The Port Jefferson Robotics Team has emerged as a beacon of excellence at the 2024 Long Island Robotics Regional Competition, which was held at Hofstra University. Out of the 49 teams that participated in this international event, Port Jefferson was chosen for one of the most esteemed accolades: the Gracious Professionalism Award.

“One of the most rewarding parts of being a robotics coach is that you get to see the students take everything they have learned in school and life over the years, challenge themselves with real-world challenges, and come together as a team to develop a solution,” said Brian Chalmers, a Technology and Engineering teacher at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School. “Our team is a well-rehearsed, intentional, talented, and cohesive team of student engineers, I am so proud that they received the Gracious Professionalism Award.”

The Gracious Professionalism Award, one of only 14 awards given out, celebrates teams that exemplify the core values of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), including continuous gracious professionalism, collaboration both on and off the field, fairness, humility, positivity, and respect.

Port Jefferson Robotics Team distinguished themselves through their remarkable demonstration of these principles. Their commitment to cooperation, resource sharing, and fostering connections mirrors the spirit of FIRST. The Robotics Team will be demonstrating the team’s robot at the Long Island Maker Faire on June 8, 2024, in downtown Port Jefferson.

Love on a Leash, a renowned therapy dog organization dedicated to spreading love and comfort visits the Port Jefferson School District every two weeks. Adorable dogs and their devoted handlers visit Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, Port Jefferson Middle School, and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s classrooms for an hour of furry companionship and heartwarming interactions.

“We are thrilled to have Love on a Leash visit our students,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools. “The furry friends have a special way of brightening spirits and bringing smiles to everyone. We believe that these visits not only provide a fun and memorable experience but also promote a positive environment.”

The initiative aims to provide students with a therapeutic outlet and promote emotional well-being within the school community. Students can sign up for sessions with the therapy dogs to engage in activities such as petting, snuggling, and receiving affection. The presence of therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness among students, contributing to a more supportive and nurturing learning environment.

Date Added: 5/2/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce Eric Chen as the valedictorian and Michelle Wu as the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2024. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to their school community.

Valedictorian Eric Chenhas exemplified excellence in academics and extracurricular activities throughout his high school career. Eric will graduate having completed an impressive 15 Advanced Placement (AP) classes, achieving mostly fives and fours on the 9 exams. His commitment to academic rigor is further evidenced by his recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and his designation as a Presidential Scholar by the United States Department of Education. Additionally, Eric's involvement in various clubs and organizations such as Science Olympiad, Mathletes, and Chess Club, showcases his multifaceted talents and interests. Notably, he has won multiple awards at both regional and state levels, including 2nd place in Disease Detectives and 4th place in Chemistry Lab at the recent Science Olympiad competition. Eric’s passion for academics and extracurriculars extends beyond the school walls, as he also works at his family’s restaurant. In the fall, Eric will continue his academic journey at Rice University, where he will pursue studies in Bioengineering.

Salutatorian Michelle Wu distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar and leader within the school community. Michelle will graduate having completed 14 AP courses, with all fours and fives on the 10 exams taken thus far, earning her the title of AP Scholar with Distinction. Her involvement in a wide array of clubs and organizations—including Student Organization, Interact, and Latin Club—demonstrates her commitment to service and leadership. Michelle's achievements extend beyond academics, as she has excelled in athletics, participating in varsity swim and tennis teams. Her dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work teaching children to swim at the Three Village Swim Club. Michelle’s academic prowess has garnered her recognition as a National Merit Finalist and recipient of the Suffolk County Zone Physical Education/Health Leadership Award and the NYS Academic Excellence Award. In the fall, Michelle will attend Harvard University to pursue studies in economics and law.

Both Eric Chen and Michelle Wu embody the spirit of academic excellence, leadership, and service that Earl L. Vandermeulen High School strives to instill in all its students. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the exceptional quality of education provided by the school.

Date Added: 5/2/2024

The PTSA is hosting the Meet the Candidates event on Wednesday, May 8th @ 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Auditorium and will also be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4279319 Please use the Google form to ask questions.

Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcOUeenaTB9TWqYRpcyo-tROKIe_Mp5B8D7sr7JHhSPOXM3A/viewform

Candidate Biographies
Traci Donnelly
Michael Weaver
Tracy Zamek

Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School hosted a successful Inclusivity Event aimed at promoting understanding and empathy within the school community. Organized by the support staff at both schools and in collaboration with high school volunteers and SEPTA, the event proved to be an enriching experience for all involved.

The Inclusivity Event, generously supported by a grant from the Royal Educational Foundation, was designed to develop an understanding of individuals with various disabilities and foster inclusivity throughout the school community. During the event, the middle school students engaged in a series of activities meticulously crafted to simulate the challenges faced by individuals with diverse needs, including those related to vision, hearing, motor skills, and learning.

Dr. Jodi Cahill, Director of Special Education expressed her gratitude to all involved: “We are incredibly thankful for the support from the Royal Educational Foundation and the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and SEPTA members. Special thanks to the staff from the special education department, high school psychologist, Ms. Kristen Wendel, and speech teacher, Ms. Stacia Schoen for spearheading this initiative and working tirelessly to make it all possible. This event has been instrumental in fostering a culture of empathy and understanding with our school community, and we look forward to building upon this foundation in the future.

With the support of the grant, schools were able to procure the necessary supplies and resources to ensure the success of the event. Activities were carefully curated to provide students and teachers with an immersive experience, allowing them to learn about and emphasize the daily challenges encountered by individuals with diverse needs in a classroom setting.

The event facilitators, comprised of staff, high school volunteers, and SEPTA members, guided participants through each activity, offering insights into how they relate to different needs. These activities were complemented by informative discussions, fostering empathetic dialogues and promoting inclusive mindsets among students and staff alike.

Date Added: 5/1/2024