The Port Jefferson School District marked the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year with its annual Superintendent's Conference Day. The event brought together educators, administrators, and staff for a day of inspiration, professional development, and collaborative planning. Port Jefferson’s cheerleader and chamber choir greeted the staff as they entered the auditorium and first-grade students performed Happy by Pharell Williams to share their enthusiasm for the start of the new school year.

Kicking off with a warm welcome and a continental breakfast generously sponsored by the PTA/PTSA, the Superintendent's Conference Day allowed attendees to connect and enjoy camaraderie before the start of the school year. Superintendent Jessica Schmettan delivered an inspiring welcome message, setting a positive tone for the day. She was joined by members of the Board of Education, who extended their greetings and introduced the new unit presidents, further fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Dr. Robert Neidig, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, took the stage to introduce new staff members for the 2024-2025 school year. The highlight of the morning was a keynote address by an esteemed guest speaker, Jim Ryan, who delivered a compelling presentation on the theme of Simple Happiness. His insightful message resonated with the audience, offering practical strategies for finding joy and fulfillment in both professional and personal spheres. Following the keynote, staff members engaged in a series of targeted professional development sessions and group meetings. These sessions were designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed for effective teaching, while also providing time for collaborative planning and preparation for the upcoming school year.

The annual Superintendent's Conference Day was a resounding success, setting a collaborative and optimistic tone for the year ahead. The Port Jefferson School District looks forward to a productive and impactful year, fueled by the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by its staff.

Date Added: 9/9/2024

The Port Jefferson School District has opened its doors for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking the start of another promising and dynamic school year. With a continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, the district is poised to offer students an enriching educational experience that fosters growth, creativity, and achievement.

The 2024-2025 school year brings several exciting updates and initiatives designed to enhance the learning environment:

* Breakfast is offered at all three buildings

* State-of-the-art Computer Science Lab for esports, cybersecurity, and drone courses. (STEM) at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School

* New Sports Event Management Course at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School

* Before and Aftercare for Pre-K through 5 provided by Long Island Foundation for Education and Sports Inc. (LIFFES) in Edna Louise Spear Elementary School

* New remodeled Family and Consumer Science classroom for Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School

* Parent Square - a new home-school communication platform

* Envision Math curriculum for elementary grades k-5

* Edna Louise Spear Elementary School outdoor learning centers

“We are thrilled to welcome our students back for what promises to be an extraordinary school year,” said Superintendent Jessica Schmettan. “Our educators have been working diligently to prepare for this new year, and we are eager to continue our tradition of excellence while embracing new opportunities for growth and learning.”

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District Welcomes Students to the 2024-2025 School Year slideshow.

Date Added: 9/9/2024

The Port Jefferson School District hosted its annual New Staff Orientation Day recently, beginning an exciting new academic year. The event was designed to welcome and equip new employees with the essential tools, information and resources they need for a successful start.

The day commenced with breakfast and an informative overview of the district led by Dr. Robert Neidig, the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Following, the schedule was packed with valuable sessions to help new staff integrate smoothly into the Port Jefferson community. The orientation began with a session on technology conducted by Brian Sandak. Specifically, new staff members were introduced to the district’s technological resources and were distributed Chromebooks and ID cards.

The focus then shifted to administrative essentials. Sean Leister, Deputy Superintendent, provided an overview of the Business Office and the nVision Portal. Megan O’Neill and Lucy Vecchio from the Human Resources Office elaborated on car tags, benefits, the absence management portal and transcript procedures. The Office of Curriculum and Instruction presented a comprehensive overview of the district and showcased the resources available to staff. This session included introductions to PowerSchool and PowerTeacher as well as Frontline/My Learning Plan and Vector Training.

New teachers enjoyed a lunch provided by the Port Jefferson Teachers Association at Pasta Pasta and paraprofessionals attended a meeting with the Paraprofessionals Association of Port Jefferson in the Elementary School Library. The day concluded with personalized tours and meetings with school principals and assistant principals. New staff members also had the opportunity to visit their designated buildings and view their educational spaces.

The orientation program was designed to ensure that every new member of the Port Jefferson School District feels welcomed, informed, and prepared for the upcoming school year. We look forward to the contributions and enthusiasm that these new staff members will bring to our schools.

New Hires 2024-2025:

Joseph Albano, MS/HS Music Teacher
Jennifer Baumann, ES Teaching Assistant
Megan Brady, ES/HS Art
Victoria Damm, HS Psychologist
Arianna Goffmann, ES Psychologist
Alicia Indence, ES Teaching Assistant
Alina Ingarozza, ES Preferred Substitute
Lavin Katrina, ES Teaching Assistant
Jaclyn Mazzurco, MS/HS Preferred Substitute
Kaitlyn McNulty, HS ELA Teacher
Richard Mercurio, MS Teaching Assistant
Ava Napoli, ES Preferred Sub
Amanda Paprocky, ES Special Education Teacher
Jennifer Poma, HS Guidance Counselor
Lindsey Rasmussen, MS/HS Preferred Substitute
Julianna Van Kuren, MS/HS Preferred Substitute

Date Added: 9/6/2024

In a commitment to enhancing student well-being and academic performance, the Port Jefferson School District is excited to announce a significant update to its meal service program. Starting this school year, breakfast options will be available for students to purchase at all school buildings across the district, ensuring that every student has access to a nutritious start to their day.

The new breakfast service will be available as follows:

Elementary and Middle Schools: Students will be able to purchase breakfast first thing in the morning. This move aims to provide a convenient and healthy option to kickstart their day and support their learning and energy levels throughout the morning.

High School: Breakfast options will be offered during the first and second periods, allowing students to enjoy a nutritious meal either before or during their initial classes.

"We are thrilled to expand our breakfast program districtwide," said Jessica Schemttan, Superintendent of Schools. "By providing breakfast options at all our schools, we are not only addressing the nutritional needs of our students but also supporting their readiness to learn. A well-nourished student is more likely to engage actively and perform well academically."

The initiative is part of the district's broader effort to promote student health and wellness and aligns with its goal of fostering an environment where every student thrives academically and personally. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their respective school offices for detailed information about breakfast menus, pricing, and any potential changes to meal procedures. The district will also provide updates through its website and social media channels to ensure that all families are informed about the new breakfast offerings. Please check out the link for more information: https://portjeffschools.org/departments/food_services

Date Added: 9/3/2024

Port Jefferson’s Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce that senior Colin Veit has been selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships. This prestigious event will be held on the Gold Coast of Australia from August 20 to September 8, 2024.

The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) has chosen Colin Veit and eleven other outstanding young athletes to form the US Youth National Team. These talented individuals will compete against the best surf and pool lifesavers from around the globe. The competition will challenge their speed, endurance, and lifesaving skills over four days of rigorous events.

We are incredibly proud of Colin's selection to the US Youth National Team, said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to lifesaving have earned him this remarkable opportunity, and we wish him and the entire team the best of luck in Australia.

The USLA U19 Team has assembled a formidable squad for this international showdown. Colin Veit—along with teammates will face off against youth teams from various countries, showcasing their prowess in surf and pool lifesaving disciplines. Colin Veit joins a team with a mix of international experience and fresh faces. Colin and his fellow team members bring experience from the 2023 International Surf Rescue Challenge.

The Lifesaving World Championships will test the athletes in various events, including surf races, beach sprints, and pool rescue competitions. The championships not only highlight the athletes’ abilities but also their commitment to lifesaving, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Date Added: 9/3/2024