The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce that Physical Education teacher and coach, Andrew Cosci, has been named the recipient of the Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Award, presented by the Royal Educational Foundation during its annual Family Fun Run event.

This prestigious award honors individuals who make a profound and lasting impact within the school community, exemplifying the power one person can have to uplift and inspire others. Mr. Cosci was nominated for the award in recognition of his unwavering support and guidance to the district’s cross country and track student-athletes during one of the most difficult times in the program’s history—the sudden passing of longtime coach Rod Cawley in the middle of the boys cross country season last fall.

In the face of heartbreak and uncertainty, Mr. Cosci stepped forward not only as a coach, but as a mentor and source of stability. His leadership, compassion, and dedication helped students process their grief, remain united, and continue striving both on and off the course. Through his efforts, he preserved the spirit and legacy of Coach Cawley while empowering student-athletes to persevere.

The Royal Educational Foundation’s annual Fun Run and award ceremony celebrate individuals who embody kindness, leadership, and service within the educational community. The Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Award is named in honor of Jill Nees-Russell, a beloved figure remembered for her deep commitment to students and the belief that one person truly can make a difference.

The Port Jefferson School District congratulates Coach Cosci on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued service, heart, and dedication to students and families.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District’s Andrew Cosci Honored with the Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Award slideshow.

 

Date Added: 10/8/2025

We are excited to introduce our new Royal Recognition Program, designed to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our staff all year long. Whether inside the classroom, behind the scenes, or out in the community, our staff go above and beyond each day—and we want to shine a spotlight on them!

Each month, beginning this October, we will recognize:

• One staff member from the Middle School or High School, and

• One staff member from the Elementary School or District Office 

These individuals will be honored with:

• A certificate from the Personnel Office

• A small token of appreciation

• Recognition on the district website, digital sign, social media, and newsletter

We invite students, parents, guardians, staff, and community members to help us recognize staff who make a difference. If there is someone who has gone the extra mile, made a lasting impact, or simply brightened your day, please consider nominating them.

Just complete our brief nomination form here:

Royal Recognition Nomination

Nominations are due by the last day of each month.

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce an exciting lineup of new varsity head coaches for the 2025–26 school year. These talented educators and coaches bring a wealth of experience, a championship pedigree, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development. The district is thrilled to welcome them as leaders of our athletic programs.

Coach Jen Poma takes the reins of both the Varsity Girls and Boys Tennis teams. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School guidance counselor, Coach Poma brings an impressive background as a former Division I tennis player. Before joining Port Jefferson, she coached JV and Varsity Tennis at Smithtown East High School, where her teams captured league titles in two of her three seasons. Her expertise and passion for the sport are sure to elevate the Royals' tennis program.

Coach Hannah Keech will lead the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team. A former standout player at SUNY Cortland, Coach Keech boasts an impressive collegiate resume, including two SUNYAC championships, three All-Tournament team selections, and multiple All-Region and All-Conference honors. She has spent the last five years coaching lacrosse at various levels and will also lend her skills to the Middle School Girls Basketball and JV Boys Soccer teams. With 12 years of playing experience and prior coaching roles in soccer and basketball, Coach Keech brings a strong, multi-sport perspective to Port Jefferson athletics.

Coach Joe Petre, a physical education and health teacher at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School, will serve as the Varsity Girls Basketball head coach. He has over five years of experience as a varsity assistant coach in boys basketball at Hauppauge and Smithtown East, where his teams consistently reached the playoffs. In addition, Coach Petre will coach JV Girls Volleyball and assist with Varsity Boys Lacrosse. His coaching tenure includes contributing to three league titles and a county championship appearance, making him an asset across multiple programs.

Other Notable Coaching Additions:

* Ashley Drews – Middle School Cheerleading

* CJ Perrino – Varsity Assistant Football, Middle School Wrestling, Middle School Baseball

* Dennis Christofor – Volunteer Coach for Girls and Boys Tennis

* Keith Buehler – Middle School Football Assistant

* Michelle Landetta – Unified Bowling

* Pete Meehan – Officially named Full-Time Head Coach for Varsity Boys Basketball after serving as interim coach in 2024–25

* Joe Jacovino – Middle School Boys Lacrosse

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome such a talented and dedicated group of coaches to our district, said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. Their experiences as both educators and athletes will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, both on and off the field.

 

Date Added: 10/6/2025

On Thursday, September 18, fifth grade students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School took a special field trip to Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, where they were welcomed by over 30 varsity student-athletes and 10 coaches for an exciting and interactive day focused on athletics and school community connection.

The event, designed to introduce fifth graders to the diverse athletic opportunities available in middle and high school, included demonstrations and hands-on participation in sports such as cross country, tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, and football.

“Our goal is to spark interest and help students find a sport they’re passionate about before they enter middle school,” said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. “It’s about planting that seed early and showing them what’s possible.”

What made the day especially meaningful were the connections formed between the high school athletes and the younger students. The varsity athletes not only showcased their sports but also mentored the fifth graders, offering encouragement and sharing their own athletic journeys.

This annual tradition continues to foster a sense of unity and excitement across grade levels, as younger students begin to see themselves as future leaders and athletes within the Port Jefferson School District.

 

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce that both Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School have earned rankings in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report education rankings, distinguishing the district as a leader in academic excellence at both the state and national levels.

Port Jefferson Middle School achieved an impressive #72 ranking in New York State and is ranked #3 in Suffolk County, recognizing its commitment to rigorous academics, strong student outcomes, and dedicated faculty.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School received equally notable accolades, ranking #734 nationally out of thousands of high schools across the country. In New York State, the high school placed #77 overall and #4 in Suffolk County. Additionally, the school earned a prestigious spot on the list of Best STEM High Schools, ranking #51 nationwide, underscoring its strength in science, technology, engineering, and math education.

“These rankings reflect the exceptional efforts of our educators, students, and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work, collaboration, and academic rigor that define the Port Jefferson School District. These recognitions are a testament to our commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly competitive and complex world.”

U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of schools’ performance, including state assessments, college readiness, graduation rates, and proficiency in core academic subjects. Port Jefferson School District continues to prioritize educational excellence, innovation, and the well-being of every student, fostering a vibrant learning environment that prepares graduates for lifelong success.

 

Date Added: 9/2/2025