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South Country School District Website
South Country School District PTA
Click
here for the current South Country School District Calendar.
Please note, the Calendar is subject to change, so please check the
South Country School District's website for updates during the school
year.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Students Celebrate Dr. Seuss
Throughout the South Country Central School District, elementary-level
students enrolled at Brookhaven Elementary School, Frank P. Long
Intermediate School and Kreamer Street and Verne W. Critz elementary schools
celebrated Dr. Seuss’ March 2 birthday with literacy activities to
strengthen their reading and writing skills.
In addition to extensive literacy lessons, Verne W. Critz Elementary School
students participated in a weeklong list of fun activities to recognize
their love of reading and writing. On “The Cat in the Hat” Day, students
wore crazy hats and headbands to demonstrate their love of reading. Students
also brought to school a favorite stuffed animal or animal figure to
participate in “Put Me in the Zoo” Day, dressed in mismatched clothes or a
wacky hairdo on “Wacky Wednesday,” and wore green clothing on “Green Eggs
and Ham” Day. The week culminated with Drop Everything and Read Day in which
students and faculty spent the final half hour of the school week reading
their favorite books or a group story.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport Middle School Touts ‘Progress’ During Black History Month ceremony
In collaboration with S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Bellport Middle School in the
South Country Central School District presented Evolution of Dance and
Music, the program for this year’s annual Black History Month celebration,
held in the school auditorium on Feb. 26.
The evening was punctuated with performances by the middle school jazz
ensemble, under the baton of Audrey Garcia. The Bellport Middle School
Chorus, under the direction of Kyle Sherlock, performed John Legend’s
“Glory,” and local dancer Aniya Heyward gave a talented tap dance
performance. In addition, a poignant video presentation, James Weldon
Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” set the tone for the evening’s
message about making progress and accepting black history as the nation’s
and “our” own history.
After student Mistress of Ceremonies Madison Roberts welcomed the audience
and Autumn Simon led the Pledge of Allegiance, Bishop Charles Bullock of Old
South Haven Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven gave the invocation. Principal
Dr. Jamal Colson set the theme of progress, claiming that progress can be
made through community partnership and working together. He reminded
students that they can make progress through adoption of the three “As,”
attendance, attitude and striving for achievement.
Brookhaven Town Councilwoman (District 1) Valerie Cartright, who is
Brookhaven Town’s first African-American and person of Haitian descent to be
elected to the town’s government, noted that the struggle of others is part
of black Americans’ progress. She said, “It is important to be present in
everything in our community. We need to ask whether we are expressing our
voice.”
Bellport Middle School teacher Loraine Richardson-McCray noted that Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. wrote “with love” progressive and revolutionary
correspondence and speeches in addition to the notable “I Have a Dream”
speech. Ms. Richardson-McCray also encouraged the audience to read “Letter
from a Birmingham Jail.”
Students Samir Bell and Bobby John gave the celebration’s closing remarks.
“We have to come together, stay together and be one,” Bobby said. “Without
struggle, there is no progress.”
After the ceremony in the auditorium, participants were invited to continue
the evening’s celebration of black history with dancing and dinner provided
by Arooga’s Grill House and Sports Bar, Bravo, Café Castello Restaurant and
Pizzeria, Café Gia, Cirillo’s IGA, Del Fuego, Empire State After School
Program, Gaby’s Deli & Grocery, New Bethel First Pentecostal Church of
America, Inc., Super Deli, Sicilia D’Oro, Stop & Shop and The Journey.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport High School Seeks Wall of Fame Nominations
The Bellport High School Wall of Fame is a project intended to celebrate distinguished graduates of Bellport High School. Nominees will be evaluated on the basis of their contributions to their profession and their community. Graduates may be nominated by anyone within the South Country community and a selection committee will evaluate the application. Click here for more information.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Students are 100 Days Smarter
South Country Central School District celebrated the first 100 days of
school on Feb. 15 with special and engaging hands-on English language arts,
mathematics and art activities to mark this momentous occasion for the
district’s elementary-level students.
Many of the students arrived at the school entrance dressed as 100-year-olds
or donning T-shirts decorated with 100 items. Science, technology,
engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) stations allowed the students to
build structures with 100 Legos, Unifix cubes and other materials. Students
honed reading skills while hunting for site words posted in their classrooms
and listening to a number of stories related to the first 100 days of
school. There were also games and physical education stations where students
performed 100 repetitions of exercises. In Brookhaven Elementary School’s
Dual Language Magnet Program, students reviewed and recited their numbers up
to 100 in both English and Spanish during a Hershey Kiss and match game.
South Country Director of Elementary Education Amy Brennan noted that this
day is special for elementary-level students. “The students have really
worked hard and have been successful in meeting the academic challenges of
the first 100 days of school,” she said.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Performs ‘Rent’
A talented cast and crew drew full houses during performances of Jonathan
Larson’s “Rent,” held in the Bellport High School Ebersole Auditorium on
Feb. 8-9.
Under the direction of Suzette Fandale, producer Barbara Gallagher and
choreographer Stephanie Vertichio, the 39-member cast and company
entertained the audience with this memorable rendition of the 1990s musical
about a group of starving New York artists who struggle with their careers,
love lives and the community effects of the AIDS epidemic while trying to
survive in Manhattan’s East Village.
Shaun Laurinaitis played the role of aspiring filmmaker Mark, while Tyler
Zapata played HIV-positive musician Roger, both of whom scramble to make
rent to their former roommate and landlord Benjamin, played by Mike
Marziliano. In the meantime, friend and professor Tom (Henry Chillogallo) is
attracted to Angel (James MacGilvray), who is dying from AIDS. The success
of the production was not only due to the professional-quality of the
student-actors but by the 22-member crew, Angelique Graziano’s talents with
hair and makeup, vocal director and accompanist Henry Finnegan and the pit
orchestra, under the baton of Jim Uzzi. The masterful set design and
construction were also the workings of Ms. Fandale, Ms. Gallagher and Mr.
Uzzi.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Verne Critz Snuggles Up and Reads
The excitement was palpable as Verne W. Critz Elementary School students in
the South Country Central School District collected their passports in the
school cafeteria for the PTA’s annual Snuggle Up and Read event. The
passports listed four opportunities for the avid readers to attend 15-minute
read alouds by teacher volunteers.
“This is a great opportunity for the students to hear multiple bedtime
stories,” Principal Mandy Mazziotti said. “It is also an additional
opportunity for students to hear literature read aloud.”
As the students approached the classrooms, the doors were decorated to
reflect the theme of the story. The teachers also dressed up for the
occasion to add dramatic effect to their reading.
The school thanks the following faculty for their participation in this
beloved event: Donna Cimino and Jessica Richards – “Unicorn Thinks He’s
Pretty Great;” Lynn Cullen and South Country Public Library librarian Jen
Marin – “The Three Armadillies Tuff;” Erika Watson – “Mrs. Watson Wants Your
Teeth;” Jennifer Hayhurst and Jill DeRosa – “Mother Bruce;” Carolyn Kelly –
“The Three Ninja Pigs;” Lealand Richard – “Secret Pizza Party;” Stacey
Kevelos and Rebecca Ruchman – “Manana Iguana;” Theresa Milani and Maria
Waldeck – “The Most Magnificent Thing;” Jennifer Petti and Erica Vitale –
“Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons;” Megan Huber and Melissa Nucatola
– “The Day the Crayons Quit” and Shelley Tooker “Bad Boys Get Cookie.”
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Verne W. Critz Students Celebrate Career Day
Verne W. Critz Elementary School students in the South Country Central
School District dressed as firemen, nurses, veterinarians and athletes as
part of the school’s Career Day.
Principal Mandy Mazziotti explained that Career Day is an opportunity for
the students to set goals for themselves and to be exposed to various
opportunities available to them as they get older.
Career Day commenced with an assembly with Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Joseph Giani, who explained to the student body his job as a district
superintendent. Speakers from local businesses also visited the classrooms
and included chiropractor Dr. Joseph Merckling, Suffolk County police
officer Eddie Gomez and K-9 partner Milo, paramedic Kristin Huck, Air Force
Pararescue Captain Salvatore Sferrazza, merchandiser Melissa Wasylyshyn,
physical therapist Amy Maragioglio, fireman Matthew Wilkinson,
transportation specialist Joshua Warshaw, veterinarian Dr. Nicholas
Martuccio, dentist and hygienist Dr. Matthew Kahn, and finance specialist
Joanne Bennett.
The students not only had a fun day dressing up, but learned about various
professions, thanks to the volunteers who made Career Day possible.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Musicians Honored
During the January 9th board of education meeting, the South Country Central
School District’s top student-musicians were honored.
Mia Grossman (soprano, mixed chorus), Erin Kelly (soprano, mixed chorus) and
Tyler Zapata (trumpet, symphonic band) were congratulated for being named
alternates for the New York State School Music Association All-State Music
festival.
Although these students did not attend the event held in Rochester last
month, being named an alternate is a prestigious honor and ranks the
students among the most talented throughout New York State.
In addition, Mia (soprano, treble chorus), Erin (soprano, mixed chorus),
Katelyn Maddalena (soprano, mixed chorus), Maya McCullough (alto, mixed
chorus), Daniel Roach (viola, symphony orchestra), Tyler (trumpet, symphony
orchestra) and Autumn Margaret Walthers (alto, mixed chorus) were
congratulated for their participation in the Suffolk County Music Educators’
Association All-County festival, held at Half Hollow Hills East High School
on Nov. 17.
The district congratulates the students on this outstanding accomplishment.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Athletes and Coaches are Tops in Their Sports
During the January 9th South Country Central School District Board of
Education meeting, Bellport High School student-athletes and coaches were
recognized for exemplary accomplishments.
Alyssa Mantione and Samuel Hampson were congratulated for having received
the Suffolk Zone Award. Sponsored by the New York State Association for
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, this award recognizes one
male and one female Suffolk County high school senior from each school
district who exemplify outstanding scholastic ability, physical education
performance and leadership qualities.
Four high school athletes were also congratulated for being named Section XI
All-County Athletes and include: Grace Minikel (girls cross-country), Jaelyn
Conquest (girls volleyball), DJ Trent (football) and Ka'Shaun Parrish
(football).
In addition, League IV junior varsity girls volleyball coach Ellen Hoffman
and League IV varsity girls volleyball coach Larry Auth were each recognized
for being named Coach of the Year.
The district congratulates the athletes and coaches on these outstanding
accomplishments.
Bellport High School students Alyssa Mantione and Samuel Hampson were recognized by the South Country Central School District for having received the Suffolk Zone Award and are pictured with (l-r) Director of Athletics Robert McIntyre, Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice, Bellport High School Principal Tim Hogan and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani.
Bellport High School varsity girls volleyball coach Larry Auth and junior varsity girls volleyball coach Ellen Hoffman were recognized for being named League IV Coaches of the Year and are pictured with (l-r) Director of Athletics Robert McIntyre, Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice, Bellport High School Principal Tim Hogan and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani.
Bellport High School athletes Grace Minikel, DJ Trent and Ka'Shaun Parrish were recognized for being named Section XI All-County athletes and are pictured with (l-r) Director of Athletics Robert McIntyre, girls cross-country coach Alic Johnsen, Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice, Bellport High School Principal Tim Hogan, football coach Jamie Fabian and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani. Jaelyn Conquest is not pictured.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Feeling Good, Looking Good, Behaving Well
Fifth-grade students in David Perkins’ class at Frank P. Long Intermediate
School in the South Country Central School District regularly don bow ties
and hair ribbons during monthly participation in the class’ Bowtie Tuesday.
The activity is an opportunity for students to look and feel good about
themselves, while simultaneously practicing the goals of the district’s
character education program.
“By wearing the bow ties and ribbons, the students look good and feel good
about themselves,” Mr. Perkins explained. “Bowtie Tuesday also reminds the
students about their goals to become more responsible and mature, our theme
for the year.”
On Bowtie Tuesday, the students temporarily put away their own work and
listen to the guest speakers who regularly visit the classroom, offering
their tips for success. Prior to the holiday break, Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Joseph Giani and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum,
Instruction and Accountability Marlon Small made an appearance and discussed
what each of their jobs in the district entails. The students also asked
questions about whether their jobs are stressful, why they wanted their
jobs, whether they liked school as a child and what they like to do after
work.
Dr. Giani and Mr. Small also had words of advice for the students. Mr. Small
told the students they should always set goals and work toward them, paying
attention to the Golden Rule. Dr. Giani said, “When you have a challenge,
make the best decision and stick with it.” He also noted, “Nothing is better
than being true to yourself and others.”
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Students Put a Positive Spin on Reading
Bellport High School reading students not only serve as role models, but
regularly assist Brookhaven Elementary School kindergarten students with
their reading skills through participation in the Reading Mentors program.
During the high school-level reading class, the high school students are
taught kindergarten reading skills and techniques utilized in the Teachers
College Reading and Writing Project, a program adopted by the South Country
Central School District for teaching reading and writing. With their
favorite books in hand, the kindergartners then work on their reading skills
with their mentors, who are able to put a positive spin on reading.
Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan explained that the Reading Mentors
program builds the district’s already strong culture of reading and gives
the high school students accountability in this important task. The younger
students are also always excited to work with the high schoolers. “We
celebrate literacy any way we can,” Ms. O’Hagan said. “The program makes
reading meaningful to the mentors and the kindergarten students.”
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Athletes and Teachers Donate Toys to Head Start
Bellport High School’s Athletes Helping Others organization, in conjunction
with the Bellport Teachers’ Association, hosted a toy drive for the students
of Bellport Head Start for the holiday season.
Athletes Helping Others advisor Pete Grossi explained that the organization
has been hosting the event for the past nine years. During the day, students
ages 3-5 were given the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a
present from one of the elf-athletes. It was a wonderful way for the
students and middle school social studies teacher Glen McAvoy, dressed as
Santa, to celebrate the season of giving.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Students are in the Zone
Bellport High School students Sam Hampson and Alyssa Mantione were selected
as recipients of the Suffolk Zone Award. Sponsored by the New York State
Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, this award
recognizes one male and one female Suffolk County high school senior from
each school district who exemplify outstanding scholastic ability, physical
education performance and leadership qualities.
The South Country Central School District congratulates Sam and Alyssa on
this outstanding athletic accomplishment.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Helping to Make Strides Against Breast Cancer
For a second consecutive year, the Bellport High School varsity cheerleaders
volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer Walk, held at Jones Beach on Oct. 21. Wearing “Tackle Breast Cancer”
sweatshirts, their purpose in attending the event was to cheer on
participants, many of whom are survivors, as they braced the cold to spread
awareness about this disease.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event is a 3.5 mile noncompetitive
walk to help make a difference in the lives of those touched by breast
cancer. The walk raises money to fund research, provide information and
support, and to celebrate survivors and remember those who lost their
battles against breast cancer.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Prescription for Success on the Volleyball Court
The Bellport High School girls varsity volleyball team clinched the League 4
Championship title this month and finished the season 10-0, with an overall
record of 14-5. Larry Auth, who has coached the team for the past 23 years,
noted that during his tenure this exceptional team has now garnered 15
league titles and nine second-placements.
“All the players have been dedicated to the team,” Auth said. “Everyone
contributed to the team in different areas and worked together to make this
a successful season.”
Prior to the Oct. 29 playoff game against West Islip, senior team captains
Jaelyn Conquest, Alyssa Mantione and Jamie Trowbridge described the team’s
prescription for success. Alyssa and Jamie have played volleyball for all
four years of high school, while Jaelyn divided her time with both
volleyball and soccer during her high school career.
Jamie explained that in order to be an “unstoppable team,” everyone has to
do their job on the court and play their positions well. “If everyone is on
their A-game, then the team can accomplish a lot,” she said. “But they have
to come to the court prepared and ready to play their best, and that’s what
happened this year.”
While commitment and dedication are commendable traits that mold a winning
team, Alyssa believes that the team’s communication skills are what have
helped this team achieve success. ”By communicating with one another both on
and off the court, we have been able to keep everyone’s confidence at a high
level, and that confidence has risen even more every time we’ve won a game,”
she noted.
Jaelyn, who was designated as an All-League player last year, said a captain
must maintain a positive attitude for the team, even when things are not
going so well on the court. She is confident that next year’s team will
adopt all of the fore-mentioned core values, taking them to the next level
and garnering another championship title.
“If we play with our hearts then we can say we did everything we could,”
Alyssa added. “It’s what we feel we accomplished on the court that makes the
game good or bad. It’s all attitude.”
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Students Receive Brookhaven Hispanic Advisory Board Award
Four Bellport High School seniors received awards from Brookhaven Town’s
Hispanic Advisory Board during the fifth annual Hispanic Heritage
Celebration. Chelsea Argueta, Henry Chillogallo, Ivelisse Diaz and Katerin
Fuentes Velasco were among the 64 Hispanic/Latino seniors from 13 school
districts throughout Brookhaven Town who were honored for having maintained
a cumulative GPA of 95 percent or higher.
Principal Timothy Hogan presented the students to the South Country Central
School District Board of Education during the Nov. 13 business meeting,
where they each received a certificate for their academic accomplishments.
“It’s a pleasure to have each of them represent Bellport High School and
South Country in such a positive fashion,” he said.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS students Inducted into Center of Excellence
Under the advisement of Aimee Iuliucci and Nicole Colao, the Bellport High
School Center of Excellence welcomed 30 members during an induction
ceremony, held on Nov. 8. Attended by district administration and members of
the board of education, inductees received a pin symbolizing both their
membership and their aspirations to explore college as a realistic,
attainable and post-high school option.
Board President Cheryl A. Felice told the students, “I’m asking you to use
the programs and support systems available to you today. It’s hard, but
always find a way.”
The Center of Excellence club was reintroduced by Assistant Principal Dan
Fauvell. Membership provides participants with an intensive
college-awareness focus and emphasizes the building of successful academic
behaviors, including calendar planning, prioritization, study habits,
obstacle and roadblock coping strategies and smart decision-making. Students
are held accountable for their personal goals, while embodying the
leadership principles of professionalism, ambition, integrity, resilience
and resourcefulness. There is also significant written and oral presentation
work, combined with a focus toward college and career-readiness.
Guest speaker U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin said he hopes inductees experience
their American dream through acquiring a college degree. “The benefits I
experienced in college, I would not have otherwise experienced,” he noted.
The induction ceremony was preceded by a dinner, hosted by the high school
culinary students. Music was also provided by the Bellport High School flute
choir, under the direction of music chairperson James Uzzi.
The South Country Central School District congratulates the following
inductees: Na’Kayla Austin, Jacquelin Ramos Bonilla, Julieth Stefania Cruz
Gonzalez, Billy Lue Franco, Rondell Freeman, Samantha Fuentes, Fredis
Antonio Gonzalez, Jack Halpin, Josiah-Truston Igwe, Ashley Milena Jimenez,
Carolina Jimenez, Alliandra Khillawan, Floerie Kuffour, Candice Lopez, Emily
Hartmann, Jamie Marca, Connor McIntosh, Jason Molina, Tyler Montalvo, Melody
Pastor, Zachary Pino, Orlin Reyes, Dawn Slawinski, Kaitlyn Stines, Kaylee
Thatcher, Nevaeh Tinsley, Alexis Urbina, Coleen Shaw, Jaylen Trent and
Anecya Sutton.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Student Receives County Summer Youth Award
Bellport High School student Gionnah Hicks was one of 100 students
countywide who received a Suffolk County Summer Youth Award for Leadership
Ability from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
During the summer, Gionnah participated in Suffolk County’s Summer Youth
Work Experience Program, where she performed administrative and clerical
duties for the Butterfly Effect Project, a nonprofit organization that
empowers young women. In conjunction with the county’s Department of Labor,
the Butterfly Effect Program is housed in the First Baptist Church of
Riverhead, under the direction of executive director Tia Fulford and Pastor
Cynthia Liggon. The goal of the program is to provide girls with marketable
skills and job readiness training.
Pastor Liggon described Gionnah as exceptional, a quick learner and
well-spoken. She noted that Gionnah’s ability to secure and schedule
professionals for the Butterfly Effect Program’s job readiness training
seminars was remarkable.
“Gionnah is the most stellar worker and is most deserving of this award,”
Pastor Liggon said.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Student a Questbridge Scholarship Finalist
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that Megan
Berja, a senior at Bellport High School, has been named a finalist for a
2018 Questbridge National College Match Scholarship. If selected, Megan will
be granted admission to one of Questbridge’s partner colleges with a full,
four-year scholarship worth $200,000, which covers tuition and fees, room
and board, books and supplies and travel expenses.
The Questbridge National College Match is a scholarship application process
that assists outstanding low-income seniors admission to the nation’s most
selective colleges.
Megan is a member of the National Honor Society and math and science honor
societies. The College Board recognized Megan as an Advanced Placement
Scholar with Honors, and she currently ranks in the top 5 percent of the
Class of 2019. In addition to participation in Mathletes and the Women in
Science and Engineering Program at Stony Brook University, Megan is also a
tutor and works with the high school newspaper.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport Middle School Students Take a STEP Toward Their Future
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that 23
Bellport Middle School students have been accepted into the Suffolk County
Community College Science and Technology Entry Program, a free Saturday
morning science, technology, engineering and math program for high-achieving
minority students. Funded by the New York State Department of Education, the
STEP Program focuses on career awareness, basic skills and real-world
mathematics, science and technology applications for students in grades
7-12.
The STEP Program provides 16 Saturday morning enrichment classes at SCCC,
two field trips to local scientific and cultural centers and local school
district activities. In addition to enrichment classes taught by SCC
faculty, guest lectures by leaders in the local technological, industrial,
social and educational organizations will serve as role models.
“The STEP program provides an amazing opportunity for these students to
jumpstart their academic future,” said school counselor Christina DeNapoli.
The district congratulates the following STEP Program participants: Grade 7:
Jaiden Jackson, Gael Michel, Leah Ofori, Aarilin Pitre, Bryelle Reid, Jorge
Riera, Juliana Sarmiento, Andres Tacuri and Katherine Yupa. Grade 8: Sara
Abdelbasset, Tatianna Alvarado, Vannesa Cevallos, Javon Davis, Autumn
Gambles, Emily Garavito, Arianna Gomez, Liany Kasten, Patricia Lopez,
Scarlett Maldonado, Isabella Moreno, Sarah Ofori, Vanessa Perez and
Katherine Yanza.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport High School Students Honored by Brookhaven Town
Bellport High School students, Chelsea Argueta, Henry Chillogallo, Ivelisse
Diaz and Katerin Fuentes Velasco were recognized during the Town of
Brookhaven Advisory Board’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, held on
Oct. 5. The seniors were honored for the outstanding academic achievement of
maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 95 percent or more.
The South Country Central School District congratulates the students on this
accomplishment.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
College Board Recognizes 20 Bellport HS AP Scholars
The College Board has recognized 20 Bellport High School students as
Advanced Placement Scholars for exceptional achievement on the May 2018
national exams.
Eleven students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by receiving a score of 3
or higher on three or more exams and include: Chelsea Argueta, Marvina
Baslious, Roshnie Bisram, Maxwell Kaczmarek, Shaun Laurinaitis, Nolan Lyons,
Maya McCullough, Nicholas Nazzaro, Rebekah Ofori, Daniel Roach and Gabrielle
Tims.
Megan Berja, Tyler Brock, Kyle Climan, Alexander Erwin, Eloise Kocay and
Chiara Scharpf received the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an
average grade of 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on
four or more of those exams.
Grace Armann, Valentina Banellis and Aneeqa Majid also qualified for the AP
Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5
on all AP exams taken and grades of 4 or higher on five or more of these
exams.
AP courses completed with a score of 3 or higher on the final exam may
afford students the opportunity to earn college credit. Currently, 183
students are enrolled in one or more of Bellport High School’s 17 AP
courses, which are available to juniors and seniors, except for AP Music
Theory which is available for qualified sophomores.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Student Sean Skelly Receives AABLE Award
Transformative Education Departmental Services has recognized Bellport High
School student Sean Skelly as a recipient of the Access to Better Learning
Experience Award for his advocacy of the disabled community.
A former junior fire fighter for the Hagerman Fire Department Explorer
Program and a probationary fire fighter for the same department, Sean has
participated in Brookhaven Town’s Clean-up Day. During the winter, he
assists with snow removal around fire hydrants and the homes of elderly fire
department members. During the holidays, Sean makes “elf visits” to Home
Depot in Bellport with a fire truck and Santa Claus for the enjoyment of the
community’s children.
As an employee of Woodside Nursery and Gardens since 2013, Sean has assisted
with Make-A-Wish during the holiday season. He has also been a volunteer
with Angels on Long Island since 2014, where he assists with moving and
picking up furniture, loading and unloading trucks, helping in the store and
participating in their special events, such as the back-to-school drive and
fall festival.
Bellport High School Principal Timothy Hogan recognized Sean during the
Sept. 26 South Country Central School Board of Education meeting. “Sean is a
young man of character who possesses a commitment to community often not
seen in people his age,” Mr. Hogan said. “He is a remarkable young man with
a bright future.”
Sean will be presented the AABLE award at the Bellport Country Club on Oct.
27. The district congratulates Sean on this prestigious recognition.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Empire State Grant Awarded to South Country CSD
The South Country Central School District, in conjunction with the Economic
Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. was awarded an Empire State Afterschool
Program grant. Totaling $560,000 a year for four years, the grant will
support an afterschool program at Bellport Middle School for 300 students in
grades 6-8 and will run three hours a day for five days a week. The opening
date of the program is projected for later this fall. In addition, 50 high
school students will be provided afterschool programming through the Boys
and Girls Club of the Bellport Area.
“The district appreciates this generous grant, which will provide a
much-needed service to students in our community and which will fill a gap
for students and their parents who need alternatives for afterschool hours,”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani stated.
Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. Director of Youth and
Adolescent Services Cynthia Amato explained that the grant will provide
vocational, recreational and educational preventative programming. As an
Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. partner, the Suffolk County
Police Department will also provide education on violence prevention and the
risks of drug use and addiction.
In addition to a designated homework hour with tutors in core subjects,
participants will select from a host of activities, including science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), cooking, dance, music/audio
club, music/DJ mix club, special events for students and families, and
social-emotional and healthy living activities. Through the Leaders of the
Future/STARS (Students Taking an Active Role in Society) clubs, participants
will also learn leadership skills and take on community service projects.
SAVVY Me program activities will also promote self-discovery and
understanding.
“With increased afterschool participation through enrollment, we aim to
improve academics and attendance, as well as foster parental involvement,”
Amato said.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Imagining a ‘Whirled’ of Peace
Brightly colored paper pinwheels whirled on the front lawn of Frank P. Long
Intermediate School to create a visual public statement about the importance
of world peace. Fifth-grade students crafted the iconic childhood symbols as
part of the Pinwheels for Peace Project to commemorate the annual
International Day of Peace held on Sept. 21 and established in 1981 by the
United Nations.
Pinwheels for Peace was originally an art installation project started in
2005 by Florida art teachers Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan which was quickly
embraced by millions of teachers throughout the world. Each year, students
like those in the South Country Central School District, write their hopes
for peace and unity on the pinwheels prior to planting them on school lawns.
In addition to making pinwheels, the students also discussed the concept of
“peace,” as well as the importance of living in harmony and being able to
agree to disagree with others.
Pictured: From left, Ryan Fostvedt and Daniel Varuolo
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Books Unite Barbers and South Country Students
South Country Central School District elementary students read their
favorite books as local barbers trimmed their locks during the Barbers,
Beauty and Books reading campaign held on Sept. 15. Held in conjunction with
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Smart Start Suffolk and the South
Country Public Library, the district encouraged students to visit KO Hair
Designs and Lonnie’s Barbershop of Bellport and Imperial Kut Kreators and
Razor’s Edge of East Patchogue where each received a certificate of
participation and $5 gift card to use at participating businesses.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani, Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Marlon Small, Director of
Elementary Education Amy Brennan, Director of Humanities Jackie O’Hagan,
Brookhaven Elementary School Principal Dr. Rebecca Raymond, teacher Krysta
Kanowsky and South Country Public Library Assistant Director Patrick O’Leary
were on hand to applaud the students for their excellent reading skills.
“This is a great way to connect the community and the school district
through literacy,” Dr. Giani said. “Not only did the students and barbers
have a great time, the students received the opportunity to showcase their
academic skills.”
During the event, the district rolled out its new mobile library, which will
be officially unveiled at homecoming on Oct. 6. Students took a tour of the
school bus, which will house a collection of books and a computer for use by
district residents.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Dancing Classrooms
South Country Central School District fifth-graders entered and exited the
gymnasium in the escort position, two-by two and linked arm-in-arm, during a
physical education dance unit taught by Dancing Classrooms of Long Island.
The escort position shows honor and respect, two ideals that go hand in hand
with learning ballroom dance, teaching artist Jessica Heins explained to the
Frank P. Long Intermediate School students during their first lesson on
Sept. 17.
First positioned in a circle, the students learned core moves that form the
basis of the merengue, fox trot, rhumba, tango, swing, heal-toe polka and
the waltz. Ms. Heins, along with accompanying teaching artists Angela
Trivigno and Christina Stiriz, also explained the importance of being a good
partner, while students paired off to try their new steps.
In addition to great exercise, the goal of the ballroom dance unit is to
provide additional opportunities for students to hone teamwork, develop
respect for peers and invoke elegance in movement. With the introduction of
each dance, the students also learn about diverse cultures.
After their first lesson, the students were instructed to each write a
letter to Dancing Classroom, explaining what they learned, how they feel
about the program and what they expected prior to their first lesson. In
December, the students will conduct a showcase of their new dancing skills
for family and faculty.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport HS Junior Sworn in as Ex-Officio Board Member
An official piece of business on the Board of Education’s Sept. 12 agenda
for South Country Central School District was the official swearing in of
Carly Diolosa as Ex-Officio Board Member. Carly, who is student council
president during the 2018-2019 school year, will serve as a liaison to the
board, relaying information about high school events and activities to the
trustees while informing student council members about district business.
Even though Carly does not have voting privileges, she said she is excited
with her new role. “It is an honor to be able to speak on issues concerning
the school and student council,” Carly said. “I want to learn as much as I
can.”
Carly is a member of the math and science honor societies, as well as the
National Honor Society. She is an Advanced Placement student and takes
honors classes to round out her challenging academic schedule. While taking
time out of her studies, Carly is a three-sport athlete on the school’s
varsity soccer, winter track and lacrosse teams.
Board President Cheryl A. Felice welcomed Carly to the board and wished her
much success in her new position.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country CSD Upgrades Security District-wide
As South Country Central School District students returned to classrooms for
the 2018-2019 school year, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani and
the board of education have been working diligently to upgrade and improve
safety and security measures throughout the district. Although some of the
measures are clearly visible, Dr. Giani noted that many throughout the
district are not noticeable to the community.
“Our ultimate goal is to make our facilities as safe as possible for
faculty, staff and students, and to be prepared in the event that security
measures are needed,” Dr. Giani said.
The district is currently seeking approval from the New York State Education
Department to install security vestibules in the elementary schools, similar
to those currently in place at Bellport High School, Bellport Middle School
and Frank P. Long Intermediate School. With the new visitor management
system in place at these facilities, visitors are prescreened, photographed
and provided a sticker badge prior to entering the buildings and are
required to return the badge when exiting the schools.
Additionally, this fall, faculty and staff are being issued new
identification cards, which will ensure the district is aware of who is
inside the building in case of emergency. High and middle school students
have also been issued identification cards, which must be tapped upon
entrance of the school and cafeteria as an attendance measure.
Security cameras have been placed in all non-instructional areas of the
schools and the gymnasiums, as well as entrances, the sides of buildings and
dead spaces. An upgraded security camera service also records activity
around the buildings and was funded through the Smart Schools Bond. The
district’s buses are also equipped with cameras to insure additional
security for riders.
The district has also added a new “lockout” procedure to its security
measures. During a “lockout,” only the exterior doors to a building are
locked and business as usual carries on inside the building. A lockout
procedure is different from a “lockdown,” in which all students and faculty
must shelter in place until further notice.
The most visible security measure is the presence of a new senior guard. A
retired police officer, the senior guard visits all of the district’s
facilities. In-house responders form respectful relationships with students
and assist with intervention and the de-escalation of potential security
issues. The responders also work as security guards after school hours.
For the first time, teachers will be required to attend an active shooter
training exercise with the Suffolk County Police Department. The goal of the
exercise is to educate faculty on how to achieve a maximum and effective
response during potential threat to security.
The district also plans on utilizing the latest technology to upgrade
security. During the Aug. 22 board of education meeting, the district voted
to move forward with the potential use of Suffolk County’s RAVE application.
Available through a county grant, the RAVE application is a panic button
alert system, which allows the district to speed dial 911 to foster a quick
response in the event of an emergency. The district is also interested in
working with the Suffolk County Police Department’s Virtual Private Network,
which would lessen response time by allowing the county to access district
phones and cameras in the event of an emergency.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Dual Language Magnet School Officially Open
South Country Central School District officially celebrated the opening of
its Dual Language Magnet Program at Brookhaven Elementary School on Sept. 4
with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by district administration, board of
education trustees, faculty and community residents. The magnet program will
now allow all district students beginning in kindergarten the opportunity to
learn core subjects in both English and Spanish, becoming bilingual and
biliterate through fifth grade.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani said, “We are thankful to so many
of our school community, who have contributed to our past successes, and we
are very excited about our future successes under our new school leadership
and teacher leaders.”
Brookhaven Elementary School has offered dual language instruction since
2015 to its students who reside in the school zone of Brookhaven Hamlet.
The Dual Language Magnet Program, now offered to students district wide,
will allow Spanish-speaking students to learn English and English-speaking
students learn Spanish. Under the new model, two teachers will
simultaneously instruct students in both languages. Principal Dr. Rebecca
Raymond explained that accessibility to dual language instruction
commences with kindergarten and will expand by one grade level each year.
“This was a vision since four years ago and it is humbling to see how the
program has grown,” Dr. Raymond said. “I believe the program will further
bridge the community together.”
Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice thanked the community for
“seeing the mission through.” She added, “This could not have been
accomplished without a team effort.”
Brookhaven Elementary School students Anastasia Blanco and Naomi
Schindler-Schul were also on hand to assist the district with the
ribbon-cutting and to speak with the community as well as peers about
their experiences in the dual language program.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Smooth Opening for South Country Schools
The iconic yellow buses pulled up in the driveways of South Country Central
School District’s elementary and secondary schools on Sept. 5 filled with
students toting backpacks and supplies for the start of the 2018-2019 school
year. The students were greeted with warm smiles and well-wishes from their
teachers and principals as they filed into the buildings ready to begin
instruction.
Prior to opening day, the district eased the kindergarten and
pre-kindergarten students’ transition into elementary school by hosting “playdates,”
so that the schools’ youngest students could meet their teachers and make
new friends.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani said he was impressed by the
district’s smooth opening and the teachers’ and students’ enthusiasm and
motivation to begin work immediately. “I am confident that the 2018-2019
school year will be productive for all of our South Country students,” Dr.
Giani said.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Trustee Receives Prestigious Warrior Award
Regina Hunt, the vice president of South Country Central School District’s
Board of Education, received the prestigious Warrior Award from the
Transformative Educational Development Services organization. The award
recognizes Ms. Hunt’s longtime advocacy in the school district community.
During the Aug. 22 meeting of the board of education, Ms. Hunt was
congratulated by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani and Board
President Cheryl Felice for her community outreach.
Pictured, Left to Right: Dr. Joseph Giani, Regina Hunt, Cheryl Felice
Courtesy of the South Country School District
South Country Central School District Welcomes New Administrators
The South Country Central School District has filled four administrative
positions with talented faculty to commence the 2018-2019 school year.
Dr. Rebecca Raymond (pictured top left), assistant principal at Brookhaven
Elementary School since 2014, has been appointed principal of the building.
A Center Moriches resident, Dr. Raymond was instrumental in developing the
framework for the district’s Dual Language primary program. She holds a
doctoral degree in educational administration from Dowling College, as well
as a bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s degree in elementary
education from Adelphi University.
Replacing Dr. Raymond as Brookhaven Elementary School assistant principal is
Rosa Kalomiris (pictured top right). Prior to her appointment, Ms. Kalomiris
served as a K-12 English as a New Language teacher and as the district’s
Family Engagement Coordinator. Ms. Kalomiris, a Sayville resident, holds a
bachelor’s degree in linguistics/TESOL, a master’s degree in liberal studies
and educational leadership certification from Stony Brook University. She is
proficient in both Portuguese and Spanish.
Joseph Watson (pictured bottom left), a Blue Point resident, has been
appointed assistant principal at Bellport Middle School. Prior to working in
South Country, Mr. Watson served as a social studies teacher at Elmont
Memorial High School in the Sewanhaka Central High School District since
2003. Mr. Watson holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree
in secondary education from Molloy College, as well as a master’s degree in
school leadership from Touro College.
Rounding out the administrative appointments, Jack Burke (pictured bottom
right) will serve as the director of STEM (science, technology, engineering
and mathematics). Mr. Burke, a Lake Grove resident, was previously
supervisor of K-12 mathematics in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School
District. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s
degree in school administration from Indiana University, as well as advanced
certification in school building leadership and school district leadership
from The College of Saint Rose. Mr. Burke is currently pursuing a doctoral
degree in leadership and administration at St. John’s University.
The district congratulates the faculty on their new administrative positions
and wishes for much success in the new school year.
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The above internet links direct to websites of the South Country Central School District. Photos courtesy of South Country Schools.