The Port Jefferson School District in conjunction with It Takes a Village Wellness/Education Alive will present a community presentation, titled “Promoting Wellness in Our Schools and Community” on June 7, from 6:30-8 p.m., in the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School library.

The presentation will focus on tools for effective management of stress and anxiety through simple movement and breathing techniques, mindfulness practices and the importance of good nutrition. It will also feature a student activity area for school-age children.   

For those who are unable to attend, the program will be streamed live on the district’s website at www.portjeffschools.org.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School junior Luigia Than has earned the Young Adult Services Division of the Suffolk County Library Association’s Bringing Excellence in Service by Teens (B.E.S.T award).

Luigia earned the honor after being nominated by the Port Jefferson Free Library for making significant contributions. She frequently volunteers in the library’s children’s department and works closely with elementary and middle school students.

In addition to volunteering at the library, Luigia is captain of her school’s Academic Team and member of the Latin Club and Mathletes.    

Port Jefferson Middle School sixth-graders took part in the 10th annual Suffolk County Elementary Math Tournament, held on May 11 at Stony Brook University. During the competition, the students excelled at answering difficult questions and Luke Dickhuth participated in a nail-biting tie-breaker to earn fourth place out of 75 sixth-graders. “Overall, we had a great day!” said math teacher Megan Ryan.

Port Jefferson Middle School student Peggy Yin has won first place in the 2017 Social Harmony Writing Contest (middle school division) organized by the Asian American Advisory Board and the Suffolk County Executive Office. She was recognized at a ceremony on May 13 at Stony Brook University. The Port Jefferson School district extends its congratulations to Peggy Yin.

For displaying outstanding leadership and character in physical education classes several Port Jefferson School District students were recognized with awards from the Suffolk Zone of the New York Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The students earned their awards based upon recommendations from their physical education teachers.

The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to eighth-graders, Katelynn Johnston and Cooper Schoch, and fifth-graders, Madeline Matvya, Elia Jaden Katsaros and Danielle Bown.

The students earned their awards based upon recommendations from their physical education teachers.

In addition to their regular music studies, Port Jefferson Middle School student musicians are learning various careers in music through the music department’s “Careers in Music” series. Most recently, students heard from members of the Three Village Chamber Players, who were invited by music teacher Vanessa Salzman to speak about their music careers and perform for the students.     

At its regular meeting on May 9, the Port Jefferson Board of Education recognized the efforts of the Earl. L. Vandermeulen High School Robotics team during the 2017 build and competition season. The students each received certificates and participated in a presentation in which they showed off their robot to the board of education and audience members.

On May 9, the Port Jefferson Board of Education recognized Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School students for their participation in various math contests and events, including the Suffolk County Math Teacher’s Association Contest, the AMC-American Math Competition and the high school Mathletes League.

The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to the following students:

Suffolk County Math Contest

6^th grade, Level E

Sooah Kwak, PJMS high scorer, and 3^rd in Suffolk County

Teppei Fukuto 4^th in Suffolk County

7^th grade Level J

David Lawler, PJMS high scorer, and 5^th in Suffolk County

8^th grade Level I Algebra

Liam Gameng PJMS high scorer

9^th grade Level 2 Geometry

Christine Iasso, PJHS high scorer, and 4^th in Suffolk County

10^th grade Level 3 Algebra2

Peggy Yin PJHS high scorer

11^th grade Level 4 Pre-calculus

Eli Doyle, PJHS high scorer, and 3^rd in Suffolk County

12^th grade Level C Calculus

Annalisa Welinder PJHS high scorer

 

AMC-American Math Competition

Grant Samara and Lucas Welinder, PJMS winners for AMC 8

Annalisa Welinder and Eli Doyle, PJHS winners for AMC 10 & 12

High School Mathletes League

Annalisa Welinder earned high scorer in Suffolk County by competing in five meets and answering 22 out of 30 problems correct. She placed 13^th out of the nearly 800 students that participate in the league across Suffolk County.

 

 

 

 

Thank you to all residents who participated in the 2017-18 budget vote and trustee election. Proposition No. 1, the School District Budget, passed by a vote of 338 to 74. Proposition No. 2, Renovations and Upgrades Using Capital Reserve Funds, passed by a vote of 368 to 43.

In addition to voting on the budget, residents cast their ballots for two seats on the Board of Education. Adam DeWitt and David Keegan were elected. The trustee vote was as follows:

Adam DeWitt – 357
David Keegan  - 356

Port Jefferson Middle School eighth-grader Sabrina Floria was recently presented with an honorary certificate and pin from Port Jefferson Village Mayor Margot Garant for participating in the New York State Conference of Mayors “If I were mayor” essay contest.

Port Jefferson Middle School Student Council members recently held several fundraisers, raising a total of $1,240 for the North Shore Animal League’s Bianca’s Furry Friends. Among the fundraisers held during April was a paint night, several bake sales, classroom donations and an after-school challenge.

The New York State Department of Education has released a draft of its Every Student Succeeds Act and is seeking feedback before it is formally adopted. 

Feedback will be accepted through Friday, June 16 via public hearings, e-mail and in writing. 

In person at: ESSA Public Hearing

Via e-mail to: ESSAComments@nysed.gov

Via writing to the:
New York State Education Department
ATTN: Lisa Long
Office of Accountability, Rm 400
55 Hanson Place
Brooklyn, New York 11217

For more information, please visit  http://www.p12.nysed.gov/accountability/documents/draft-ny-essa-plan-may-2017.pdf.

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School band students performed the national anthem at the Bethpage Ballpark to kick off the April 29th Long Island Ducks Game. The event, organized by the Port Jefferson PTA and elementary school music teacher Mark Abbonizio, doubled as a fundraiser for the Class of 2024.

To celebrate their commitment to continue their education at an institute of higher learning in the fall, the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Class of 2017 recently wore apparel to show off their college of choice.

“We are very proud of the Class of 2017 and their accomplishments. They have distinguished themselves as leaders in the classroom and in their co-curricular activities,” said Principal Christine Austen. “We look forward to hearing about their successes in their future endeavors.”

This fall, members the Class of 2017 will be headed to study at schools including Duke University, Northeastern University, Stony Brook University and Boston University.

The New York State Education Department has released revised learning standards for English and Mathematics, which are open for public comments and will be presented to the Board of Regents for discussion on May 9. To learn more about the standards, please visit the below links. Public comments on the revised standards will be accepted through June 2.

Read the official press release here.

The standards can be found here and are open for public comments.  

Port Jefferson School District’s Earl L. Vandermeulen High School has been ranked as one of New York State’s Best High Schools on U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of “Best High Schools.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School earned a state ranking of 41 and was ranked 344 in the nation based on students’ performances on college-level exams and graduation rates.

Additionally, the high school was ranked among the nation’s best STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) schools in the nation. Out of 500 top ranking STEM schools, Earl L. Vandermeulen was listed 115th. The ranking was based on Advanced Placement science and math tests.

“The high school’s ranking is a testament of the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff and administration, and the support of our parents and community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Casciano.  

The Port Jefferson School District is seeking nominations for its Wall of Fame that honors former students and faculty members for extraordinary achievements in academics, school and community service, public service, fine arts, business and athletics.

To date, the Wall of Fame, which was created in 1996, has recognized more than 40 individuals for their contributions and accomplishments. The district intends to add to that list by commemorating new honorees in perpetuity on the Wall of Fame, located at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School.

Wall of Fame honorees are chosen based on a set of selection criteria by a volunteer committee comprised of members of the administration, board of education, faculty, student body, parent community and residents. To be considered a candidate for induction:

• The nominee must have shown extraordinary achievement in academics, school and community service, public service, fine arts, business and athletics.
• The nominee must have been affiliated with the Port Jefferson School District as a student or employee for a minimum of four years.
• The student or employee may not be nominated until five years after he/she has left the school.

To recommend an individual for the Port Jefferson Wall of Fame, please click here for nomination form. Completed forms can be e-mailed to Janice Baisley at jbaisley@portjeff.k12.ny.us. Deadline for nominations is June 1.

High school musicians Amanda Day and Cole Fortier recently performed at the Village of Port Jefferson’s Health and Wellness Expo. The students, accompanied by music teacher Lisa Scrom, performed popular and original songs for attendees.

During the 2016-17-competition season, the high school Robotics Team in the Port Jefferson School District proved they have some serious robotic skills.

The team ranked 20th overall out of a field off 55 competitive high school teams from around Long Island. To earn the ranking, the 16-member team worked to build a robot from scratch and write and program it.

“This year’s successful robotics season is due to the young, ambitious high school students who worked tirelessly nearly every day for six straight weeks during the build season,” said adviser Brian Chalmers.

 

The middle school celebrated Earth Day on April 19 with a visit from a representative of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, who gave a presentation on birds of prey. The presentation was followed with an outdoor picnic sponsored by the school’s Environmental Club.   

The Port Jefferson Board of Education recognized Edna Louise Spear Elementary School student Emily Ambrozy for winning second place in the New York State for the Daughters of the American Revolution history contest for an essay she penned about Yellowstone National Park. This is the first year that the elementary school has taken part in the contest. 

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School students Michelle Wu and Isabella Chen were recognized during the Port Jefferson Board of Education meeting on April 18 for winning the elementary school’s schoolwide Scripps Spelling Bee challenge. 

Elementary school student Viviane Kim was presented with a certificate at the Port Jefferson Board of Education’s April 18 meeting for taking first place in the elementary school’s National Geographic Geography Bee.

Ten elementary school fourth- and fifth-graders were honored by the Port Jefferson Board of Education on April 18 for the work they have accomplished so far in preparing for an upcoming Math Olympiad competition.

 

Six elementary school students in the Port Jefferson School District have been named Star Students in the American Library Association’s yearlong Read Campaign.

The students, chosen as April Star Students, are Kris Kozikowski, kindergarten; Samuel Perez-Flesler, first grade; Benjamin Batter, second grade; Marija Garue, third grade; Siena Cipriano, fourth grade; and Fiona Reichers, fifth grade.

As a reward for being named a Star Student, each of these Port Jefferson scholars will have their photo displayed on the bulletin board outside the school’s library, along with a summary of their favorite book.

At its meeting on April 18, the Port Jefferson Board of Education recognized community member Arnold Lustig with a plaque for his service to the district over the past several decades through his Drive It Right Program. “Through his Drive It Right program and advocacy of a closed campus, Mr. Lustig has saved countless lives and we would like to thank him for that,” said Kathleen Brennan, BOE president.

Third-graders at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in the Port Jefferson School District participated in an annual Instrument Petting Zoo on April 19.

During the event, the future musicians tried out instruments played by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School musicians. The high school performers introduced the third-graders to the many band and string instruments that they can select to play when they enter the fourth grade, including the violin, cello, saxophone and flute. Students were able to hear and touch each of the instruments represented.

 

 

 

The middle school Science Olympiad Team has earned a spot at the state competition after winning third place and 14 medals at the Suffolk County Regional Division competition, held at Candlewood Middle School.

To earn their placement, the students in grades 6-9, competed against 38 teams in events that tested their skills in earth science, biology, chemistry and physical engineering.

The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to the team for their accomplishment and wishes them the best at the state competition, which will be held on April 7 and 8 at East Syracuse-Minoa High School in Syracuse, New York.

 

Top Medal Winners

First Place
Aaron Held and Gil Zaltsman, Fast Facts
Third Place
Sinan Ates and Gavin Chambers, Anatomy
Andrew Patterson and Kasumi Layne-Stasik, Herpetology
Grant Samara and Michela Rabeno, rocks and minerals
Fourth Place
Sinan Ates and Mattea Rabeno, Crime busters
Gil Zaltsman and Grant Samara, Disease Detectives
Kyle Onghai and Hugo Onghai, Hovercraft
Aaron Held and Sapphire Perera, Probe Mission
Gavin Chambers and Aaron Held, Road Scholar
Kasumi Layne-Stasik and Hugo Onghai, Write it do it

The Edna Louise Spear Elementary School has been designated as an Elementary School of Excellence by the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA).

The school is one of only two schools in Suffolk County to have earned the distinction for its robust programs in music education, including outstanding performing ensembles, co-curricular clubs, community performances and interdisciplinary opportunities.

“Anyone who’s attended our elementary school’s many performances, including our concerts, drama productions, interdisciplinary events like the Music Around the World program or the countless community performances, such as the Charles Dickens and Go Green Festivals, can see why Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s music teachers and students deserve such recognition as a School of Excellence,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, director of Music & Fine Arts.

 

As a result of their exceptional musical talents and dedication, eight Earl L. Vandermeulen student-musicians were inducted into the school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter at a ceremony on April 5.

During the tenth annual event, the new inductees promised to uphold the Tri-M’s five points of distinction – scholarship, character, cooperation, leadership and service – and participated in a performance for those in attendance.

The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to the Tri-M Music Society’s newest members: Ju Eun Ha, Ibuki Iwasaki, Trey Pisano, Arunima Roy, Ava Schully, Luigia Than, Samuel Walker, Olivia Weldon and Annalisa Welinder.

The Port Jefferson School District is pleased to announce that for the 11th consecutive year it has been ranked among the NAMM Foundation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” in America, an honor that acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment to and support for music education as part of the core curriculum.  

The 2017 award specifically recognizes the collaborate efforts between teachers, administrators, students, parents and the community, who work in tandem to keep comprehensive music education an integral part of the core curriculum in Port Jefferson.

“The Port Jefferson School District is once again honored to be selected as one of the best communities for music education,” said Michael Caravello, director of music and fine arts. “It is a testament to the dedication of our students and music teachers and support of our community.”

The Port Jefferson School District boasts multiple vocal, band and orchestral performing groups for students and each group is provided with the opportunity to perform within the community. Additionally, through partnerships and relationships with Stony Brook University and the Staller Center many groups regularly have the chance to learn from renowned professional musicians.

The community recently had the opportunity to view artwork created by students in the Port Jefferson School District. During the month of March, the students’ work was on display at the Gallery of the Village Center in Port Jefferson. All of the work displayed was curated by Port Jefferson art teachers Richard Anderson, Lynne Edsall, Carrie Morgan, Nancy Randazzo and Stacey Schuman. 

High school Science Olympiad team members Joe Samara and Xinyi Hong earned a third-place medal at the New York State Science Olympiad competition, held in Syracuse. The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to both students.  

The Royal Educational Foundation is now accepting registration for its Power of One Family Fun Run, which will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 8:30 a.m. starting at the Village Center.

Fees associated with the run, which will honor teacher Jesse Rosen for his significant positive impact on the village and school community, will help enhance the quality of education in the Port Jefferson School District.

Those looking to participate in the two-mile run can register by visiting www.pjref.com/fun-run at a cost of $15 per runner or $50 per family. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

More than 250 Port Jefferson student-musicians performed at the annual New York State School Music Association Solo and Ensemble Festival at Sachem High School East on March 24 and 25. 

During the festival, each student performed a solo selection and scales for a NYSSMA adjudicator, who assessed them on their performance based on technique, precision and musicality.  

The Port Jefferson school District extends its congratulations to the student musicians for their hard work and dedication. 

More than 50 members of the elementary school drama club put on a one-of-a-kind theatrical production for their peers and friends and family on March 23. The entertaining show, which was based on fairy tales, featured acting, singing and dancing. The young Port Jefferson thespians spent hours perfecting their show and learning the art of performance and teamwork.

High school Latin studies students showcased their skills as they competed in the fast-paced Latin Certamen contest held on March 21 at Stony Brook University. 

During the event, the participating students took home top medals in all four levels of the competition that tested their knowledge of Latin grammar, vocabulary, word derivations, Roman life, history, mythology and literature. To earn the awards, the students competed against students from 15 schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to the following students: 

Advanced Level, first place: Anita Rescia, Luigia Than, Zinyi Hong and Arunima Roy
Level Two, first place: Guiseppina Than, Kyle Onghai, Felicity Hyams and Carmella Moran
Level Three, first place: Ava Schully, Annalisa Welinder, Katie Amrozy and Gavin Barett 
Level One, second place: Peggy Yin, Aaron Held, Ameen Khan and Michela Rabeno

The high school has announced Chiara Rabeno and Xinyi Hong as the Class of 2017 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Rabeno and Hong have earned the top spots in their class through their impressive and outstanding commitment to academics.

Valedictorian Chiara Rabeno has earned a number of academic accomplishments throughout her high school career. She earned a gold award three years in a row on the National Latin Exam, is an AP Scholar with Honor and received a National Merit Scholar letter of accommodation.

Throughout high school, she has participated in sports, including softball and field hockey where she earned an All-Conference title two years in a row and is a member of the Interact Club, Environmental Club, Science Olympiad and participates in the STEM program. She is also president of the National Honor Society. 

Chiara plans to study either biological sciences or biochemistry in college in the fall. 

Salutatorian Xinyi Hong has also received a number of academic accolades.  She is a National Merit Finalist, received a gold award for three years in a row on the National Latin Exam, earned the American Chemical Society Award and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. 

In high school, she has served as co-caption of the Science Olympiad team, and treasurer of the Environmental Club. She also sits as first chair viola in the school’s orchestra and also plays the violin. 

In college, Xinyi plans to pursue study in a field related to science. 

Middle school eighth-grader Sabrina Floria is testing her writing skills in entering the New York State Conference of Mayors’ “If I were mayor contest.” Her essay, which is sponsored by Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, will go before a panel of judges in April. The Port Jefferson School District wishes her the best of luck. 

The Port Jefferson Board of Education recognized middle school teacher Christine Carlson with a certificate on March 21. Ms. Carlson, who is also the environmental club advisor, was applauded for her dedication to the middle school and students, the impact she has made on her students and for going above and beyond.

Middle school sixth-grader Farzana Shakeri was recognized by the Port Jefferson Board of Education on March 21 for sharing her knowledge of Dubai with her peers as part of an architectural lesson on the Ottoman Empire. Farzana who recently moved to the area from Dubai, presented photos that helped her fellow students better visualize Dubai’s architecture.

To engage students in their studies of mathematics, the middle school and high school library held an Escape Room challenge, called Leprechaun’s Luck. As part of the activity, 139 students worked in pairs and groups to solve a variety of math problems and other riddles to get their gold back from the leprechaun. To date, nine students have completed the challenge, earning a spot on the winners’ March Mathness Wall of Fame.  

High school senior Eve Milusich has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for dedicating 320 hours of volunteer service to the Save-a-Pet Animal Shelter in Port Jefferson Station.

Eve completed the required volunteer hours over the course of three years. During that time, she helped clean out the cat area and train other volunteers.  

“It’s important to volunteer to engage in the community and help others,” she said.

In addition to volunteering her time, Eve is a member of her school’s Leo Club, president of the Interact Club, vice president of the Gay/Straight Alliance, a member of the Tri-M Music Society and National Honor Society.

Eve plans to attend Scripps College in California in the fall.

The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in the Port Jefferson School District will present “Into the Woods” on Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m.

The musical will be sure to delight audiences with its colorful set, talented actors, actresses and musicians.  

Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 per person or $20 per family and will be available at the door.

Middle school eighth-grader Aaron Held has qualified to compete in the state level of the National Geographic Bee on March 31. He earned the placement after taking a regional online qualifying test and winning first place in his school’s challenge. The Port Jefferson School District extends its congratulations to Aaron Held and wishes him continued success in the competition.