Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s varsity club brought Halloween spirit and community together by hosting its annual drive-thru trick-or-treat event at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School.

Club members, joined by enthusiastic elementary and middle school staff, decorated a series of colorful and creatively themed tables for elementary students to visit and collect sweet treats. The event has become a beloved fall tradition, offering younger students a safe and festive way to celebrate Halloween while fostering school-wide connections.

Senior student Gianna Viviano shared her excitement, “This is one of my favorite events of the year! I’ve done it since freshman year, and seeing everyone be super creative with how they're decorating and getting more and more involved every year is awesome. This year, my group did The Lorax! We each picked a different character and decorated our table with DIY truffula trees, Dr. Seuss books, and a ginormous mustache.”

Fellow senior Julia Lima De Oliveira Gomes echoed that sentiment, “I think that our drive-thru trick or treat event is a good experience and opportunity for the high school kids to get involved with our elementary school. The kids look forward to it, and it’s nice to see kids coming back every year. I've done it since freshman year, and I think it's something we all look forward to and a tradition that is a staple of Varsity Club!”

The drive-thru trick-or-treat event is one of many ways the varsity club promoDate Added: 11/10/2025 tes community spirit and leadership among students. Organizers expressed pride in seeing high school students work together to create a memorable experience for the district’s youngest learners.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page. Click here for the Port Jefferson Facebook page.

 

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Varsity Club Hosts Annual Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Event slideshow.

Date Added: 11/10/2025

 

 

 

Port Jefferson Middle School celebrated the academic excellence, leadership, and service of its students during the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Induction Ceremony, which was held in the school’s auditorium. The event marked a momentous occasion, as new members were formally welcomed into the organization.

The evening began with a processional performance of “Colors of Home,” composed by Alan Lee Silva, with beautiful piano accompaniment by Michelina Passamenti, setting a reflective and inspiring tone for the ceremony. Principal Brian Walker offered a warm welcome message, commending the inductees for their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship—the five pillars of the National Junior Honor Society.

The centerpiece of the evening, a candle lighting ceremony, was led by NJHS Advisor Kerri Neligon, alongside NJHS President Kieran Brown and officers Rahym Khan, Austin Nam, and Olivia Viviano. Each candle represented one of the five tenets of NJHS, symbolizing the guiding principles that define the organization’s mission.

Following the candle lighting, Principal Walker conducted the roll call of inductees, recognizing each student for their academic achievements and dedication to the school community. Dr. Neidig, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, delivered congratulatory remarks, encouraging the new inductees to continue striving for excellence and using their talents to make a positive difference.

Ms. Neligon led the students in the administration of the NJHS pledge, signifying their induction. The event concluded with a recessional, marking both an ending and a new beginning for the honorees.

Port Jefferson School District proudly welcomed back Sara Phoebe Miller, a 2009 graduate of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, who recently celebrated the publication of her debut graphic novel, You Belong Here, with First Second, an imprint of Mac Millan! She graciously took a brief detour from her life in Los Angeles and her cross-country book tour, Sara returned to her alma mater and hometown to host a series of informal Writers’ Workshops for middle and high school students.

Although she had prepared to share lessons on creative writing and storytelling, the workshops quickly transformed into lively Q&A sessions. Students eagerly asked Sara about her journey—from studying at Barnard College to her 13+ year career in the publishing industry in New York and Los Angeles, where she worked as an Editor, Talent Development Manager, and now Editorial Director at acclaimed publishing houses including DC Comics, Vertigo, and BOOM! Studios.

Sara spoke candidly about her winding path to becoming an author and the insight she gained from years of working behind the scenes as an editor. She reminded students that the creative process is often imperfect, emphasizing the importance of patience, collaboration, and continual learning.

“It was such a special, full-circle moment to return to PJHS to celebrate my debut graphic novel, You Belong Here, with the students and faculty. You Belong Here is a love letter to Long Island (especially Port Jeff) and an exploration of the ways your hometown shapes who you are and who you choose to become,” said Sara Phoebe Miller. “ PJHS certainly shaped who I am and I know now how much it helped nurture my creative ambitions. Getting to share all of that with the students meant the world to me. I'm so grateful to Eva Grasso (my former English teacher!) for coordinating the event and giving me the Royal treatment! It was great to be home.”

What made the visit especially memorable was the students’ genuine enthusiasm. Even after the bell rang, many lingered to ask follow-up questions, seeking advice and encouragement for their own writing and creative ambitions. The exchange felt less like a typical author visit and more like a Royal-to-Royal connection, a reminder of the powerful ties that unite Port Jefferson alumni and current students. Sara’s former teachers were equally delighted to welcome her back and celebrate the success of one of their own. Her visit served as an inspiring reminder that while Port Jefferson may be a small community, its impact and the accomplishments of its graduates extend far beyond its borders.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson Alumna and Published Author Sara Miller Inspires Students During Return Visit slideshow.

Date Added: 11/4/2025

 

Port Jefferson School District announced that Robert Farenga, an innovative educator at Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School was awarded the 2025 Fred Podolski Leadership and Innovation in Technology Most Innovative Use of Technology Award at the Long Island Technology and Education (LI LITE) Summit.

This award recognizes school staff who demonstrate a creative, unique, and resourceful use of technology in the classroom, positively impacting student achievement, school culture, and the broader community. Mr. Farenga’s dedication to integrating technology in meaningful ways has set a high standard for educational innovation.

Through Mr. Farenga’s leadership in the district’s technology-driven initiatives, he has been instrumental in pioneering a variety of K–12 programs, including Drones, Esports, and Digital Learning, among others. He is a passionate advocate for blending traditional pedagogy with modern technological tools, Mr. Farenga consistently inspires both students and colleagues to embrace creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in the digital era. His visionary leadership in STEAM education continues to equip students with vital 21st-century skills, nurturing their curiosity, confidence, and readiness to excel in emerging fields.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Robert Farenga’s innovative spirit and dedication to student success,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools, “His work exemplifies the positive impact that creative technology integration can have on learning and community engagement.”

Mr. Farenga was honored on Friday, October 24, 2025, during the Long Island Technology Summit, sponsored by Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Nassau BOCES, and Western Suffolk BOCES, in partnership with NYSCATE.

Please click this link to view the 2025 Fred Podolski Most Innovative Use of Technology Award video.

Students from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Mrs. Nelson’s Sport Event Management class and Mrs. Moran’s Sports Marketing class had the exciting opportunity to attend the New York Jets Sports Business Day at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2025.

This special event gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the business side of professional sports, combining classroom learning with real-world experiences in one of the NFL’s most dynamic venues.

As part of Sports Business Day, students participated in:

* Stadium Tours: A rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes at MetLife Stadium, including visits to the locker room, corporate suites, press boxes, and even the field.

* Career Talks: Presentations from Jets staff members representing departments such as sales, partnerships, and marketing, who shared insights into their daily responsibilities and career paths.

* Networking and Career Advice: Students gained valuable advice on breaking into the professional sports industry, with an emphasis on the importance of internships, networking, and developing strong communication skills.

Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Moran emphasized how experiences like these help students connect their coursework to future career opportunities. “It’s one thing to learn about sports management and marketing in the classroom,” said Mrs. Moran. “But seeing it in action at a major stadium really brings those lessons to life.”

The trip to MetLife Stadium offered students a firsthand understanding of what it takes to succeed in the sports business world and inspired many to explore future careers in the field.

 

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Students Explore Careers in Sports at NY Jets Sports Business Day slideshow.

 

Date Added: 11/3/2025