North Bellmore School District

Parents got a comprehensive overview of the North Bellmore School District’s wealth of digital learning resources available to their children during an evening program on Jan. 28. Parent University featured eight workshops led by district educators.

Among the online learning tools that were featured were BrainPop, Envision Math, Google Classroom, iReady and Typing Agent. There were three 20-minute sessions so parents were able to learn about multiple resources. Students use these tools on their school devices and can also be accessed at home through the district website.

Introductions by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara and Executive Director of Technology, Data and Information Services Jason Fischetti gave parents an overview of the district’s technology program and vision. They explained that digital resources are instructional tools to support learning, that teachers carefully select when and how technology is used, and that the tools are used with intention and balance to avoid excessive screentime.

Teacher expertise, relationships with students and the instructional program remain at the center of learning, Ms. Pollitt explained. Technology enhances the educational program through practice, enrichment and access to resources.

The workshops were led by 14 teachers and instructional coaches, representing all five elementary schools as well as multiple grade levels and special subject areas. Martin Avenue Elementary School’s sixth grade student ambassadors greeted parents as they arrived and helped them find their workshops.

Ms. Pollitt said that the goal of Parent University sessions are to strengthen the home-school connection. The district devoted a night to technology, she said, because there are so many tools can easily be accessed at home to support student learning.

“We’ve built such a robust technology program over the years,” she said. “We want to make sure parents are aware of all of the resources we have for children for use both in school and at home.”