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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Excels at Science Olympiad State Competition

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The spirit of scientific inquiry and academic excellence shone brightly as Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Science Olympiad team participated in the Science Olympiad State Competition at Le Moyne College. Led by dedicated coaches Amanda Perovich and Melissa Garcia, along with additional chaperones Gregory Gorniok and Dannie Holland, the team showcased their exceptional talents and passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Comprising 17 students on the A team, the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Science Olympiad team demonstrated outstanding teamwork, determination, and mastery of scientific concepts throughout the competition. Facing stiff competition from 60 teams representing schools from across New York State, the team rose to the challenge and secured an impressive 18th place overall.

The Science Olympiad State Competition featured 23 events covering a wide range of STEM and science-related topics, providing students with a platform to test their knowledge, problem-solving skills, and creativity. The high school students distinguished themselves by earning two state medals in Ecology and Optics, showcasing their expertise and dedication in these disciplines.

The high school team narrowly missed out on two additional medals in Geological Mapping and Disease Detectives, highlighting their remarkable performance and competitive spirit. Principal John Ruggero expressed his pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Science Olympiad Team’s success at the state competition is a testament to their hard work, commitment, and passion for science. I commend our students for their outstanding performance and extend my gratitude to our coaches and chaperones for their support and guidance.”

In addition to celebrating their own accomplishments, the students of Earl L. Vandermeuelen High School extend their congratulations to their fellow competitors from Long Island, Syosset High School and Ward Melville High School, on their success at the state competition. They wish them the best of luck as they prepare for the national competition, representing New York State with pride.

Medal winners:

10th place Ecology: Alice Snyder and Nicholas Smirnov

9th place Optics: Emily Snyder and Devon Welsch

Date Added: 3/28/2024

Athletic Summer Camps Information and Registration

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Date Added: 3/26/2024

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Student Selected to Become Delegates of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce that Lia Donohue has been selected to be a part of the prestigious Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a verified honors-only program for high school students dedicated to serving humanity through medicine. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders provides a unique opportunity for students, such as Lia to be guided by some of the greatest minds in medicine. Congress mentor speakers include Nobel Prize winners, award-winning young inventors and scientists, leaders in medicine, medical futurists, and prominent medical school deans.

During the congress, Lia will have the incredible opportunity to watch a live surgery broadcast and engage in real-time discussions with the surgeon and moderator. This hands-on experience will undoubtedly inspire and motivate Lia as she pursues her passion for medicine. Delegates of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders are carefully selected by teachers and other educational avenues. The application process includes GPA verification, ensuring that academically superior high school students are recognized for their dedication, talent, and leadership potential in the field of medicine.

In addition to the invaluable experience gained at the congress, Lia will also have the opportunity to earn three college credits upon the completion of additional coursework. This recognition highlights Lia's commitment to academic excellence and her promising future in the medical field. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School congratulates Lia Donohue on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to witnessing her continued success in the world of medicine.

Date Added: 3/25/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School Host St. Baldrick’s Assembly, Raise Over $6,500 to Combat Childhood Cancer

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School came together for a memorable St. Baldrick’s assembly, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the fight against childhood cancer. With the collective efforts of students, teachers, and community members, the event raised over $6,500 in donations.

The assembly was a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, made particularly poignant with the presence of one Port Jefferson’s student who is a courageous cancer survivor. Their inspiring story served as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the importance of supporting research and initiatives to conquer pediatric cancer.

In a show of unity and support, Long Island Beauty School students volunteered their skills to adorn participants with vibrant green hair extensions, adding a colorful flair to the event. Additionally, selected students and staff members demonstrated their solidarity by shaving their heads, symbolizing their dedication to the cause. The funds raised during the assembly will be directed toward the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.

Among the “shavees was Jonathan Maletta, AP science teacher and STEM advisor, who played a pivotal role in raising funds to support research efforts aimed at combating children’s cancer. Mr. Maletta’s dedication extended beyond fundraising, as he also managed a series of advanced education programs, enabling students to participate in STEM/STEAM enrichment programs at Stony Brook University.

One such program, titled Cancer Biology-Exploring if Phytochemicals Can Inhibit Cancer Cell Viability and Growth, provided Port Jefferson school students with a unique opportunity to work with isolated lung cancer tissue under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Moloney, Ph.D. This hands-on experience allowed students to delve into the complexities of cancer research and contribute to ongoing efforts to find effective treatments.

Date Added: 3/25/2024

Board of Education Meeting Notice

The regular monthly business meeting of the Port Jefferson School District Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM, at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School LGR. Call to order will be 6:30 PM for the purpose of entering executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters.

A work session of the Port Jefferson School District Board of Education will be held on April 30, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School LGR for the presentation of the final draft of the 2024-2025 school budget. Call to order will be 6:00 PM for the purpose of entering executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters.

Public Meetings are livestreamed and can be accessed as follows: go to the District website at www.portjeffschools.org; click on BOE tab and click on BOE Meeting Livestream. Meeting agendas are available on the District’s website the day prior to the meeting.

A special meeting of the Port Jefferson School District Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Time TBD, to vote on the 2024-2025 Eastern Suffolk BOCES Administrative Budget and Board Election.