North Bellmore sixth graders are ready to 'ace' middle school

In less than a year, sixth graders at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District will find themselves in new surroundings. To help them with the transition to the middle school, they were visited by juniors and seniors from Mepham High School on Dec 14.

The ACES program — Athletes Compassionately Educating Students — provides connections between student leaders in Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and their younger peers in the elementary schools. This was the first of three meetings between the sixth graders and the high school leaders.

The first visit featured getting-to-know-you activities as well as some games. The high school student leaders discussed the benefits of being involved in athletics, clubs, community service and student government. Sixth graders were also able to have their questions answered about middle school and high school. Their curiosities ranged from changing classes to lockers to academic expectations.

The goal of ACES is to foster connections between students and promote positive behaviors. The next two sessions between the high school leaders and Dinkelmeyer’s sixth graders will focus on healthy choices. ACES sessions will take place at all five North Bellmore elementary schools this year.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our sixth graders to meet positive peer role models, who exhibit many of the character traits that we begin instilling in them in kindergarten,” Dinkelmeyer Principal Danica Brugge said. “It’s also great because it helps ease their minds knowing what to expect with their transition to middle school.”