New educators receive a warm welcome

First-year faculty members got a thorough introduction to the North Bellmore School District at new teacher orientation on Aug. 14. The 18 new hires will work across the district’s five schools and include classroom, special education and special area teachers, as well as nurses, social workers and speech language pathologists.

As they gathered in the Park Avenue Elementary School library, they learned about North Bellmore’s mission, core values, instructional program and technology resources. They met with several members of the district’s leadership team including Superintendent Marie Testa, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara and Executive Director for Personnel Denise Fisher.

The program included breakout sessions for teachers to work on planning and programming with their colleagues. A few of the new hires are familiar faces, having served as leave placement or student teachers in the district.

“New teacher orientation is a special occasion dedicated to welcoming educators into our school district,” Fisher said. “It’s energizing to see these exceptional individuals come together, having been chosen for our belief in their dedication to supporting the emotional, social and academic well-being of our students. We are fortunate to have this day so that we can begin fostering a strong, supportive community among our teachers, just as we value community building with our students and families.”