Recently, Bellerose Avenue partnered with former Bellerose student and Eagle Scout Will Aguirre to honor the late of Mrs. Fran Jasinkonis—a retired teacher aide who passed away in 2017. This ceremony and collaboration was an outcome of last year's Shared Decision-Making Team’s, who heard of and researched Mrs. Jasinkonis’ contributions to the school during her 27 years there. Her outward efforts to model respect, acceptance, and kindness to all students touched many lives.

Eagle Scout Will Aguirre wanted to find a way to give back to his elementary school, and for his Eagle Scout Project, decided to refurbish the library garden area in Mrs. Jasinkonis' honor. The project included the fixing up the brick garden wall and recapping with bluestone slabs, as well as fixing up the slate patio. He also created a rock garden, built and installed a hand-crafted bench and installed a plaque with Fran Jasinkonis' name. The library garden was dedicated in honor of Mrs. Jasinkonis.

On Nov. 9, several family members, friends, and retired Bellerose personnel, including retired principal Ira Goodman, gathered to acknowledge Mrs. Jasinkonis' dedication to the school, and to thank Will for the hard work he put into the project. Fifth grade students were in attendance as well and opened and closed the ceremony with a song.

“Kindness never goes unnoticed,” said Principal Lori Beekman, “and we’re so fortunate that our community is filled with people who never stop looking for ways to give back to others.”