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School News

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Budget Roundup 2012: What You Need to Know

Missed all the budget coverage? See if the budgets passed and who will be on your board.

Although budget season lasts for months, this week has been crammed with information leading up to the budgets – biographies of those running, information on registering to vote and reading as much information about what the budgets mean for your district as you could get your hands on. We have the recap of the budgets and the new trustees right here for Bellmore and Merrick. See what you may have missed below. Bellmore North Bellmore Merrick North Merrick Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District   _________________________________ Want to keep up with all of the school coverage? Sign up for the Patch Daily Newsletter! Merokeans can sign up here and Bellmore residents can click here.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Budget Approved by Voters

More than 5,000 people came out to vote in all four districts.

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District budget passed with 3,974 residents voting yes and 2,030 voting no to the 2012-13 budget on Tuesday. The budget stands at $133 million, up from $131 million from the 2011-12 budget. About $2 million in cuts had to be made to keep the budget below the tax levy cap. Michelle Gagnon, administrative assistant and coordinator of funded programs, grants and public/community relations for the CHSD supplied the information. The Central High School District includes students from the North Merrick, North Bellmore, Merrick and Bellmore districts. Like being the first to get breaking news? Sign up for the Patch Daily Newsletter! Merokeans can sign up here and Bellmore residents can click here.

LIMAN

11:04 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Don't let the door hit you on the way out   more ›

Bellmore 2012-13 School Budget Passes

Incumbents Marion Blane and Brian Desmond were re-elected to the board.

Bellmore residents approved the 2012-13 school budget Tuesday night. The proposed budget of $31,943,890 passed with 766 residents voting for the fiscal plan and 347 voting aganist it. Incumbents Marion Blane and Brian Desmond were both re-elected to the board, with Desmond receiving 708 votes and Blane 236. Both ran unopposed. Receive updates to this story and other breaking news in your inbox or on your smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here. What do you think this year's school budget? Email a letter to the editor to Danielle.Desouza@patch.com Passionate about items in the budget? Blog about it! Email Danielle.Desouza@patch.com for more information.

North Bellmore 2012-13 School Budget Passes

Incumbent Grace Cramsie and Challenger Nina Lanci will serve three-year terms on the school board.

The 2012-13 proposed school budget of $47.9 million passed on Tuesday night, with 1,442 voting for the budget plan and 831 voting against it. The budget increase is at negative .27 percent, the lowest the district has have ever had, Superintendent Arnold Goldstein said. The closing of the Jacob Gunther Elementary School, the tightening of the budget and retirement incentives saved the district $1.2 million. There will be no cuts to school programs. Incumbent Grace Cramsie was re-elected to her seat on the board and Challenger Nina Lanci will join her for a three-year term. Receive updates to this story and other breaking news in your inbox or on your smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here. What do you think this year's school …

Jackie

2:28 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Unbelievable that the Board essentially takes a step back ward. The fools, the fools, the fools.   more ›

Whiz Kid: Robert Person

Highlighting kids that inspire the community.

This week, Robert Person is Bellmore Patch's Whiz Kid!   Do you know a great kid? Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Emily.Cappiello@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

Monday, May 14, 2012

Voters' Guide: School Budget Votes, Board Elections in Bellmore and North Bellmore

Everything you need to know to cast your vote on Tuesday.

After months of workshops, school board meetings and debate, Bellmore and North Bellmore residents will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed 2012-13 school budgets on Tuesday. Here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision on May 15. Bellmore North Bellmore Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Get the results of the Bellmore/North Bellmore school budget and board elections delivered right to your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our breaking news alerts and daily newsletter here.  Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

linda smith

4:31 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

YES, I agree, I remember him from a few years ago -- he made a remarkable impression on me and he would do a wonderful service to the school district as a Board member. I have observed Perrone at public meetings out of the school arena and it was truly scary. Oh, and please PAY ATTENTION to the way they post the names of the challengers and get CONFIRMATION that you are voting for the individual …   more ›

Mepham Students Host Night of Action for African Students

Mepham Kares coordinated the event to raise funds for L.E.A.D. Uganda.

Mepham Kares, a student-based global outreach program that aims to support countries in Africa, held its "Night of Action" on Friday. During the event, students performed songs of hope and read the stories of child soldiers in Africa. Mepham Kares partnered with L.E.A.D. Uganda, an Uganda based organization that identifies former child soldiers and other victims of strife in Uganda and sends them to the best schools. "Being proud does not give it justice," Principal Michael Harrington said. "This is a cause these kids are passionate about." To raise funds for L.E.A.D. Uganda, students sold Mepham Kares t-shirts, handmade bracelets, food and beverages during the night. Dan Rozansky, a junior at Mepham, said that all children should have a …

Felecia Rozansky

10:54 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I am so proud of the students at Mepham for taking an active role in such a worthy cause. I am also very grateful to the teachers and administrators at Mepham HS for supporting our kids and making it possible for them to make a valuable contribution to our world.   more ›

Friday, May 11, 2012

Kennedy High School Ranked Among Top New York High Schools

U.S. News and World Report gave Kennedy high marks.

Kennedy High School has been named No. 71 on the list of top high schools in New York State, according to U.S. News & World Report. Nationally, Kennedy came in at No. 534 among 1,165 other schools. The rankings are determined based on college readiness, math and English proficiency, and student-to-teacher ratio. According to the report, Kennedy students scored a college readiness ranking of 44.4, above the New York State average. Math proficiency was scored 3.6 out of 4, while English received a 3.7, both above the state average. The average class size is listed as 14:1, which is near the state average. The report said that about 52 percent of students at Kennedy are enrolled in advanced placement courses. Kennedy was awarded U.S. News & …

stuart rissoff

7:33 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012

after looking at the us news rankings and methodology, the whole list seems questionable   more ›

North Bellmore Schools Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

The week that honors educators is from May 7 to May 11.

There is one time of year when everyone can show their gratitude to educators that have made a difference in the lives of their children--Teacher Appreciation Week. Most schools in the North Bellmore School District plan to have celebrations for its teachers later in the month, but parents say that it is important that dedicated and caring educators are honored everyday. Patrice Ciorra, co-president of the Park Avenue Elementary School Parent Teacher Association said that the school will honor its teachers on May 31. "I think that it's important to celebrate all that the teachers and staff does for our children," she said. Is there a teacher in the Bellmore of North Bellmore School District that you love or who has made a significant …

Peter Giandalia

9:34 am on Friday, May 11, 2012

Would have really loved a few days notice. But thanks for the info none the less.   more ›

Park Avenue School Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Playground

The playground was funded by legislative grants and the PTA.

Park Avenue Elementary School hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new playground on Thursday. Students, teachers, parents and legislators attended the event. "Today is a very special day for us," Principal Eileen Speidel said. "We can thank all of those who made our playground come true. This demonstrates how a community can set a goal and come together and accomplish it." The playground was funded by two legislative grants given to the school and with money raised by the Park Avenue Parent Teacher Association. Legislator Norma L. Gonsalves told the students that she was very proud of the project. "I am extremely pleased with this school, governmental and community partnership," she said. "I know you will have many friendships on that…

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