Principal: NB Schools Have Been Supportive of Gunther

When the North Bellmore Board of Education announced in December that Jacob Gunther Elementary School will Principal Marie Testa said that her main concern was getting her 239 kids through the process smoothly.

Testa said that North Bellmore schools have already been helpful to the Gunther community.

"The receiving schools have been working with us and have been very proactive," Testa said. "Principals from the other schools have gone to PTA meetings to introduce themselves to the parents and have come to the school to introduce themselves to the children."

Most Gunther students will be moved to Saw Mill Road Elementary School and Dinkelmeyer Elementary School. Students in special education classes will be transferred to Martin Avenue Elementary School.

Marie Spohrer, president of the Gunther Parent Teacher Association, said that some parents are not happy with the decision.

"Most of the children are closer to Dinkelmeyer, but some will be sent to Saw Mill and won't be able to walk to school, some parents are upset. We should know in a week where the children will go."

Testa said that her students are doing well and are adjusting to the changes.

"We are now working on planning activities that will be supportive of students and parents and that will allow them to celebrate Gunther and leave their legacy."