RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 23, 2010, Bellmore Life
Compassionate learning feted at North Bellmore school meeting
North Bellmore sixth graders learn about the Holocaust first-hand from a survivor.
The mission statement of the North Bellmore school district reads that the children will learn to contribute to the “global community with creativity and compassion.” Compassion was the lesson exhibited at the December meeting of the North Bellmore Board of Education.
Sixth-graders participated in a workshop at the Barry Tech BOCES school, where they learned about prejudice from firsthand accounts from a Holocaust survivor. The survivor, Mr. Reich, explained to the children about the hatred Nazis directed toward Jews and others. Mr. Reich made a connection between the Nazis and today’s cyberbullies.
During the presentation at the board meeting, the children expressed the power of the message they took away from Mr. Reich. One by one, the students recited their impressions from the workshop. They spoke about being an “up-stander,” not a bystander. When a good person says nothing, it enables the bully.
The sixth-graders at the Dinkelmeyer school have established a problem box and will hold class meetings to discuss the problems.
Other sixth-graders will give a presentation to fifth-graders with the hope of sharing the message with other students.
In an effort to spread the word, the students created poster-sized puzzle pieces with strong messages on each one. Rules such as “put yourself in other people’s shoes,” and “no bully controls you,” were included.
The audience applauded the children and the sentiments they expressed.
Board member Grace Cramsie, sitting in for President Rosemarie Corless, said “what a wonderful, wonderful presentation” it was, as she thanked the children for their work. “It really speaks to our mission,” said Ms. Cramsie.
Superintendent’s report
Superintendent Arnold Goldstein declared that the district is focused on promoting an empathetic climate. “It is who we are as a district and a community,” said Mr. Goldstein.
As evidence, Mr. Goldstein read two letters out of many he receives that express gratitude for the kindness of the school community.
In the first letter, a young boy who had attended another school was welcomed back into a self-contained program. The student has exhibited a major turnaround and expressed his pleasure by writing, “thank you for helping me get into this class.” It was a major accomplishment for the student, said Mr. Goldstein.
In another letter, two parents praised the district for accommodating their child who had been diagnosed with a serious illness. The outpouring of support from the custodians, staff, teachers and principal caused the parents to write, “We are overwhelmed.”
After attending a concert at her daughter’s school, board President Corless arrived at the school board meeting and added her thanks to the district for its kindness. Ms. Corless explained that her daughter had suffered a terrible accident in November and the entire family had received “a blanketful of support and help” from the district. Ms. Corless thanked the community for everything they had done.
Buildings and grounds
Frank Russo, director of facilities, said that with the onset of winter, the staff has been working hard to make sure the buildings remain heated. In addition, fire inspectors will soon be visiting to conduct their inspection.
Curriculum and instruction
Assistant Superintendent Marilyn Johnson commended the tolerance center experience that was provided to the sixth- graders. Dr. Johnson said the speakers at the workshop would be attending an upcoming staff development day for the district teachers.
Special education
Deputy Superintendent Carol Eskew commented on the letter from the special- education student that had written to Mr. Goldstein. Ms. Eskew said the achievement could not have been realized without the “entire team pulling together.”
Donations
Board members gratefully accepted the donation of $3,225 from John and Stacy McCormack to the Park Avenue School. The funds will be spent at the principal’s discretion.
A myriad of board games were donated by the Musumeci family to the Martin Avenue School for use during indoor recess.
The next meeting of the board will take place on January 13, at the Martin Avenue School at 8 p.m.
