Students from Ms. Costanzo's class at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School have demonstrated remarkable compassion and community spirit by collecting over 300 pairs of lightly worn shoes and socks to support Haitian refugees and communities in the Dominican Republic. The donation drive was organized in collaboration with Stony Brook Christian Assembly of God and the non-for-profit, True Love Missions aimed to provide much-needed footwear to those in need across borders.

Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact and guided by Ms. Costanzo, their teacher, the students enthusiastically participated in gathering donations from their families, friends, and local community members. The initiative not only encouraged generosity but also fostered a sense of global awareness and responsibility among the young students.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and the empathy they have shown throughout this project, said Amy Laverty, Principal of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. Their effort goes beyond collecting shoes; it signifies their understanding of global issues and willingness to take action to make a positive difference.

The collected shoes and socks were distributed through Stony Brook Christian Assembly of God, which has been actively involved in relief efforts for Haitian refugees and communities in the Dominican Republic. This collaboration ensures that the donations will directly benefit those who need them the most, providing comfort and support during challenging times.

Ms. Costanzo expressed her gratitude for the support shown by the school community and emphasized the valuable lessons learned through this experience. This project has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about empathy, teamwork, and the impact of small actions on a global scale. I am incredibly proud of every one of them, she said.

Date Added: 7/11/2024

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School recently hosted its highly anticipated annual field day, uniting elementary students and the BOCES program in a day filled with camaraderie, sportsmanship and inclusive activities.

Divided into three spirit teams—green, blue, and red—students eagerly participated in a variety of engaging events designed to promote teamwork and inclusivity. One of the highlights of this year’s event was the rotation of classes at each station, allowing students to interact and collaborate with peers from different classes. This approach encouraged new friendships and fostered a sense of community among the young participants.

Led by the enthusiastic coordination of physical education teachers Mr. Rowett, Mr. Bajus, and Mrs. Schachner, along with support from the Varsity club and dedicated parent volunteers, the event featured a wide range of enjoyable activities. From classic competitions like tug of war and sprints to creative challenges such as water cannon and “wet, wet, dry” (a water-themed twist on duck, duck, goose), students enthusiastically embraced each activity with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

In addition, fifth graders enjoyed their own unique field day experience, engaging in friendly competition within their classes. The day was not only about physical prowess but also about teamwork, leadership, and the joy of participating in healthy, outdoor activities. As Edna Louise Spear Elementary School looks forward to a summer break filled with memories of field day, the school remains committed to nurturing an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, encouraging them to excel both academically and socially.

Date Added: 6/24/2024

Students in room 411 at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School have showcased their exceptional creativity and learning with the culmination of their latest writing unit, Bringing History to Life. The event held recently at the school, saw students transform into newscasters and present topics related to the American Revolution in the style of a news episode on the Bringing History to Life Network.

Students embarked on this enriching journey by selecting topics about the American Revolution and formulating guiding questions to direct their research. Through deep immersion in various genres—including fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction—they developed a comprehensive understanding of their chosen subjects. Integrating lessons from throughout the year in expository writing, narrative writing, text features, and text features, students authored their books on their topics.

“Parents were invited and wowed by the depth of knowledge and creativity displayed by our students,” remarked Michelle Smith, Edna Louise Spear Elementary School teacher. “The students truly embraced their roles as newscaster, delivering their findings with enthusiasm and expertise.”

The Bringing History to Life writing unit enhanced students’ research and writing skills and fostered a deeper appreciation for history and storytelling. It provided a platform for their students to showcase their learning in a meaningful and engaging manner, demonstrating their ability to weave together factual information with narrative elements.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the students in Room 411,” said Amy Laverty, Principal of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. “The presentation was a testament to their growth as learners and communicators.”

The success of the Bringing History to Life unit underscores Edna Louise Spear Elementary School's commitment to providing innovative and rigorous educational experiences that inspire creativity and academic achievement.

Date Added: 6/21/2024

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School is proud to announce that one of its esteemed educators, Tony Butera, is currently captivating audiences in a rollicking production of The Producers at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson. Mr. Butera, a dedicated elementary teacher at Port Jefferson since 1996, is showcasing his talents in this uproarious performance of a timeless Mel Brooks classic, portraying one of the lead roles with finesse and comedic brilliance.

The Producers, a comedic masterpiece by Mel Brooks, has garnered widespread acclaim for decades and received 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Guaranteed to tickle the funny bones of audience members, The Producers famously pushes the boundaries of humor in the most entertaining way possible.

The opportunity to participate in The Producers has been a terrific experience, said Mr. Butera. I am thrilled to help bring this hilarious and beloved musical to life alongside this extremely talented cast and crew. It's a joy to work in such a collaborative environment and share the stage with these creative professionals!”

Mr. Butera’s performance exemplifies his versatility and passion for the performing arts. Known for his dedication to his students at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School and as Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Drama Club advisor, he seamlessly transitions from the classroom to the stage, embodying the zany characters and outrageous humor that define this iconic production.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools