By:Cindy J. Roth
The Dinklemeyer and Newbridge Road schools in the North Bellmore District have new leaders this year. The two new principals, along with the principal of the re-opened Martin Avenue School, took the reins on Tuesday with the start of the academic year.
At Newbridge Road
Marilyn Hirschfield, Newbridge Road School's new principal, has lived in Bellmore for more than 20 years and respects the area's strong academic reputation. Hirschfield has a background in school administration. In 1997, she was an assistant principal in the Manhasset School District. Hirschfield moved schools in 1998, becoming principal of Sycamore Avenue Elementary School in Connetquot. From 1999 to date, Hirschfield has served as an adjunct professor at the State University of New York in Oneonta. During her 20 years in education, Hirschfield has also taught in New York City and in Long Beach and was principal for Long Beach's summer-school program.
Hirschfield said she has always been an elementary-education person.
"I like the focus on development and growth of children and seeing them through to their pre-teen years," she said. "I enjoy education and love to see the spark, the light."
Hirschfield attended Brooklyn College for her undergraduate and graduate work. The new principal holds a bachelor's and master's degree in education.
At Dinkelmeyer
The John G. Dinkelmeyer School welcomed new principal Faith Skelos this week. Skelos is no stranger to the North Bellmore School District. For the past nine years, she has taught fifth grade at Newbridge Road School.
With an undergraduate degree in advertising design from the New York Institute of Technology, Skelos worked for several years in the advertising industry before having children and becoming a full-time, stay-at-home mother. While attending a class with one of her children, Skelos realized she would love to teach and work with children, so she went to Hofstra and earned a master's in education.
Skelos said she is ready for the school year and is excited to establish a cooperative team among children, parents, teachers and administrators.
"I look forward to building a positive relationship with the Dinkelmeyer community," she said.
At Martin Avenue
Mark Wiener, 49, appointed principal of the Martin Avenue School, entered the education profession in 1987 after a management career in business and employment as a private music instructor and performer. He taught elementary special education at Public School 177 in New York City. For the past seven years, Wiener served as assistant principal at P.S. 177, where he developed many innovative, child-centered instructional programs.
Wiener's professional preparation includes a bachelor's degree in performing arts from SUNY Old Westbury, a master's degree in elementary education from Queens College, a professional diploma in school administration from Queens College and graduate study in special education. Wiener is now completing his doctoral degree in educational administration and policy studies at Hofstra University.
A strong believer in and practitioner of parent, community and faculty collaboration, Wiener looks forward to serving his new students and school family.
