Port Jefferson School District

Port Jefferson School District to Honor Three Outstanding Educators at SCOPE Education Services 25th Annual School District Awards Dinner

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce that three exceptional team members have been selected for recognition at the SCOPE Education Services’ 25th Annual School District Awards Dinner. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in education and honors educators, administrators, and support staff who consistently go above and beyond in service to their school communities. The event will take place on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook, New York.

Representing Port Jefferson this year are Cindy Woodward, Support Service Category; Eva Grasso, Teacher Service Category; and Brian Sandak, Administrative Service Category. These individuals exemplify the very best of our district, and their recognition is a testament to the extraordinary talent, dedication, and heart that define Port Jefferson Schools. Last year, SCOPE honored 172 professionals across the region, and we are deeply honored to continue this tradition of excellence.

Brian Sandak is the quiet, reliable force behind the scenes who keeps the Port Jefferson School District connected, secure, and ready for learning each day. As the district’s technology leader, he ensures that every student has access to a functioning Chromebook, swiftly distributing, repairing, or replacing devices so learning never misses a beat.

A champion of safety, Brian strengthens student and staff security through robust lockdown systems and proactive cybersecurity measures that safeguard personal data and minimize disruptions. His hands-on expertise extends to maintaining the district’s innovative computer science classroom and livestreaming concerts, graduations, and Board of Education meetings—bringing the broader community closer together.

Dependable and forward-thinking, Brian consistently anticipates and resolves challenges before they arise, empowering teachers to focus on instruction and students to thrive in a secure, technology-rich environment.

For more than twenty years, Cindy Woodward has been the warm and steady heart of the health office at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. With genuine kindness and calm professionalism, she creates a safe, comforting environment where students feel cared for during moments of worry or illness.

Her gentle listening and reassuring presence quickly put even the most anxious child at ease. Cindy also has an extraordinary ability to support families, building lasting trust through her reliability, positivity, and unwavering commitment to student well-being. A dedicated team player, Cindy consistently goes above and beyond, quietly strengthening the school community and leaving an enduring legacy of compassion at Port Jefferson.

Eva Grasso shines as a dynamic leader in the district’s middle and high schools, redefining what innovative teaching looks like. Her library is a vibrant hub of curiosity—filled with puzzles, strategy games, and engaging book displays that spark student interest and critical thinking.

By collaborating with fellow educators and local experts, Eva integrates real-world relevance into instruction, deepening student engagement. A trailblazer in AI education, she has been featured in news articles for guiding colleagues in the ethical use of artificial intelligence and leading hands-on professional development workshops.

Through co-teaching partnerships, she strengthens students’ research, literacy, and analytical skills. Eva also co-created Royal Readers Night, a joyful K–12 literacy celebration that brings families together through read-alouds, author visits, and creative activities. She authored the Readers, Researchers, and Writers Handbook, which equips students across disciplines with essential tools for inquiry, integrity, and thoughtful analysis.