Port Jefferson School District

John Ruggero
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School
Principal - HS DASA Coordinator
jruggero@portjeffschools.org
631-791-4400 

Principal’s Message

I am truly excited to welcome you to Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, a place rooted in tradition, committed to excellence, and dedicated to providing every student with a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment. At ELVHS, students are more than members of a school—they are an essential part of a close-knit community where individual contributions help shape our shared success. The pride, respect, and effort our students bring each day are reflected in the positive culture we all experience.

At Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, opportunities are abundant. We offer a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, STEM pathways, and diverse elective options designed to challenge students academically while allowing them to explore their interests and talents. In addition, our robust athletic program and extracurricular offerings promote teamwork, leadership, school spirit, and personal growth. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through clubs and activities, there is truly something here for every student.

We are proud to have been recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, an honor that reflects the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. This recognition affirms our commitment to academic excellence while maintaining a focus on a personalized educational experience, ensuring that every student is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

As we move through the school year, we share a collective responsibility to contribute positively, to support one another, and to make choices that strengthen our school community. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is known for its sense of unity, where students and staff work together to create an environment built on respect, growth, and achievement. Together, we will celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and build meaningful connections that last well beyond graduation.

We honor the legacy of those who came before us while continuing to build a school that is better because we were part of it. I am deeply grateful for our students, faculty, staff, and families, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Thank you for being part of the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School community. I am excited for the year ahead and confident it will be one filled with connection, growth, and success.

Warm regards,

John Ruggero
Principal
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School