Fifth-grade art club students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School recently visited the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery at SUNY Stony Brook's Staller Center. Accompanied by their art teacher, Riley Mulligan, the students explored the world of contemporary art as they visited the graduate student thesis art exhibit.

“What an enriching experience for our fifth-grade art club students, remarked Amy Laverty, Principal of Edna Lousie Spear Elementary School. “Activities like the trip to the Zuccaire Gallery inspire our students and provide them with hands-on opportunities to explore their passions and academic interests. It’s truly invaluable to their education, and we hope experiences like this encourage them to nurture their potential.”

During their visit, Karen Levitov, director and curator for the gallery, engaged with students in discussions about the various techniques and inspiration behind the artists' works. The students also participated in several hands-on activities, enriching their understanding of the creative process and their appreciation of contemporary art.

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to provide students with opportunities to explore the arts and expand their creative horizons, and extends its gratitude to Karen Levitov and the gallery team for their warm welcome and facilitation of this incredible experience!

Date Added: 4/18/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School's Guidance Office recently organized and hosted a highly successful college fair, providing students in grades 9 through 11 with invaluable opportunities to explore their higher education options.

The event, held in the school gymnasium, welcomed admissions representatives from over 80 esteemed colleges and universities. The college fair, a staple event in the school's academic calendar, serves as a crucial platform for students to engage with representatives from a diverse array of institutions. By facilitating face-to-face interactions with admissions professionals, students gain firsthand insights into various college programs, campus cultures, and application processes.

We are thrilled to have organized yet another successful college fair for our students, remarked Ms. Kathi Galvin, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s guidance counselor. This event is instrumental in empowering our students to make informed decisions about their future academic pursuits. By connecting them with representatives from such a wide range of colleges, we aim to inspire and guide them towards fulfilling their educational goals.

Throughout the fair, students had the opportunity to explore booths set up by participating colleges, where they could gather information about academic programs, extracurricular activities, financial aid options, and more. Additionally, many students took advantage of the chance to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with the visiting representatives.

The success of the college fair underscores Earl L. Vandermeulen High School's commitment to providing its students with comprehensive support and resources as they navigate the college admissions process. By fostering opportunities for exploration and discovery, the school aims to empower students to pursue their academic aspirations with confidence and enthusiasm.

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Date Added: 4/17/2024

The Port Jefferson School District welcomed over 800 talented music students to participate in the esteemed New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival.

The NYSSMA festival showcased the musical prowess of students from various schools, including Comsewogue, Middle Country, Port Jefferson, Sachem, Smithtown, The Stony Brook School, and Three Village. Under the guidance of dedicated music faculty and student volunteers, participants took center stage to perform for a NYSSMA adjudicator, with each student musician receiving valuable constructive feedback and a score following their performances. It was an enriching experience, one that fostered growth in their craft.

Port Jefferson School District took pride in its role as host, ensuring the seamless execution of the event. Faculty and student volunteers worked tirelessly to guide visitors throughout the building, oversee evaluation rooms, and collaborate closely with state NYSSMA representatives to uphold efficiency.

Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts at Port Jefferson and festival chairperson, expressed his appreciation. “We’re so thankful for the hard work and dedication of all participating student musicians, student volunteers, and our entire Port Jefferson staff,” he said. “They worked together to create a positive and memorable musical experience for music students across Suffolk County.

The NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival served as a testament to the dedication and talent within the Port Jefferson School District and neighboring communities. By providing a platform for musical expression and growth, the event underscored the importance of music education in fostering creativity, discipline, and camaraderie among students.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 4/17/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School welcomed New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who engaged with students and learned about the impactful initiatives of the Port Jefferson Youth Council. As the overseer of the Office of Service and Civic Engagement for the State, the Lt. Governor’s focus on youth empowerment aligns perfectly with the mission of the Youth Council.

The visit from Lieutenant Governor was a tremendous honor for our schools and the Port Jefferson community, said Superintendent Jessica Schmettan. “It provided our students a valuable opportunity to discuss their experiences, ideas, and aspirations directly with a leader who champions youth engagement and civic participation.

The visit—which was initiated by Drew Sora, a dedicated student from Port Jefferson—showcases the power of youth-driven initiatives in the community. Drew's outreach to the Lt. Governor led to this momentous occasion, highlighting the importance of youth voices in shaping policy and community engagement. Upon arrival, the Lt. Governor was greeted by the talented musicians of the Port Jefferson Middle School Chamber Orchestra, setting a welcoming tone for the visit.

Students had the opportunity to share the highlights of their schools and discuss the significant contributions of the Port Jefferson Youth Council (PJYC) to the community. During the engaging discussion, students spoke passionately about the Youth Council's involvement in various aspects of civic life, including initiatives within the Village, the School District, and broader community projects. They also shared insights into current projects and brainstormed ideas for expanding the Youth Council's reach and impact.

The Lt. Governor's visit reaffirmed the importance of youth voices and inspired students to continue their efforts in shaping a brighter future for their communities. By fostering partnerships between government leaders and young change-makers, initiatives such as the Port Jefferson Youth Council pave the way for meaningful civic engagement and positive social change.

Port Jefferson Youth Council attendees:

Drew Sora, PJYC President

Narin Karakurum, PJYC Vice President

Alice Snyder, 11th-grade PJYC Representative

Emily Snyder, 11th grade PJYC Representative

Elizabeth Campo, 10th grade PJYC Representative

Jax Moore, PJYC Treasurer

Victoria Snaden, PJYC Secretary

Iris Park, 9th grade PJYC Representative

Michelle Wu, 12th grade PJYC Representative

Date Added: 4/17/2024

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce the outstanding accomplishments of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School on this year’s National Latin Exam. With over 100,000 participants from all 50 states and 26 counties, the National Latin Exam is one of the nation’s premier Latin assessments, and we are so happy to see our Port Jefferson School District’s students excelling on it.

Proficiency in Latin as demonstrated on the exam merits one of 4 designations, Summa Cum Laude, which is awarded to students who scored the highest on the exam; Maxima Cum Laude, which is an award to students with the second-highest score; Magna Cum Laude, which is awarded to a student who surpasses the international core average by a significant margin; and Cum Laude, which is awarded to students who score above the national average.

“We are immensely proud of the exceptional achievements our students have attained in this year’s National Latin Exam,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools. “Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for showing us that hard work and determination truly pay off. We look forward to celebrating many more accomplishments in the future as our students continue to excel academically and beyond.”

To commemorate their success, winners of the Summa Cum Laude designation received a gold medal, winners of the Maxima Cum Laude designation received a silver medal, and the winners of the Magna Laude and the Cum Laude designations received certificates.

Port Jefferson Middle School:
Clara Pearce - Summa Cum Laude
Sam Perez-Flesler - Summa Cum Laude
Ollie Rhame - Cum Laude

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School:
Narin Karakurum - Maxima Cum Laude
Kevin Hong - Magna Cum Laude
Kristina Shterengas - Cum Laude
Madison Testa - Cum Laude
Alice Snyder - Summa Cum Laude
Emily Snyder - Magna Cum Laude
Andi Kelly - Cum Laude
Eric Chen - Cum Laude

The success of our students in the National Latin Exam is a testament also to the dedication of our educators and the supportive community within the Port Jefferson School District. We extend our gratitude to the teachers, parents, and community members who have played a vital role in nurturing a love for learning and fostering an environment where students can thrive. Together, we celebrate this momentous achievement and look forward to continued success in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Date Added: 4/15/2024