NMHZ students create gingerbread houses after reading about them
![Group shot of students and teachers with gingerbread houses.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765998079/mtvernoncsdorg/cfiwlbafq3hsmefmswbv/Gingerbreadmaking-nmhz-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765998079/mtvernoncsdorg/cfiwlbafq3hsmefmswbv/Gingerbreadmaking-nmhz-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765998079/mtvernoncsdorg/cfiwlbafq3hsmefmswbv/Gingerbreadmaking-nmhz-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765998079/mtvernoncsdorg/cfiwlbafq3hsmefmswbv/Gingerbreadmaking-nmhz-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765998079/mtvernoncsdorg/cfiwlbafq3hsmefmswbv/Gingerbreadmaking-nmhz-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765998079/mtvernoncsdorg/cfiwlbafq3hsmefmswbv/Gingerbreadmaking-nmhz-6.jpg","width":2200}])
NMHZ students create gingerbread houses after reading about them
After completing a weeks-long study of gingerbread-themed books, Simone Oliver’s second grade class at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated with a gingerbread house making party. The children were excited to bring the stories to life by designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses.
Everyone had loads of fun working together, sharing ideas, and enjoying the festive activity! The class enjoyed cookies and a hot cocoa bar afterwards.
“It was a wonderful and engaging way to conclude our unit of study and helped reinforce learning through hands-on experience,” said Ms. Oliver.
The classroom was honored to be joined by Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland, Principal Danielle Davis-Marrow, Assistant Principal Tanganyika Lindner-Brown, as well as special guest reader Dr. Gayle White, Director of Pre-K. Each guest also made a gingerbread house.
After completing a weeks-long study of gingerbread-themed books, Simone Oliver’s second grade class at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated with a gingerbread house making party. The children were excited to bring the stories to life by designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses.
![NMHZ pre-K celebrates "12 Days of Holidays"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765388298/mtvernoncsdorg/aspcgxajjvss3pjmgrm1/NMHZ-holidays-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765388298/mtvernoncsdorg/aspcgxajjvss3pjmgrm1/NMHZ-holidays-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765388298/mtvernoncsdorg/aspcgxajjvss3pjmgrm1/NMHZ-holidays-1.jpg","width":640}])
This season, the pre-K class at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer Elementary School is lighting up with festive cheer through their unique celebration of "The 12 Days of Holidays." Created by Pre-K Director Dr. Gayle White, this special event is designed to immerse young learners in the joy of the holidays through themed story days and creative projects.
![NMHZ families celebrate the season at Winterland]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765307254/mtvernoncsdorg/ofxszymtgjytyy6rqose/WInterlandNMHZ-33.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765307254/mtvernoncsdorg/ofxszymtgjytyy6rqose/WInterlandNMHZ-33.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765307254/mtvernoncsdorg/ofxszymtgjytyy6rqose/WInterlandNMHZ-33.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765307254/mtvernoncsdorg/ofxszymtgjytyy6rqose/WInterlandNMHZ-33.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765307254/mtvernoncsdorg/ofxszymtgjytyy6rqose/WInterlandNMHZ-33.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765307254/mtvernoncsdorg/ofxszymtgjytyy6rqose/WInterlandNMHZ-33.jpg","width":2200}])
Families enjoyed a festive gathering, even getting a chance to meet the Gingerbread Woman, at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School Monday evening, as the school hosted their first ever Winterland celebration.
Click here to view the full photo gallery!
![Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764622135/qbcf9cirjei8n7duq5nd/NMHZ-PBIS-2025-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764622135/qbcf9cirjei8n7duq5nd/NMHZ-PBIS-2025-6.jpg","width":481}])
Last Monday, the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School community came together for a powerful PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Assembly that celebrated the values guiding their journey toward a positive and supportive environment. NMHZ’s rollout of PBIS has been deliberate and intentional, ensuring that every step connects meaningfully to students’ daily experiences.
![Student Ambassadors Shine in Pre-K Classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763497321/mtvernoncsdorg/guanzogsdvdywgsed0lw/StudentAmbassadorsNM-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763497321/mtvernoncsdorg/guanzogsdvdywgsed0lw/StudentAmbassadorsNM-3.jpg","width":481}])
At Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer Elementary School, we are proud to celebrate the dedication and kindness of three remarkable students from Ms. Vetere's 4th-grade class. These students have taken on the role of student ambassadors, going above and beyond by sacrificing their recess time to make a positive impact in the Pre-K classroom.
![Families tour Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School ahead of student transfers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749663105/mtvernoncsdorg/d31amkyiliip0f0elnsv/NMHZ-SchoolTour-7.jpg","width":2200}])
Parents got their first look at their new school Wednesday morning, as Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School hosted a tour for families of students transferring into the school for the 2025-2026 school year as a result of the building reorganization. They also met the incoming principal, Danielle Davis-Marrow, who welcomed families to the school. NMHZ will be a grades preK-6 school in the upcoming school year.
![County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels visits NMHZ]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747941026/mtvernoncsdorg/bhmofotherdu2rte7pgw/Legislator-Visit-NMHZ-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747941026/mtvernoncsdorg/bhmofotherdu2rte7pgw/Legislator-Visit-NMHZ-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747941026/mtvernoncsdorg/bhmofotherdu2rte7pgw/Legislator-Visit-NMHZ-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747941026/mtvernoncsdorg/bhmofotherdu2rte7pgw/Legislator-Visit-NMHZ-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747941026/mtvernoncsdorg/bhmofotherdu2rte7pgw/Legislator-Visit-NMHZ-5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747941026/mtvernoncsdorg/bhmofotherdu2rte7pgw/Legislator-Visit-NMHZ-5.jpg","width":2048}])
Last Wednesday afternoon, middle school students at the Nelson Mandela/ Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School engaged in an exclusive assembly and Q&A with Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels. Students got insightful answers from Legislator Woodson-Samuels on local politics and future careers.
![NMHZ holds second annual staff vs. student game]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742560025/mtvernoncsdorg/rvsuv3u6onfpjxbzs0vi/NMHZ-StaffStudentGame-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742560025/mtvernoncsdorg/rvsuv3u6onfpjxbzs0vi/NMHZ-StaffStudentGame-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742560025/mtvernoncsdorg/rvsuv3u6onfpjxbzs0vi/NMHZ-StaffStudentGame-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742560025/mtvernoncsdorg/rvsuv3u6onfpjxbzs0vi/NMHZ-StaffStudentGame-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742560025/mtvernoncsdorg/rvsuv3u6onfpjxbzs0vi/NMHZ-StaffStudentGame-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742560025/mtvernoncsdorg/rvsuv3u6onfpjxbzs0vi/NMHZ-StaffStudentGame-3.jpg","width":2200}])
Scholars competed against their teachers in the second annual staff vs. student game at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School on Thursday, March 20. Staff won again!