Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School recently completed their observation of Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The week-long event included daily announcements, student pledges, and community-building activities that engaged both students and faculty in making a lasting commitment to staying drug-free.

Throughout the week, students participated in daily announcements designed to encourage reflection on healthy choices and the consequences of drug use. The announcements served as a reminder to students of their individual power to create positive change in their lives. Students also took part in a pledge ceremony where they publicly committed to living drug-free, promising to make healthy decisions for their futures.

A dedicated table was set up in the school’s cafeteria, where students could learn more about Red Ribbon Week and sign their pledge. Each signed pledge was displayed on the school’s banner with the message, “Together we stand hand in hand, pledge against drugs.” Additionally, student-created artwork and posters promoting drug-free living were displayed throughout the school to reinforce the message of health and wellness. One of the highlights of the week was when the middle school students took a pledge to remain drug-free and “planted a promise.” They planted their pledges, along with red and purple tulip bulbs. In the spring, they will see their planting bloom into a beautiful tulip garden as a reminder of the pledges that the students made.

The week’s events sparked meaningful conversations among students, and many expressed how the experience helped them reaffirm their commitment to living a drug-free life.

Red Ribbon Week was a powerful reminder of the importance of making healthy, informed choices and standing together as a community to fight against drug use. By engaging students in conversations and activities centered around positive decision-making, the school continues to foster an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Observe Red Ribbon Week 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 11/13/2024

The Drama Club at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School had the amazing opportunity recently to attend a performance of the acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, a heartwarming production that has captivated audiences with its story and music. After the performance, the students were invited to participate in an exclusive “talk back” session with the cast and producer. Students were accompanied by their dedicated drama teacher, Mr. Tony Butera, and physical education teacher, Ms. Dinarae Camarda who helped chaperone, for an unforgettable experience that combined live theater with invaluable industry insights.

At the talk-back sessions, students were able to ask questions directly to the actors and creative team, learning firsthand about their craft, the journey to Broadway, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing a show to life on one of the world's most prestigious stages.

The event provided an engaging educational experience for students, who had the chance to gain inspiration and knowledge from professionals at the top of their field. The talk-back session covered a wide range of topics, including acting techniques, career paths, and the creative process behind the production. The students’ enthusiasm and insightful questions were met with generous responses, sparking meaningful conversations that bridged the gap between classroom learning and the professional theater world.

“We are so grateful to the cast and crew of Maybe Happy Ending for giving our students this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Mr. Tony Butera, Drama Club advisor. “It’s not every day that our students get to interact with Broadway professionals, and I know this experience will have a lasting impact on their passion for theater and their future aspirations.”

Ms. Dinarae Camarda, who also accompanied the students, echoed Mr. Butera’s sentiments. “This experience was truly inspiring,” she said. “It’s so important for our students to see the hard work and dedication that goes into a Broadway production, and even more valuable to hear directly from those who have made it to this level in their careers.”

The Drama Club students left the event filled with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the arts, eager to apply the insights they gained to their work on stage. For many of the students, this experience reaffirmed their passion for theater and set them on a path to pursue their own artistic dreams. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Drama Club has long been committed to providing its students with opportunities to explore and develop their talents in the performing arts. This visit to Broadway is just one example of the school’s dedication to enriching students’ educational experiences and fostering a love for the arts.

 

 

Date Added: 11/12/2024

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School is thrilled to announce that Nora Boecherer has been selected as one of the top 12 winners in this year’s Every Child Reads Contest, an initiative promoting the vital link between reading and health. The announcement was made by Amany Messieha Dgheim, President of the New York State PTA, on behalf of Fidelis Care and the NYS PTA.

As recognition for her achievement, Nora received a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. In addition, the NYS PTA invited her and a parent to attend the Celebration of Literacy Dinner at the NYS PTA Annual Convention in Saratoga on Friday, November 15. For those unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream option available to join in the celebration.

“We are incredibly proud of Nora and her achievement,” said Amy Laverty, Principal of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. “Her passion for reading and ability to communicate its significance is inspiring to her peers and our entire school community.”

The Every Child Reads initiative emphasizes the integral role that reading plays in fostering health and wellness in children and their families. The initiative encourages students to explore the joys and benefits of reading, aiming to instill a lifelong love for literature.

 

Date Added: 11/8/2024

Two science educators from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, Amanda Perovich and Melissa Garcia, recently took part in the highly anticipated Science Education Day at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), an event designed to provide K-12 educators with cutting-edge scientific research and teaching strategies.

The event, which took place on November 5, 2024, brought together science teachers from across the region for a professional development workshop focused on incorporating current research topics into classroom curricula. This year’s theme celebrated the 10th anniversary of the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), a state-of-the-art facility at BNL that has revolutionized materials science research.

During the workshop, educators such as Perovich and Garcia engaged in a series of hands-on activities focused on Physical Science, learning about the physics behind NSLS-II and exploring topics such as properties of matter, types of light, and accelerator science. Teachers were shown how these complex concepts can be effectively communicated to students at various grade levels, from elementary through high school.

“It was a great day to nerd out and focus on science and all the amazing research being done at this facility and to also work on how to apply it in our classrooms,” said Ms. Perovich. “Seeing a large NSLS-II in action and exploring nanoparticles is something you would think you would only see on the set of The Big Bang Theory, to explore it in real life was a dream come true!”

In addition to the hands-on labs, participants also learned about opportunities to collaborate with BNL and integrate its resources into their teaching. BNL staff provided valuable insights on how to bring real-world scientific applications into the classroom, helping teachers engage their students in the wonders of physical science. For Perovich and Garcia, the event highlighted the importance of connecting classroom learning with cutting-edge research to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Max Quartararo, a violist in the eighth grade at Port Jefferson Middle School, was awarded a grand prize of $250 in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York (MYO) 2024-2025 design contest. Max’s winning design will be showcased on the official MYO season t-shirt which will be worn by over 800 members, faculty, board, and staff, making it a significant part of the musical community.

Max, who performs with the MYO Youth Orchestra and the 7/8 Orchestra under the guidance of Dr. Vanessa Salzman, has demonstrated remarkable creativity and talent through his design. His work was expertly edited for optimal t-shirt printing and will also be featured on the front page of the MYO Suffolk digital concert program for concerts at the Staller Center.

 

Date Added: 11/6/2024