students, and even Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci, tried out stilt walking.  

 
Click here to view the The Circus Runs Away to Martin Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 5/12/2025

The North Bellmore School District celebrates its fabulous educators for Teacher Appreciation Week. Students from our five elementary schools share the qualities that make their teachers special in this video:

Date Added: 5/6/2025

“The best is yet to come,” North Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa said of the eight educators who officially received tenure at the April 10 board of education meeting.

During a standing room-only celebration at Martin Avenue Elementary School, the newly tenured administrators and teachers were lauded for their hard work and dedication to students during their probationary periods. They reflect the strength, breadth and excellence of the district, Ms. Testa noted.

Receiving tenure were:

Amanda Licci, principal, Newbridge Road Elementary School

Daniel Madden, assistant principal, Saw Mill Road Elementary School

Danielle Calapai, instructional coach

Alexa Cappuzzo, second grade teacher, John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School

Yvonne Francolini, librarian

Kerri Maxwell, first grade teacher, Newbridge Road Elementary School

Alyssa Parker, physical education teacher

Catherine Schlaich, computer science teacher

The night was filled with speeches celebrating each tenure recipient from proud colleagues. They also had the honor of achieving this career milestone with their families in attendance.

“We know the amount of time and effort and care and love that goes into being a teacher or an administrator,” Ms. Testa said. “Tenure reflects our confidence in their ongoing impact and their role in helping all learners succeed.”

Date Added: 4/22/2025

First graders explored the animal kingdom for their research projects at Martin Avenue Elementary School. The month-long process culminated with a writing celebration on April 7.

Students in Debra Ferretti’s and Nicole Huttner’s classes each picked an animal to research, using both books and online resources. Each child took notes on his or her animal’s body, food, habitat and life cycle, then created a book with information on those topics as well as other fun facts.

The project helped students work on their note-taking skills and writing stamina. Ms. Huttner said the goal was for them to write longer, more detailed sentences. The young authors also explored the elements of nonfiction books like a table of contents, headlines and illustrations.

At the publishing party in the cafeteria, students from the two classes proudly sat at the tables and waited for their guests to come in. They then got to share the story with their parents, their fourth and sixth grade reading buddies, teachers, administrators and each other. Up next, first graders will dive into opinion writing and craft toy reviews.

Click here to view the Martin Avenue Authors Share Animal Books slideshow.

Date Added: 4/10/2025

At nearly 80 students, North Bellmore’s fifth grade orchestra rivals the size of a philharmonic orchestra. Playing at that level may be years away for the young musicians, but their dedication to their craft is comparable. 

Once per six-day cycle, the fifth grade orchestra gets together at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School for morning rehearsals. It consists of students from the district’s five elementary schools and features violin, viola, cello and bass players. Conducting the group is first-year orchestra teacher Patrice Ryan. 

Currently, the ensemble is working on three pieces for the spring concert, “Arco-ology,” “Entry of the Tumblers” and “Spy Rock.” They will showcase their talents at the district orchestra concert on May 12. 

Lisa Uckardes conducts the district’s sixth grade orchestra, which meets at Martin Avenue Elementary School on the same mornings as the fifth grade ensemble. In addition to their full-group rehearsals, students from both groups take part in small-group lessons with Ms. Ryan and Ms. Uckardes at their schools. 

Click here to view the Orchestra Students are Becoming String Savvy slideshow.

Date Added: 3/26/2025