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BELIEFS OF THE PORT JEFFERSON SCHOOLS - OUR ROYAL VISION

Guiding Ideas

OUR CORE BELIEFS

  • A culture of respect, trust, professionalism and high expectations for students, employees and parents is essential to be an optimal learning organization.
  • High expectations promote high achievement and every student is capable of completing high school and experiencing post graduate success in college, careers or equipped to transition directly into the workforce.
  • Every student is capable of learning and achieving individual success and should be provided with significant opportunities to build on their strengths and interests and explore growth options and potential careers.
  • We achieve greater success with students when the adults; share a vision, invest in its attainment, align our work, have input into decisions that affect them and work collaboratively with colleagues, families, other districts, colleges, and businesses.
  • A successful district has strong leadership from all constituent groups.
  • Students and staff must have an appreciation of our district and community’s rich history and understand their importance as a piece of the lasting legacy of Port Jefferson.

 

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS

  • Positive adult-adult, adult-student and student–student relationships foster student success in school.
  • Thoughts, ideas, and disagreements should be expressed in a respectful manner in order to solve problems.
  • Students’ learning increases when they see the purpose and relevance of school.
  • Adult learning is ongoing in successful districts.
  • Barriers to assisting students are removed in successful districts.
  • Passionate and caring adults can have a positive influence on every student’s emotional, social, academic and physical development.
  • Students learn best and employees are most productive in an environment that is safe and secure physically and emotionally.
  • All students must be proficient in using technology as tools for learning and increasing productivity.
  • Successful schools provide well-rounded curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs and every student has the right to equal educational opportunities.

 

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

  • Our budgets must be fiscally responsible using available resources and developed through a transparent process that is sensitive to the needs of internal and external expectations.
  • Our financial transactions and processes must be monitored via an effective system of internal and external controls.
  • Our Facilities Department exists to provide a safe, secure, healthy and enriching environment for students, staff and the community, while enhancing the appearance of our buildings and grounds in the most cost effective, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and productive means of operation.
  • All students must travel to and from school safely everyday.
  • Students are healthier and learn better when they make nutritious food choices.

 

VALUED PARTNERSHIPS

  • Adults display and model ethical behaviors at all times and treat all people with respect.
  • We recruit a highly qualified and diverse workforce and retain and develop that high quality through effective supervision and professional development.
  • All employees must have an understanding of and sensitivity towards the needs of the families and community we serve to be successful.
  • A district that is respectful and welcoming of the diverse members of the community and that integrates everyone into the school culture will achieve greater success with students.
  • Our students’ parents, families and community are invaluable sources of support and assistance whose partnership and participation should be welcomed, encouraged and cultivated.
  • Ongoing communication between teachers and families develops positive relationships and increases student performance.
  • An effective district supports the needs of parents and families by cultivating partnerships with community businesses and agencies.
  • An effective district promotes safe and nurturing environments for students before, during, and after school.
  • A successful district promotes and celebrates its accomplishments.

 

PORT JEFFERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2025-26 GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Exceptional Student Achievement

Student Achievement Goal: Deliver a rigorous, engaging, and inclusive curriculum that supports academic excellence and growth for all students, using data-informed and innovative practices to meet diverse learning needs.

Student Achievement Objectives: In order to move closer to our first goal, we will be pursuing the following Objectives during the 2025-2026 school year:

  1. Objective 1A: Conduct an annual analysis of student achievement using both qualitative and quantitative data from local, state, and national assessments.
  2. Objective 1B: Expand differentiated instruction and offer a range of course options that support academic growth, nurture student interests, and challenge all learners to reach their full potential.
  3. Objective 1C: Integrate innovative learning experiences that build skills in AI literacy, computer science, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, civics, communication, collaboration, and global digital citizenship.

Prudent Fiscal Management

Fiscal Management Goal: Ensure responsible short- and long-term financial planning that supports student and staff needs while staying within fiscal guidelines and community expectations.

Fiscal Management Objectives: In order to move closer to our second goal, we will be pursuing the following Objectives during the 2025-2026 school year::

  1. Objective 2A: Identify cost efficiencies and explore new revenue sources to sustain or expand instructional programs.
  2. Objective 2B: Develop and communicate a fiscally responsible 2026–2027 school budget that reflects the priorities of students, staff, and community members.
  3. Objective 2C: Build a long-term financial model to plan for expenses related to legal matters and the LIPA glide path, ensuring transparency for taxpayers.

School and Community Engagement

School and Community Engagement Goal: Strengthen partnerships and school culture through inclusive systems, transparent communication, and shared decision-making with students, families, staff, and the wider community.

School and Community Engagement Objectives: In order to move closer to our third goal, we will be pursuing the following Objectives during the 2025-2026 school year:

  1. Objective 3A: Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for all students, staff, families, and visitors.
  2. Objective 3B: Facilitate regular meetings with building and departmental leadership teams to gather feedback and inform decisions on school programs and initiatives.
  3. Objective 3C: Implement programs and curricula that promote empathy, cultural awareness, and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives and experiences.
  4. Objective 3D: Create opportunities for all stakeholders to participate meaningfully in school events, planning, and feedback processes.
  5. Objective 3E: Enhance district communication and public relations through strategic use of digital, video, and print platforms to share successes and important information.

Healthy, Safe, & Secure Students and Staff

Promoting Healthy, Safe & Secure Students and Staff Goal: Support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of students and staff by providing a safe, healthy, and responsive learning environment.

Promoting Healthy Students & Staff Objectives: In order to move closer to our fourth goal, we will be pursuing the following objectives during the 2025-2026 school year:

  1. Objective 4A: Regularly review and enhance District, School, and Extracurricular Safety Plans with input from both school-based and district safety committees.
  2. Objective 4B: Enforce a district-wide distraction-free environment in accordance with state guidelines on internet-enabled devices.
  3. Objective 4C: Develop and implement strategies that foster a positive school culture and address the social-emotional needs of students and staff.

MISSION OF THE PORT JEFFERSON SCHOOLS

The mission of the Port Jefferson Union Free School District is to provide a personalized, rigorous education that develops responsible, independent, adaptable life long learners through the acquisition of effective thinking and communication skills, an appreciation of the arts, the proficient use of technology, and a healthy life style in an educational community that promotes integrity and mutual respect.