Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan on the “Pressroom Afterhours” podcast.

Port Jefferson School District Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan recently appeared on The Times Beacon Record podcast Pressroom Afterhours. During the episode, Superintendent Schmettan provided an in-depth report on recent settlements related to the Child Victims Act (C.V.A.) and the ongoing financial impact on school districts statewide.

Ms. Schmettan explained that, unlike organizations such as the Archdiocese or the Boy Scouts, school districts cannot declare bankruptcy when facing settlements. Instead, they are required to pay the full amount, placing the burden on taxpayers. Port Jefferson settled seven cases for a total of $16.5 million—an amount lower than some other districts, which have been ordered to pay up to $25 million for a single case. Schmettan discussed how the District is working to pay off the remaining $11.5 million without raising taxes or cutting programs.

“We are focusing on championing our community right now,” said Superintendent Schmettan. “How can the state help us and other neighboring school districts that are facing similar types of cases? We’ve asked the community to start writing letters, speaking to local state representatives, to look for some types of solutions.”

Superintendent Schmettan laid out five potential solutions to the statewide issue, including a partial reimbursement plan in which districts would receive a percentage of money back for every dollar put toward C.V.A. settlements. She also suggested raising the tax cap, creating a C.V.A. superfund to provide districts with additional state aid, opening a window to the liquidation bureau, and allowing districts to use reserve funds for C.V.A.-related payments.

The Pressroom Afterhours podcast is available on Spotify, with the C.V.A. discussion beginning at the 28:36 mark in the episode titled “Superintendent Schmettan Speaks on CVA Settlement.”

Port Jefferson Students took part in S.C.M.E.A All-County Music Festivals.

Port Jefferson Students took part in S.C.M.E.A All-County Music Festivals.

Port Jefferson Students took part in S.C.M.E.A All-County Music Festivals.

Port Jefferson Students took part in S.C.M.E.A All-County Music Festivals.

Port Jefferson Students took part in S.C.M.E.A All-County Music Festivals.

Port Jefferson Schools recently had 36 students from grades five through ten participate in the SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association) festival, performing in either band, chorus, or orchestra.

The SCMEA Division One East All-County Festival, hosted in Port Jefferson, included fifth and sixth graders Talia Affronti, Ryker Cerar, Oliver Chesler, Laila D' Andrea, Liliana DiSanza, Aiden Frangis, Parker Hutchinson, Aiza Kahn, Margad Kasten, Ava Murdocco, Edmund Nida, Ethan Park, Vincent Pryor, Ryan Roscoe, Scarlett Russo, Addison Schmettan, Leah Thone, Madison Villagracia, Maya von Oiste, and Blake Welischar. In Division Two, seventh and eighth graders Seyanna Cerar, Kai Gronenthal, Patrick Hutchinson, Tatum Lastra, Caden Litman, Klea Mehmeti, Austin Nam, Luke Peterson, Maxwell Quartararo, Sebastian Salzman, and Leilani von Oiste were selected. Division Three featured ninth and tenth graders Allie Blumenthal, Avery Eisaman, Nicholas Hogan, Joshua Kwon, and Ava Sexton.

Additionally, Port Jefferson Middle and Vandermeulen High School music teacher Ms. Christine Creighton was invited as a guest conductor. Spear Elementary School music teacher, Ms. Laurel Zimlinghaus served as a festival chairperson for this year's v SCMEA festival.

“Here at Port Jefferson schools we pride ourselves in our incredible music and fine arts programs,” said Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan. “I would like to congratulate all of our students that represented the district at the SCMEA All-County Festival on a job well done!”

SCMEA consists of professional music educators and advocates of music education throughout Suffolk County that sponsors and organizes numerous All County Music Festivals (Band, Orchestra and Chorus) each year for students in grades five through ten.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, of the Port Jefferson School District, recently hosted the SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association) Division One East All-County Festival. On March 1, 7, and 8, more than 400 Suffolk County music students in grades 5 and 6 participated in the festival, performing in either band, chorus, or orchestra.

For the SCMEA Division One East All County Festival, Port Jefferson music faculty and student volunteers from the Tri-M Music Honor Society assisted with rehearsals, auditions, ticket and food sales, and guiding visitors through the building.

“We congratulate the Port Jeff students, music teachers, custodial, and security staff for helping to create a memorable music experience for so many of our county musicians and teachers,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, the district’s director of music and fine arts.

SCMEA consists of professional music educators and advocates of music education throughout Suffolk County that sponsors and organizes numerous All County Music Festivals (Band, Orchestra and Chorus) each year for students in grades five through ten.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Senior Kyle Martin, organizer of the District’s St. Baldrick’s event.

The Port Jefferson School District hosted their annual St. Baldrick’s event to raise money for childhood cancer research on March 17. Elementary, middle, and high school students, staff, and community members had their heads shaved by volunteer hairdressers from the Long Island Beauty School in solidarity with cancer patients as a symbol of support and a way to help raise critical funds. Participants raised more than $22,000 for the cause, a new school record.

The event was organized by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School senior Kyle Martin, a childhood survivor of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Kyle spent most of second grade in treatment at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital. His appreciation for the organizations that helped him and his family during this rough time inspired him to give back to others battling cancer. March 17 marked 10 years cancer-free for Martin.

"Port Jefferson is an incredibly tight-knit community that always comes together to support one another," said Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal John Ruggero. "Seeing everybody shaving their heads in solidarity is truly inspiring. Today’s St. Baldrick’s event was yet another example of the generosity and compassion that make me so proud of our school community."