Our local schools are an important part of what makes North Bellmore such a special community. This month, Nancy's Neighborhood News is taking a closer look at the schools serving our neighborhood — from the first days of elementary school right through high school graduation.

For the 2026–2027 school year, the first day of classes for North Bellmore public school students is Tuesday, September 1.

Whether you have children in school, grandchildren starting their first year, or simply enjoy keeping up with what's happening in our community, here are a few interesting facts about our neighborhood schools.

Saw Mill Road Elementary

• Saw Mill is a K–6 school with almost 700 students and about 65 teachers, according to the school's website.
• The district puts an emphasis on student leadership, including leadership teams, service-learning projects and opportunities for students to contribute ideas to their schools.
• Saw Mill has an annual Gobble Run, where students walk, jog or run laps while learning about cardiovascular fitness.
• In June 2026, nearly 50 graduating high school seniors returned to Saw Mill for a special "clap-out," reconnecting them with the elementary school where they began their education.
• Saw Mill begins the school year with a program centered on making every student feel welcome and part of the school community.

Grand Avenue Middle School

Grand Avenue is a two-year middle school — grades 7 and 8. That makes the North Bellmore progression a little unusual compared to other districts.

• A 50-Year-Old Time Capsule: In June 2026, Grand Avenue students and staff opened a time capsule that had been sealed inside a school wall by the Class of 1976. It was specifically left to be opened 50 years later, during America's 250th anniversary year.
• Students Become Young Scientists: Grand Avenue held its first student-hosted in-house Science Fair in 2025, giving students an opportunity to showcase their own research, experiments and discoveries to families and faculty.

Mepham High School

• Mepham is one of the three comprehensive high schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. Its history goes back to 1937, making it a longtime part of the Bellmore community.
• Mepham students participate in rigorous advanced coursework as well as athletics, music, theater, clubs and community-service activities.
• A Long-Running Tradition of Service: Mepham seniors have created an annual Flag Field of Honor for 11 years, a service-learning project that honors service and community spirit while supporting charitable causes.
• Gold for Advanced Placement: In 2026, Mepham earned Gold distinction on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll, recognizing strong AP participation, achievement and college readiness.

REMEMBER OUR TEACHERS!

As another school year begins, let's remember the teachers who work hard every day to educate, encourage and support our children. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in letting them know their efforts are appreciated.

• Make sure children arrive at school prepared with the supplies they need.
• Take an interest in homework, projects and upcoming tests.
• Help children develop good study habits and routines at home.
• Stay involved and communicate with teachers when needed.
• When possible, volunteer or lend a hand with school and classroom activities.
• And most importantly, remind children that teachers and parents are working together to help them succeed.

Here's to our teachers, students and families — and a safe, successful school year!

Click here to learn more about North Bellmore schools.

SCHOOL'S OPEN — DRIVE WITH CARE!

With students heading back to school, it's a good time for all of us to brush up on New York's school bus safety rules. Knowing what those flashing lights mean can help keep our children safe — and help drivers avoid a costly ticket.

When you see a school bus...

• Flashing Yellow Lights — SLOW DOWN! The bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off students. Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
• Flashing Red Lights — STOP! You must come to a complete stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
• BOTH DIRECTIONS MUST STOP! Traffic approaching the bus from either direction must stop when its red lights are flashing.
• YES, EVEN ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY! In New York, you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights even when the bus is on the opposite side of a divided or multi-lane highway.
• DON'T FORGET THE SMALL BUSES! A smaller vehicle can also be equipped and operated as a school bus. Don't assume the rule only applies to the traditional large yellow bus. Watch for the SCHOOL BUS markings and flashing red lights.
• WAIT UNTIL IT'S SAFE TO GO! Remain stopped until the bus begins moving again or you are directed to proceed by the bus driver or a police officer. Always look carefully for children before moving.

Passing a stopped school bus can be costly...

Passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is a serious New York traffic violation.

• A first conviction can mean a $250–$400 fine and possible jail time.
• As of February 16, 2026, illegally passing a stopped school bus carries 8 points on your driver's license.
• School bus stop-arm cameras may also capture vehicles that illegally pass.
• Camera violations begin at $250 for a first violation and increase for repeat violations.

One Easy Rule to Remember:

YELLOW = SLOW DOWN & PREPARE TO STOP

RED = STOP! CHILDREN MAY BE CROSSING

A few extra minutes of patience can prevent a ticket — and, much more importantly, help keep our neighborhood children safe.

NANCY'S HOMEOWNER TIP

Thinking About Selling? Start Preparing Now

If selling your home may be in your future — whether this fall, next spring or even next year — now is a great time to start looking at your home through a buyer's eyes.

• Clear out closets, basements and garages a little at a time.
• Take care of those small repairs you've been putting off.
• Freshen up your home's entrance and curb appeal.
• Start making a list of improvements you've made over the years.

You don't have to wait until you're ready to put up a For Sale sign to start getting prepared. A little work now can make the selling process much easier later.

GET YOUR HOME READY FOR COLDER WEATHER

Give Your Heating System a Head Start

Don't wait for the first cold morning to discover a problem. Early fall is a good time to have your heating system checked, replace or clean filters, and make sure thermostats are working properly.

While you're at it, take a quick walk around your home and check gutters, outdoor faucets, weather stripping and windows. A little preventive maintenance now can help avoid bigger — and more expensive — problems this winter.

COMING IN OCTOBER...

Fall is one of the best times to enjoy Long Island! Next month, we'll take a look at some fun fall things to do, including where to go for apple picking and other seasonal favorites.

Plus, what do buyers notice before they even walk through your front door? We'll talk curb appeal, landscaping, exterior lighting and those important first impressions that can make your home stand out.

Nancy Kalberer
Licensed Real Estate Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker American Homes
516-659-6593
nkalberer@cbamhomes.com

You don't have to be moving to have a real estate question.
I'm always just a phone call away!

As summer begins to wind down, many homeowners start thinking ahead. Whether you're planning home improvements, considering a move in the future, or simply wondering what today's market looks like, August is a great time to start planning.

North Bellmore continues to be one of Nassau County's most desirable communities. Quiet streets, well-maintained homes, convenient shopping, excellent commuter access, and a true sense of community make neighborhood buyers continue to seek out.

As a North Bellmore resident on North Pierce Avenue and a real estate broker with more than 36 years of experience, I know firsthand what makes this neighborhood so special.

One question I hear often is:

"Are buyers looking for homes in North Bellmore?"

The answer is a definite YES!

What Buyers Want

Today's buyers are looking for homes in neighborhoods that offer:

• Quiet, well-maintained streets
• Pride of homeownership
• Convenient shopping and restaurants
• Easy access to the LIRR and major parkways
• A welcoming community

Those are the very qualities that have made North Bellmore such a wonderful place to call home.

Thinking About Selling?

Even if you're not planning to move right away, now is the perfect time to begin preparing.

Many homeowners think they need to complete major renovations before selling. In many cases, that's simply not true. Sometimes a few inexpensive improvements can make a significant difference, while other projects may not add enough value to justify the cost.

Every home is different, which is why personalized advice is so important.

Let's Walk Through Your Home Together

I offer homeowners a complimentary, no-obligation home consultation.

Together we'll walk through your home and discuss:

• Improvements that may increase value
• Repairs buyers are likely to notice
• Updates that aren't worth the expense
• Current market conditions
• The best strategy whenever you're ready to sell

Sometimes I'll recommend a few simple improvements. Other times, I'll tell you your home is ready just as it is.

My goal is simple—to help you make informed decisions and maximize your home's value while avoiding unnecessary expenses.

If selling has crossed your mind, whether it's six months or several years from now, I'd be happy to help you create a plan.

The best time to prepare for a successful sale isn't the week you put the sign in the yard... it's long before you list your home.

Around the Neighborhood

North Pierce Avenue Block Party

Thank you to everyone who helped make the North Pierce Avenue Block Party such a success in early July. It was wonderful to see neighbors enjoying a beautiful summer day and celebrating what makes our community so special.

North Bellmore Summer Concert Series

The North Bellmore Public Library continues its Outdoor Summer Concert Series on the lawn behind Sawmill Road Elementary School.

Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, August 6
• Thursday, August 20

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music with your neighbors.

Nancy's Homeowner Tip

Thinking About Selling This Fall?

Fall remains an excellent time to sell. Many buyers want to be settled before the holidays, and with fewer homes on the market after summer, well-prepared homes continue to attract strong buyer interest.

Even if you're planning a move next year, now is a great time to begin preparing.

Next Month...

Back to School...and Why Great Schools Help Protect Your Home's Value

We'll take a closer look at the Bellmore School District and why it remains desirable for homebuyers.

Nancy Kalberer
Licensed Real Estate Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker American Homes
516-659-6593
nkalberer@cbamhomes.com

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Resource

Questions about your home's value or the local market? I'm always just a phone call away!