Lead & Learn

Bellmore Schools Recognized Nationally as a Lighthouse District

Bellmore Public Schools has been designated as a nationally recognized Lighthouse District by FranklinCovey Education. This prestigious recognition is the result of the District’s development, training and consistent practice of its core values and leadership principles, which are incorporated into its now nationally recognized Bellmore Stars Character Development program. The Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Shore Road School and Winthrop Avenue School each received the honor of being named Lighthouse Schools. Bellmore is the first school district in Nassau County, on Long Island and in New York State to receive this districtwide honor. In addition, Bellmore School District is one of only two districts nationwide with the distinction of having all of its schools achieve Lighthouse status, with one other district located in California.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Joanne Dacek explained that the district’s fundamental premise is that leadership and character development are equally important to traditional academic learning, The Bellmore Stars Character Development program emphasizes universal leadership principles and shared core values to foster students’ social-emotional development, which in turn, assists them in their academic growth.

“A truly comprehensive education involves character formation and the development of good citizenship in tandem with academic learning,” Dr. Dacek noted.

She explained that this prosocial environment promotes collaboration and respect and carries through all three schools. The environment also provides ample and increasing opportunities for students to lead and learn, taking on leadership roles and responsibilities on a daily basis and becoming leaders of themselves.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo said that since achieving Lighthouse status, the Bellmore Stars Character Development Program has become an inspiration to other school districts across Long Island. In fact, Dr. Famularo recently met with neighboring superintendents to discuss how to implement a similar leadership program.

“Bellmore is a leader on Long Island and in New York State for its successful implementation of a prosocial environment that promotes collaboration and respect and allows students and faculty to lead and learn,” he said.