The Port Jefferson School District takes pride in its unique club offerings for students. One – The Little Savages Fishing Club – is growing in popularity with students at Port Jefferson Middle School. Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Keith Buehler and high school science teacher Mr. Greg Gorniok, the club advisers, teach students the basics of fishing while encouraging friendships and an appreciation for local waters. This year, approximately 50 students are involved in the club, which took a recent trip on the Port Jefferson Harbor-based Celtic Quest. The catch? Porgies, sea bass, memories and new friends.

Date Added: 9/30/2022

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School students continue to strengthen social connections throughout the school and across the country, and a recent library project will help empower them to make a difference in the world.

Students worked with librarian Mrs. Margaret Hoon to learn about the Peace Crane Project. Mrs. Hoon read the book, “Peace Train,” based on a song written by Cat Stevens more than 50 years ago and recently illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, sharing its message of hope, love and the celebration of all cultures and identities.

The students learned how to create origami – peaceful puppies for the younger students and folded cranes for the older students. They then wrote messages of peace and hope to exchange with students at Cucamonga Elementary School, a school in California, similar in student size to Port Jefferson’s elementary school.

First grade teacher Laura Kelly worked with fifth graders last year and wanted to bring the program schoolwide so she teamed up with Mrs. Hoon to reach more students. Mrs. Hoon had creative assistance from fourth grader Joowon Bak, a skilled origami artist.

The Peace Crane Project is known internationally and helps to strengthen not only writing skills and hand-eye coordination, but encourages friendships, teaches geography and exposes students to new languages and cultures.

Date Added: 9/30/2022

The Port Jefferson School District Board of Education has assigned Mr. Christopher Scardino to serve as the Interim Assistant Principal at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School for the 2022-23 school year.

Mr. Scardino retired as the Fork Lane Elementary School Principal for the Hicksville School District in 2020, where he served for 16 years. Prior to that role, Mr. Scardino served as an Assistant Principal in the Babylon School District from 1999 until 2004, and began his teaching career serving students in grades 2-6 in the Wyandanch School District. He has an extensive background in school budgeting, scheduling, staffing, observations and evaluations. He is also well-versed in safety training, parent/staff presentations, analyzing data to inform instruction, community events, leading committees/school teams, character education initiatives and staff development workshops.

Mr. Scardino holds school district administrator in educational administration certification from Stony Brook University; a Master of Science and Technology from the New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from LIU Post.

“Mr. Scardino’s background in building a solid educational foundation with academics and character development at the elementary level at the forefront, benefits our youngest students. We are pleased to have him join our team,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools.

Date Added: 9/30/2022

Fifth graders recently visited the high school for a Fall Sports Festival, where they were greeted by Athletic Director Mr. Adam Sherrard waving the Royal flag to welcome them. The students followed Mr. Sherrard to the athletic stadium where the high school student-athletes and coaches from the varsity fall sports teams set up drills and activities so that younger students could experience all of the sports that are offered in the Port Jefferson School District.

The fifth graders rotated to areas throughout the high school football field and track to spend time practicing cheerleading, cross-country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball. The Port Jefferson School District thanks the student-athletes and coaches for sharing in school pride and helping to promote the district’s athletic program.

Date Added: 9/27/2022