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BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING

The regular monthly business meeting of the Port Jefferson School District Board of Education will be held on September 9, 2025, 7:30 PM, at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School LGR.  An anticipated call to order will be made at 6:30 PM for the purpose of entering executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters. 

Meetings are livestreamed and can be accessed as follows: go to the District website at www.portjeffschools.org; click on BOE tab and click on BOE Meeting Livestream. Meeting agendas are available on the District’s website the day prior to the meeting.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Students Participate in Brookhaven National Laboratory High School Program

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce that, over the summer, a group of its students successfully participated in the prestigious High School Research Program (HSRP) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The students presented the results of their research on August 15, 2025, during a formal session held at Berkner Hall.

The highly competitive six-week educational program offers those selected the opportunity to conduct hands-on scientific research alongside BNL’s world-class scientists, engineers, and technical staff. Participants are chosen based on academic merit, dedication to STEM fields, and a demonstrated commitment to learning and research.

“HSRP gave students a valuable experience—one that not only deepened their understanding of science, but also gave them a glimpse into the collaborative nature of real-world research, said Principal John Ruggero. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the professionalism they demonstrated throughout the program.

The final presentations at Berkner Hall marked the culmination of intense learning and discovery, with students sharing their research findings with peers, mentors, and members of the scientific community. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School congratulates its participating students and expresses sincere gratitude to the staff and scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory for their mentorship, guidance, and dedication to STEM education.
Congratulations to Max Kronberg, Tucker Stanton, Talin Bajaj, Christopher Nam, and Joshua Kwon!

Date Added: 8/25/2025

Port Jefferson's Homecoming

Date Added: 8/25/2025

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Smartphone and Electronic Device Plan

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Dear Port Jefferson Families and Students, 

Please take a moment to review our Districts policy on Students and Personal Electronic Devices- Policy 5695  Policy 5695 

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, this is a message to remind you of the new Smartphone and Electronic Device Plan designed to support student learning, focus and well-being.

At the elementary level, students will not be permitted to bring smartphones and personal electronic devices to school (including smartwatches, earbuds, AirPods, or similar items). This is in line with developmental best practices that prioritize in-person engagement and minimize early exposure to screen-related distractions. To ensure clarity and consistency, enforcement procedures have been carefully outlined. In elementary classrooms, the first time a student is found with an electronic device, the teacher will notify the parent/guardian through email/ParentSquare message. A second incident will prompt a follow-up phone call from school administration.

At the middle and high school levels, students must turn off their smartphones and personal electronic devices (including smartwatches, earbuds, AirPods, or similar items) at the start of the school day and store them in their lockers until dismissal. This applies not only during class time but also during lunch, hallway transitions and other non-instructional periods. Students found with a smartphone or personal device during the school day will be assigned an after-school detention from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. the following school day. This will be accompanied by a parent/guardian notification. After two infractions, students will be required to check in their device at the Main Office each morning for a minimum of one month and retrieve it only at dismissal.

This message serves as official notice and warning to all students that smartphones and personal electronic devices must not be used or in your possession during the school day. As outlined above, violations will result in disciplinary consequences beginning with detention and may escalate with repeated offenses. It is our hope that by sharing this information clearly in advance, students will be fully informed of the expectations and take responsibility for complying with them.

All detentions will be supervised and designed not only as a consequence but as an opportunity for reflection and learning. Students will participate in activities exploring the impact of digital distractions and the importance of maintaining balance with technology use. Academic work will also be expected during this time. Students who fail to attend assigned detentions will face additional consequences, which may include parent conferences and/or in-school suspension.

Communication with families remains a priority. Main Office phones are available for student use during the day and parents may call the school directly if they need to get in touch with their child. We will also continue to share information with students on this initiative through classroom discussions and town hall meetings. The District’s policy will be formally introduced at the August Board of Education Meeting.

As we limit personal device use, each school building will also seek to expand opportunities for social engagement and connection during unstructured times. This will include additional activities and opportunities during lunch periods.

We want to thank our students, families, teachers and staff for your cooperation and support in implementing this important initiative. Your partnership is essential in fostering a school culture that prioritizes learning, respect and the well-being of every student. Together, we are building an environment where students can thrive both in and out of the classroom.

If you have any questions about this initiative and would like to discuss further, please reach out to your child’s Building Principal.

Thank you and be well.

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Port Jefferson School District Hosts Successful Summer Arts Camp for Budding Musicians and Young Artists

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This summer, elementary and middle school students across the Port Jefferson School District took part in the district’s highly anticipated Summer Arts Camp. This enriching program combined music and visual arts in a fun and supportive environment.

The annual camp welcomed both beginning and intermediate students in band and string programs, offering a positive and engaging opportunity for young musicians to either begin their instrumental studies or continue honing their skills. With instruction from experienced music educators, students participated in group lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and activities designed to build confidence, technique, and a love for music.

For students interested in the fine arts, the camp featured hands-on classes in drawing and sculpture. Under the guidance of certified art instructors, participants explored various artistic techniques, developed their creative expression, and worked on both individual and collaborative projects.

“Our Summer Arts Camp is a wonderful way to give students a head start going into the school year—whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or expanding their talents in the visual arts,” said Dr. Michael Caravello. “It’s all about learning in a joyful, low-pressure setting where students can grow and be inspired.”

The camp not only reinforced artistic skills but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among students from different schools and grade levels. The Port Jefferson School District would like to thank the dedicated staff, faculty, and families who supported this year's Summer Arts Camp.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District Hosts Successful Summer Arts Camp for Budding Musicians and Young Art slideshow.

Date Added: 8/12/2025