Left to right: Athletic Director Adam Sherrard, ninth graders Sam Fabian and Leana Tisham and Coach Andrew Cosci. Photo courtesy Adam Sherrard

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s new weightlifting and nutrition gym class was featured recently in The Port Times Record. The new program, starting this fall, will give students an opportunity to learn more about their bodies and the impact different foods can have on them.

Read more here: Port Jefferson’s Vandermeulen High School creates new weightlifting, nutrition gym class

Port Jefferson sixth graders recently attended Suffolk County Police Week.

Port Jefferson sixth graders recently attended Suffolk County Police Week.

Port Jefferson sixth graders recently attended Suffolk County Police Week.

Port Jefferson Middle School students recently had the opportunity to visit the Suffolk County Police Headquarters during Suffolk County Police Week. Sixth graders were able to learn about their local law enforcement and the equipment that helps them keep the community safe.

On their field trip to the headquarters, the sixth graders were able to tour the Police Museum, explore the precinct’s fleet of emergency vehicles, and view demonstrations of all the divisions of the Suffolk County Police Department. In this demonstration, the students were able to see live helicopter landings and rescues, watch the K-9 unit in action, and witness mock pursuits.

The students were offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by Suffolk County Police Officer Karl Allison. Officer Allison had been giving presentations to the middle schoolers regarding social media safety and awareness over the past two years.

“Taking part in Police Week is a great opportunity for our students to learn more about the men and women who keep our community safe,” said Port Jefferson Middle School principal Brian Walker. “Seeing all of their work up-close creates a new-found sense of respect for Long Island’s heroes.”

Port Jefferson School District Honored with Best Communities in Music Award by NAMM Foundation.

For the 19th consecutive year, the Port Jefferson School District was named one of the Best Communities in Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

The accolade reaffirms the district's commitment to providing outstanding music education opportunities to its students. Since 2006, the Port Jefferson School District has consistently demonstrated excellence in music education, earning the admiration of the NAMM and educators nationwide. This sustained recognition speaks volumes about the district's dedication to fostering well-rounded education, in which music plays an integral role in student's academic and personal development.

Port Jefferson encourages student-musicians to thrive and grow in a supportive community of teachers, classmates, community and family members. One example of this is the district’s active participation in music festivals year-round. Port Jefferson recently hosted the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) Division One All-County Festival, inviting more than 400 Suffolk County music students in grades 5 and 6 to experience the welcoming and supporting community built by Port Jefferson over the years.

Port Jefferson’s students are also active participants in the music festivals themselves, with 36 students districtwide taking part in the SCMEA festival across three divisions. Earlier this year, six string musicians from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School participated in the Secondary Long Island String Festival based on New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) scoring criteria. Junior Madison Testa even recently performed in the prestigious NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference in Rochester. She had the opportunity to play in an orchestra alongside some of the most talented musicians in the state.

The district’s musical community is so supportive that Port Jefferson even puts on their own festivals, including their annual Chamber Festival. The Chamber Festival is a free concert featuring middle school string ensembles, that takes place on the Long Island Sound’s harbor front.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our community’s immense support for our music program for 19 consecutive years”, said Dr. Michael Caravello, director of fine arts and music of Port Jefferson School District. “This award is testament to the gratitude we all feel for the Port Jefferson community and family members remaining committed to our school, including showing up to each and every festival our students participate in.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen seniors on College Signing Day.

Nine Earl L. Vandermeulen High School senior athletes in the Port Jefferson School District recently celebrated their commitments during a ceremony on College Signing Day. The event was hosted by Adam Sherrard, the District’s Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. Coaches Jordan Blankenship, Rick D’Elia, Drew Dunleavy, Taylor Forstell, Annie MacIntyre, Jesse Rosen, Brian Snow, and Hana von Oiste also had the opportunity to speak in support of the athletes.

Gavin Argyros from the men’s lacrosse team signed his letter of intent for SUNY Plattsburgh. Baseball player Joseph Aronica committed to Fitchburg State University. Dancer Thalia Dorsett will be attending Towson University. Men’s tennis player Nathaniel Lawler signed his letter for Johnson & Wales University, and wrestler Matthew Wengatz will continue his athletic career at St. John Fisher University.

Men’s swimmers Ryan Sommerstad and Colin Veit both announced their college plans—Ryan will attend American University, while Colin is heading to SUNY Cortland. He will be joined at SUNY Cortland by track and field athlete Gwenivere Connelly, while her teammate Emily Snyder will be attending the California Institute of Technology.

Three high school senior lacrosse players already celebrated their signing day in the fall, with Emma Batter set to play at Mercy College, Patrick Johnston will be attending Assumption University, and Aneglino Orofino committed to SUNY Oneonta.

“All of these athletes have dedicated immense time and effort to their sports throughout their time in Port Jefferson schools,” said Adam Sherrard. “Their commitments to continue their careers in college are a testament to that hard work paying off. All of us in Port Jefferson will be following their college journeys with pride.”