The Port Jefferson School District has again been ranked among the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education in America. The honor acknowledges schools and districts across the country for their dedication to and support for music education as part of the core curriculum. This is the 16th consecutive year that Port Jefferson – one of only 738 school districts across the nation named in 2022 – has received the prestigious national recognition.

The school district boasts numerous vocal, band and orchestral performing groups, and students have numerous opportunities to perform within the community.

The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education in Port Jefferson. The district was designated for its demonstration of an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

Date Added: 5/5/2022

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students showcased their talents at the 2022 High School Art Show. Under the guidance of art teacher Nancy Randazzo and through various mediums, students were encouraged to explore and discover their creative talents.

Date Added: 5/3/2022

The Port Jefferson School District’s Petting Zoo took place in the Elementary School’s courtyard when students returned from spring break. The musical event brought together third graders and members of the High School’s instrumental and choral ensembles in a fun and festive opportunity for the younger students to learn about band and orchestra instruments.

Organized by district music teachers, the younger students were able to hear the instruments played and ask questions about them. The students will soon make their selection of the instrument they would like to begin to learn when they enter fourth grade in September.

Date Added: 4/29/2022

The Port Jefferson School District Board of Education congratulated Edna Louise Spear Elementary School student-artists whose works were on display at the 2022 Student Art Show at the Port Jefferson Village Center. District Director of Music and Fine Arts Dr. Michael Caravello introduced art teachers Ms. Lauren Lewonka and Mrs. Meghan McCarthy and presented each student with a certificate for their creative efforts.

Date Added 4/18/2022

The Port Jefferson School District had numerous student-musicians from all three schools participate at the annual New York State School Music Association Festival hosted at Smithtown High School West. At the first in-person festival in over two years, music students performed a solo selection, scales or rudiments, and a sight-reading excerpt for an official NYSSMA adjudicator, who provides a score as well as constructive comments for improvement. “Congratulations to our student-performers and their music teachers for their outstanding performances and a successful return to a live festival,” District Director of Music and Fine Arts Dr. Michael Caravello said.

Date Added: 4/12/2022

Date Added: 4/1/2022