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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.
South Country Schools COVID-19 Info
Visit the South Country School District website for updates.
Bellport High School National Honor Society Inducts 73
Bellport High School’s National Honor Society has inducted 73 new
members to the prestigious organization. Although the traditional
candlelighting ceremony did not occur due to school closings, the
students were congratulated by the administration and advisers Danielle
Stuckey and Sue Hines by letter. Ms. Stuckey said that the students will
be officially inducted next April 2021.
Students inducted into the National Honor Society must adhere to the
organization’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and
character. They are also encouraged to live up to these ideals beyond
their tenure at high school.
Principal Timothy Hogan said he was proud of the work ethic, impact and
enthusiasm each of the inductees has brought to the school community,
“which speaks volumes about you as a person.” He also encourages the
students to thank their parents and teachers who have helped them in
their journey, and to be sure to continue giving back to their
community.”
The South Country Central School District congratulates the following
inductees:
| Leonardo Argueta | Julia Longo |
| Lexie Armann | Vivienne Love |
| Alexia Benjamin | Sydney Macioce |
| Boris Berja | Aqsa Majid |
| Madison Boehler | Dennise Mejia |
| Emma Butler | Monica Mejia |
| Clayton Cannella | Kylie Minden |
| William Caroli | Jarithsa Molina |
| Ryann Christie | Julia Monte |
| Eric Ciavatta | Kevin Munson |
| Eliana Cruz | Colin Murphy |
| Chau'zen Davis | Angela Nadeau |
| Harrison Day | Theresa Nadeau |
| John De Vito | Jamie Nobile |
| Erica Dickinson | Tamara Ortiz Macas |
| Donovan J. Edmondson | Calvin Pedatella |
| Sarah Elbaroudy | Anthony Pennachio |
| Natalie Gentzel | Marc Promutico |
| Troy Gentzel | Rianna Raghunandan |
| Jack Gerard | Charlotte Rauch |
| Anissa Gomez | Daniel Reilly |
| Violet Gordon | Jacob Repper |
| Danielle Graser | Steven Rodas |
| Dylan Gronenthal | Isabella Rupolo |
| Jessica Hampson | Laurens Seubert |
| Matthew Harper | Rylie Sikeotis |
| Jaden Hershkowitz | Leah Silvestre |
| Abigail Horn | Kyle Varuolo |
| Aisha Iregbulem | Kayla Vengroski |
| Curren Johnsen | Kayla Vera Idrovo |
| Tarissa Jones | Alexa Versaci |
| Shelby Kaczmarek | Evan Virno |
| Jillian Kerr-Smith | Victoria Vital |
| Marissa Krawczyk | Louis Wilson |
| Tyler Krompier | Alyssa Wolf |
| Paige Lewis | Alondra Wright |
| Abby Loeffler |
Courtesy of the South Country Central School District
South Country Board of Education trustees recognized by NYSSBA
South Country Central School District Board of Education President E.
Anne Hayes and trustee Lisa Di Santo received the Level 1 Board
Achievement Award from the New York State School Boards Association for
participation in the organization’s School Board U Program’s training
opportunities. The award recognizes board trustees who take advantage of
NYSSBA’s continuing professional development opportunities to improve
their expertise and knowledge in governance and leadership, fiscal
responsibility, student achievement and school district operations.
During the May 13 board of education meeting, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Joseph Giani recognized both Ms. Hayes and Ms. Di Santo. He said,
“On behalf of the Board and the New York State School Boards
Association, we appreciate the additional time you have devoted in
fulfilling your responsibilities to our schools and the learning
community.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
The Adventures of Flat Ms. Gordon
As virtual learning takes its hold, student-teacher relationships have
never been more important. At Frank P. Long Intermediate School in the
South Country Central School District, fourth grade teacher Vanessa
Gordon has devised a way to bridge the separation gap between her class
and herself.
The students are participating in a project called Flat Ms. Gordon,
based on the original Flat Stanley Project in which a cardboard cutout
of a man, Flat Stanley, accompanies students on various adventures.
Instead of writing letters about their adventures with Ms. Gordan, as in
the original project, the South Country students are taking photos of
their adventures with the Flat Ms. Gordon cutout and posting them
virtually with a description.
Ms. Gordon said, “I wanted to be with my students for the rest of their
fourth grade year and sent a Flat Ms. Gordon letter to the class, hoping
to be a part of their everyday activities.”
Some adventures Flat Ms. Gordan has been attending are a Mother’s Day
plant sale, eating tacos on Cinco de Mayo, building a catapult, creating
a living room fort and accompanying students with their lessons.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School District
South Country Life Skills Students Receive Cooperator Award
The Bellport High School Life Skills Program was awarded the Outstanding
Cooperator Award, recognizing the students’ great work at the Cornell
Cooperative Farm, located in Yaphank.
Teacher Jane Quatrale explained that students enrolled in the
self-contained/prevocational Life Skills Program (ages 17-21) and
special students in the 8:1:3 classes who receive academic and
behavioral intervention are often scheduled to work in community
businesses. One of the locations during the last eight years includes
the Cornell Cooperative Farm where the students assist with routine
maintenance, including raking the animal pens, and filling feed bags and
filling wood chip bags for the animal pens. The students also perform
light office work and bundle brochures according to school districts and
schools.
“We have a great rapport with the farm,” Ms. Quatrale said. “The
students enjoy going to the farm and interacting with the animals. The
Cornell Cooperative farm is a great program and the students learn
important work skills by volunteering their time.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Principal Recognized as a Partner in Literacy
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
Brookhaven Elementary School Principal Dr. Rebecca Raymond received the
sixth annual Brookhaven Free Library Community Partner in Literacy Award
during the library’s annual meeting, held on March 10. The award
recognizes individuals in the community who tirelessly promote literacy.
Dr. Raymond explained that Brookhaven Elementary School has always had a
close connection to the Brookhaven Free Library with students
participating in school initiatives which include Read Around the World
and a dual language event centered around the popular Cinco de Mayo
festival.
“The library has always been such an important place in the heart of the
community and the students,” Dr. Raymond said. “It’s a safe haven which
helps them flourish.”
Dr. Raymond has served the district for six years, first as Brookhaven
Elementary School assistant principal for four years and as principal
for the past two years. Prior to her tenure in South Country, Dr.
Raymond served as a dual language teacher at Southampton Elementary
School.
Brookhaven Free Library Director Jamie Papandrea described Dr. Raymond
in the library newsletter announcement as a “truly and exemplary
community partner and we are proud to honor her with this recognition.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Student-Artists Among Long Island’s Best
The artwork of Bellport High School student-artists Courtney Gerard,
Patricia Prott and Tyler Walsh were selected from 388 submissions to
exhibit at the Heckscher Museum’s Long Island’s Best Young Artists 2020
juried exhibit. Additionally, Courtney received the Costas Family Award
for Excellence in Photography for her digital photograph, “Floating.”
Tyler also received the Renzo and Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award for
his ink and watercolor work, “Euphoria.”
Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum is the only
juried exhibition on Long Island offering high school student-artists
the opportunity to exhibit their work in a museum. As the museum marks
its 100th anniversary this year, 100 works of art were selected for
exhibit. Each year, students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit
artwork inspired by art shown in the museum. For the first time in the
museum’s history, an online format features all of the student artwork
selected for exhibit, the students’ artist statements and the artwork
that inspired the selectees.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Teacher Garners Influential Educator Award
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
Frank P. Long Intermediate School teacher David Perkins received the
Influential Educator Award from New York State Senator Monica R.
Martinez. The award was presented during the senator’s annual Black
History Month Celebration, “African Americans and the Vote,” held on
Feb. 28, at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Bellport and to honor
individuals who are making a difference in the community.
Mr. Perkins has served the South Country Central School District for 16
years. Currently teaching fifth grade, Mr. Perkins is famous throughout
the school community for hosting Bowtie Tuesday. On this day each month,
students wear bowties and hair ribbons to feel better about themselves
while being reminded about their goals to become more responsible and
mature. The students also listen to speakers who provide tips for
success in school and in life.
“Students should see glimmers of the best versions of themselves,” Mr.
Perkins said. “It’s also important that education be fun.”
Mr. Perkins is also a shining example of how to give back to the
community. An Islandia resident, Mr. Perkins has served as a volunteer
firefighter in Central Islip for the past three years and is currently
learning to drive a firetruck. He also demonstrates a desire to improve
his school community through participation in a variety of programs,
committees and events. He has served on the Shared Decision Making Team
at FPL, Math Day and was basketball coach for the Bellport Middle School
team. More recently, Mr. Perkins served on the district’s Technology
Committee, assisted in Math 24 tournaments at FPL and is currently an
adviser on the FPL Lego Robotics Club.
However, Mr. Perkins goal is always the same — to do his best to improve
the success of his students academically and in life.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Named a Top Music Community
The NAMM Foundation has designated South Country Central School District
as one of the nation’s 2020 Best Communities for Music Education for its
demonstration of exceptionally high commitment to music education and
access to music instruction for all district students.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the
National Association of Music Merchants to advance active participation
in music. The district music program was analyzed for funding, staffing
of qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music
instruction.
Music Chairperson James Uzzi said, “Because of support from central
administration, the board of education and the community, the district
has the resources to do what it takes to make the music program visible
and one that serves all interested students.”
The district is proud of its music program, which offers a plethora of
instruction in orchestra and band instruments, piano, chorus and music
theory. Elementary instruction commences in prekindergarten and third
grade students may join the chorus, followed by orchestra or band in
fourth grade. A unique elementary offering is the bell program at
Kreamer Street Elementary School, which was up and running this school
year. As students reach the high school level, they have opportunities
to perform with the freshman orchestra, string orchestra for grades
10-12, or to audition for membership in the concert orchestra. There is
also a high school wind ensemble and symphonic band for students who
play band instruments, as well as membership in the school’s mixed
chorus. Piano I and II is offered, as well as Music Theory I and
Advanced Placement Music Theory for those planning on continuing their
education in music on the college level.
The district’s various ensembles also compete in the Suffolk County
Music Educators’ Association All-County festival, the Long Island String
Festival Association festival, and the New York State Council of
Administrators of Music Education All-County festival. Opportunities to
perform and compete also include the New York State School Music
Association’s Ensemble and Solo and Majors Organization festivals. The
district’s most talented student-musicians also apply to participate in
NYSSMA’s All-State festival.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
A Celebration of Excellence and Distinction
Each year, Bellport High School in the South Country Central School
District demonstrates pride and gratitude during the Evening of
Excellence. This cherished tradition, scheduled to take place on March
24, would have celebrated the accomplishments of 44 distinguished
seniors who have maintained a weighted cumulative average of 92% or
better for the past seven semesters. Additionally, six members of the
faculty were to be honored after being selected by the students as
persons who have been influential and inspirational during their
educational journey.
Principal Timothy Hogan noted that the students’ striving for
“excellence” does not happen by accident. “It [excellence] is the
gradual result of always striving to do your best – with high intention,
sincere effort and mindful execution.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani said that even though the
Evening of Excellence could not take place this year due to school
closings, it is important to pay homage to the honorees. “These students
not only demonstrated academic excellence but went above and beyond by
serving the community and by demonstrating the ideals of the district,”
Dr. Giani said.
The district congratulates the following students: Audrey Barry, David
Bellante, Erin Boehmke, Amanda Brunning, Kayzjah Charles, Ashley Chavez,
Connor Coleman, Eva Colon, Alyssa Demmers, Sebastian DeRosa, Rachel
Dickinson, Carly Diolosa, Alexa Ferrara, Elsy Franco Argueta, Courtney
Gerard, Emily Gentzel, Ali Dennis Guillermo, Emily Hartmann, Emily
Hughes, Natalia Jordan, Juliana Lewkowski, Jacob LiVigni, Jared James
Lorenzo, Hanna Lupo, Daniela Mondi, Nicholas Promutico, Ella Rauch, Peri
Sallah, Victoria Pennachio, Liam Murphy, Amanda Rasmussen, Marissa
Mulligan, Maya Samuel, Luca Scharpf, Kunj Shah, Troy Sica, Mia Suarez,
Bryan Tapuy, Miranda Treutle, Lauryn Trupia, Michael Vengroski,
Katherine Vignona, Tyler Walsh and Stephen Warnes.
The district also congratulates the following faculty: Antonino Giresi
(Frank P. Long Intermediate School), Carolyn Kelly (Verne W. Critz
Elementary), Nicole Lafferty (Bellport High School), Jolene McCarthy (Kreamer
Street Elementary), Juliane McDermott (Brookhaven Elementary) and
Nicolette Schiavone (Bellport Middle School).
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Board of Education Celebrates the Efforts of ‘Frozen Jr.’ Cast and Crew
During the March 11th South Country Central School District Board of
Education meeting, the trustees recognized those who contributed to the
great success of the Bellport Middle School production of “Frozen Jr.,”
held on Jan. 17-18. Principal Dr. Jamal Colson said the musical
positively impacted the students and community in many ways and that it
was more than just a culmination of a weekend event.
The musical promoted lifelong goals for many students, such as acting
and singing opportunities or careers in construction, sound and
lighting,” Dr. Colson explained to the board of education. “Students
learned to work together toward a common goal with the three A’s –
attendance, attitude and achievement.”
Staff members Michele Stiriz (director), Sean Austin (musical producer),
Oya Bangura (choreographer), Alicia Ferrara (costume designer),
Nicolette Clock (assistant producer) and Kieran Sawyer (stage manager)
were congratulated. Dr. Colson also introduced shining principal cast
members Madison Aruta (townsperson and an Oaken family member), Alexa
Allan (Elsa), Kaelyn Schmidt (Anna), Max Yablon (Kristof), Mason Linke
(Hans), Madison Roberts (Sven), Jacob Chojnacki (Olaf), Gael Michel (Pabbie),
Samantha DeLillo (snow chorus) and Rileigh Picken (Queen Iduna).
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Musicians Attend Honor Band Symposium
Bellport High School student-musicians Jack Burkhardt (clarinet), Taylor
Kelly (horn) and Anthony Notartomaso (euphonium) were selected to
represent the South Country Central School District at the 2020 New York
State Band Directors Association High School Honor Band Symposium, held
in Liverpool, on March 6-8.
The student-musicians were selected based on their previous year’s New
York State School Music Association scores and teacher recommendations.
Each year, NYSBDA selects the top musicians from across the state to
rehearse with one of the nation’s most respected conductors, followed by
a concert on the final day of the symposium. This year’s concert was
conducted by SUNY Fredonia professor of Music and Director of Bands Dr.
Paula Holcomb.
Bellport High School Band Director Bradley Hartman said, “We are
extremely proud of Bellport High School’s first group of students to be
nominated for this prestigious ensemble. It was a fantastic opportunity
for our students.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Students Exhibit at Parrish Art Museum
Bellport High School’s top student-artists were selected to exhibit
their artwork at the Parrish Art Museum’s 2020 Student Exhibition, held
March 7-April 19. This prestigious show exhibits work amongst students
from East End townships in various mediums including computer graphics,
photography, sculpture, drawing and painting.
Both Victoria Anguilar-Perez and Trinity Brown won the coveted Ones to
Watch award. In addition, Audrey Barry (drawing), Sofia Gannon
(photography) and Samantha Porsche (photography) were also selected as
honorees.
A 60-year tradition, the annual Student Exhibition features the work of
more than 1,000 artists from school districts in Long Island East End
townships. Those students selected to display their work demonstrated
creativity, enthusiasm and technical skill in diverse media including
painting, sculpture, drawing and photography.
The South Country Central School District and Art Department Chairperson
Suzette Emma-Fandale congratulated the students on this prestigious
honor.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country School District Kindergarten and Pre-K Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year
The
South Country Central School District will be conducting Pre-K and
Kindergarten registration for the 2020-2021 school year from March 2nd
through March 27th, 2020.
English Registration Form
Spanish Registration Form
Call (631) 730-1617 or visit the
district website
for more information.
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 Central School
District
Bellport High School Students Honored During Annual Brookhaven Black History Month Celebration
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
seven Bellport High School students were honored during the Town of
Brookhaven’s 29th annual Black History Month Celebration, held at Town
Hall on Feb. 7. Sponsored by Brookhaven’s Black History Commission,
students Kayzjah Charles, Shaliq Cochran, Isaiah James, Lisa Kuffour,
Tamia Lawson, Alexandra Magro and Maya Samuel were recognized as
high-achieving students.
Principal Tim Hogan said, “These students embody the high standards and
expectations Bellport High School sets for all of its students and we
encourage you to join us in celebrating their achievements.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Wrestlers Receive All-County Honors
The South Country Central School District congratulates Bellport High
School varsity wrestlers Josh Leidig (fourth place), Wyatt Gentzel
(fifth place), Jaiden Green (sixth place), David Hartmann (sixth place)
and Jonah Poueriet (sixth place) for receiving All-County honors during
the Section XI Tournament, held at Suffolk County Community College in
Brentwood on Feb. 15.
The varsity wrestling team has made great strides this season, having
garnered the League IV Dual Meet Championship, held in Hauppauge on Jan.
22. The Clippers also hosted the League IV Tournament at Bellport High
School on Feb. 8, where they secured the highest number of points to win
the tournament for the second consecutive year.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Presents ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Fans of Disney’s iconic romance “Beauty and the Beast” flocked to
Bellport High School’s Ebersole Auditorium on Feb. 7-8. Under Director
Suzette Emma-Fandale and producer Barbara Gallagher, the 43-member cast
entertained the audience with three performances, including a Saturday
afternoon character brunch hosted by the production’s characters on Feb.
8.
AutumnMargaret Walthers played the female lead as Belle, with Michael
Marziliano as the Beast. Aidan Gaynor narrated the production, while
Jack Frankie (Maurice), Kevin Munson (Gaston) and Joey Salerno (LeFou)
played the supporting male roles. Silly Girls Maya Krulder, Rachael La
Grega and Cassidy Solina provided comic relief throughout the play as
they swooned over Gaston in hopes of gaining his attention.
Unforgettable were the roles of Lumiere (Jack Burkhardt), Cogsworth
(Troy Sica), Mrs. Potts (Emma Butler), Babette (Keira Ballan), Madame de
la Grande Bouche (Kennedy Parris), Chip (Carley Simms), Old Beggar
Woman/Enchantress (Alexa Ferrara) and Monsieur D’Arque (Aidan Gaynor).
In addition to stunning costumes and a show-stopping set, the audience
thoroughly enjoyed the production’s most popular tunes from the original
Broadway production and movie including “Be Our Guest,” “Tale as Old as
Time,” and “Gaston.” A special thank you was extended to choreographer
Stephanie Verticcio, vocal director Henry Finnegan and pit conductor
James Uzzi whose efforts made the show a success.
In a statement included in the program, Ms. Fandale and Mr. Uzzi said,
“The theater program at Bellport High School has been built over the
past 25 years with the commitment, devotion, respect and love from our
team. We have had the amazing opportunity to work alongside a group of
amazingly talented professionals who hold the highest expectations for
themselves and our students. With success as the only option, we have
together created and presented truly amazing productions for our
community.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport Middle School Robo Panthers Garner Robot Design Award
The Bellport Middle School robotics team, the Robo Panthers, placed
fifth out of 30 teams participating in the FIRST Lego League qualifier,
held at William Floyd High School on January 11th. Under the direction
of coaches Jeremy Freeman and Matt Gualtieri, the team also garnered the
Programming Award in the Robot Design category. Due to the team’s
ranking, the Robo Panthers are now invited to compete at the
School-Business Partnerships of Long Island’s FIRST Lego League
Championship to be held at Longwood High School on March 1.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Wrestling Wins Dual League IV Championship
The South Country Central School District congratulates the Bellport
High School varsity wrestling team on winning the Dual League
Championship for League IV, held at Hauppauge on Jan. 22. The team
qualified for the County Dual Meet, held at Hauppauge on Jan. 22, but
lost against Lindenhurst.
Wrestling team captain Joshua Leidig said that hard work and
determination was the prescription for the team’s success in garnering
the Dual League Championship title. “The team has been working hard in
the practice room, at team practices and off the mat, keeping up their
stamina,” Joshua said. “The goal of the team is to place as high in the
county as possible and to win another league tournament.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Teacher Earns Top Suffolk PTA Honors
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
Verne W. Critz Elementary School first grade teacher Carolyn Kelly was
selected as the Ted Brigham Teacher of the Year. Sponsored by the
Suffolk PTA, this award is given to one teacher who demonstrates
commitment to the PTA’s mission and objectives.
During the Jan. 22 board of education meeting where Ms. Kelly was
recognized by the trustees, South Country PTA Council President Chris
Maresco noted that Ms. Kelly strengthened the bond and contributed to a
stronger relationship between home and school. Principal Mandy Mazziotti
described Ms. Kelly as a determined individual who strives to reach her
fullest potential and always has her students in mind.
“She has demonstrated time after time, that she is an educator who truly
loves her job and the students not only in her classroom, but the school
as a whole,” Ms. Mazziotti said.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport Middle School Presents ‘Frozen Jr.’
The talented cast and crew of “Frozen Jr.” drew a packed house to
Bellport Middle School’s auditorium on January 17th-18th. Under the
direction of director Michele Stiriz, producer Sean Austin and
choreographer Oya Bangura, the cast transported the audience to the land
of Arendelle and brought to life the story of two sisters, Princesses
Anna (Kaelyn Schmidt, Jillian Ferrara and Caroline Graham) and Elsa (Alexa
Allan, Ava McKee and Lyla Hollmann). The play also included many of the
popular songs debuted on Broadway in 2008, including “Let It Go” and “Do
You Want to Build a Snowman.”
The principal cast also included Orion Beadle (guard), Haley Fischer
Bishop (Bulda), Shaniah Chavez (steward), Jacob Chojnacki (Olaf), Kailyn
Ciavatta (housekeeper), Damian Funes (King Agnarr) Mason Linke (Hans),
Manny Maldonado (butler), Eirini Michaels (Bulda), Gael Michel (Pabbie),
Rileigh Picken (Queen Iduna), Madison Roberts (Sven), Anthony Santana (Weselton),
Ryan Seubert (handmaiden), Diana Telese (Oaken), Jordan Teuschler (cook)
and Max Yablon (Kristoff.). The South Country Central School District
congratulates all who participated including the student-actors who
played the part of the snow chorus and summer chorus, Oaken’s family the
Hidden Folk and townspeople.
The success of the play was also due to the efforts of digital
projectionist Katelyn Austin, set designer and set construction Sean
Austin, assistant producer Nicolette Clock, costume designer Alicia
Ferrara, stage manager Kieran Sawyer, lighting designer Joseph Skelly
and vocal director Michele Stiriz.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Dancing Classrooms at Frank P. Long Intermediate School
South Country Central School District fifth graders entered and exited
the Frank P. Long Intermediate School gymnasium in the escort position,
two-by two and linked arm-in-arm, during a culminating performance for
parents and faculty of Dancing Classrooms of Long Island. The 10-week
physical education unit taught students core moves that form the basis
of the merengue, fox trot, rumba, tango, swing, polka and waltz, as well
as the importance of teamwork, empathy and respect.
During the program’s introduction, Dancing Classrooms of Long Island
Educational Liaison Jessica Heins told parents, “The students walk away
with a can-do attitude.” She also thanked the students by saying, “We
are grateful to each and every student who bravely entered into Dancing
Classrooms and we celebrate all that you have achieved.”
In addition to great exercise, the goal of the Dancing Classrooms
physical education unit was 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. Additionally, by learning the escort
position, the students learned two important ideals of ballroom dancing,
honor and respect.
During the program, demonstration teams and then groups of students
performed each of the dance moves for parents, alternating partners
during the performance. To further celebrate the dances’ diverse
cultures, select students read poetry and prose to add to the festive
occasion.
The program culminated with all of the teams and faculty dancing the
polka. The students were then allowed to escort their choice of a
partner onto the floor for one more dance.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Junior Awarded Rank of Eagle Scout
During the January 8th South Country Board of Education business
meeting, Bellport High School junior Jake D’Esposito was recognized for
achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Jake, a member of Boy Scout Troop 47, worked with a team of individuals
to erect a Purple Martin colony, located at Squassux Landing in
Brookhaven. The Purple Martin is a bird that resembles a swallow and
does not build nests in the wild. The Brookhaven community has been
trying to attract these birds back to the community. While working on
his project, Jake learned about the Purple Martin’s nesting habits and
placement, how to attract the birds, predators, management of the
colony, migration patterns, food sources and the need for human
intervention.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Athletes 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. The
organization has been hosting the event for the past decade. 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 to celebrate the season of giving.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
A Season for Giving
Throughout the South Country Central School District, students spent the
month of November collecting food for those in need.
Under the direction of teachers Jeremy Freeman and Erika Hawthorne, the
Bellport Middle School Student Council collected nonperishable food
items from Oct. 15-Nov. 20. The food was then sent to Pastor Mike
Caiazzo at the Lighthouse Mission to add to the organization’s
collection of food for the community.
At Brookhaven Elementary School, the students’ reach had a global
appeal. After Halloween, students donated their uneaten candy, which was
then sent to military troops abroad.
The Bellport High School Student Council also held its annual
Thanksgiving Drive. This year, the organization collected more than 900
nonperishable items for those in need.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Students are in the Zone
Bellport High School students Connor Coleman and Emily Gentzel 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.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Warm Hearts On and Off the Diamond at Bellport High School
Members of the Bellport High School varsity, junior varsity and Bellport
Middle School baseball teams came together in front of Best Market to
collect nonperishable food items for the St. Vincent de Paul Food
Pantry, located at Mary Immaculate Church in Bellport. This is the
team's third consecutive year collecting food for the community.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Cheerleaders Offer Encouragement and Support
For the third consecutive year, the Bellport High School varsity
cheerleaders volunteered at the American Cancer Society Making Strides
Against Cancer Walk, held at Jones Beach on Oct. 20. Wearing Bellport
Cheers for a Cure T-shirts, their purpose in attending the event was to
cheer on participants, many of whom are survivors spreading 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.
Coach Samantha Berkowitz said that as cheerleaders, the team wears many
hats, including being leaders by giving back to others. The team
performed cheers created specifically for the walk. “They offered
encouragement and signs of hope to everyone,” Ms. Berkowitz said.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Students Inducted into the Center of Excellence
Under the advisement of Aimee Iuliucci and Nicole Colao, Bellport High
School’s Center of Excellence welcomed 20 new members during an
induction ceremony, held on Nov. 7. Attended by district administration
and members of the board of education, inductees received a pin
symbolizing both their membership and aspiration to explore college as a
realistic, attainable and post-high school option.
Ms. Iuliucci said, “Wear your pin with pride. Your futures are bright.”
During the 2018-2019 school year, 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.
Board of Education President E. Anne Hayes told the students, “Each of
you have things in mind for the future. Don’t limit yourself but keep
moving forward and you’ll be astounded at what you will have
accomplished.”
Guest speaker and former Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice
told the students that they need to have the willingness to take risks.
“Young people are important to our democracy,” she said. “You need to
become involved in the process.”
The induction ceremony was preceded by a dinner, hosted by the high
school culinary students. Nevaeh Tinsley led the salute to the flag,
while and Destiny France sang the national anthem. Additionally, COE
president Anecya Sutton, vice president Emily Hartmann and secretary
Kaitlyn Stines announced the names of the inductees as they received
their pins and certificates.
Ms. Iuliucci also announced that the COE has received a $711 grant from
the Brookhaven 7-Eleven, a $2,000 grant from the South Country Education
Foundation and a $250 grant from Ms. Felice.
The South Country Central School District congratulates the following
inductees: (Grade 9) Jada Crowell, Catherine Chicas Fuentes, Aaron
Dupaya, Eldrick Dupaya, Sara Epstein, Natali Gonzalez Romero, Ryan Grell,
Justin Guzman, Wayne Heinecker, Meadow Lyn Moscatiello, Vanessa Perez,
Ambar Ventura; (Grade 10) Sarah Elbaroudy, Andrea Giles; (Grade 11) Asha
Golding, Sydney Rountree; (Grade 12) Janaisha Austin, Elsy Franco
Argueta, Suzan Lunde and Mahogany Quinitchett.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Brookhaven Elementary School Opens Food Pantry
Struggling families in the Brookhaven Elementary School community now
have an additional community resource with the opening of the new food
pantry on Nov. 6. In collaboration with the school’s PTA organization,
the pantry has been filled with nonperishables and paper goods donated
by Island Harvest Food Bank.
Principal Dr. Rebecca Raymond said that 20 families in the school
community have thus far reached out for assistance. “Students are at the
heart of the community,” Dr. Raymond said. “It takes a village to raise
a child. Having food available for those who need it binds families
together and is one less worry.”
At present, PTA members and faculty will box food, based on requests,
and families can call the main office to make an appointment for a
pickup.
South Country Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani thanked Dr.
Raymond and the PTA for their insight and help with the project. “We are
very excited about this new resource, which will assist our neediest
families,” he said.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Teacher Named an Educator of Excellence
South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
Brookhaven Elementary School second grade teacher Victoria Suarez has
been named a 2019 Educator of Excellence by the New York State English
Council. This award honors teachers who are leaders in the classroom,
who collaborate with colleagues and serve as mentors for new teachers.
During the Nov. 13 board of education meeting, Principal Dr. Rebecca
Raymond presented Ms. Suarez to the trustees and described her as
deserving of the award in that she readily seeks out opportunities to
support her students’ continual growth, seeks professional learning
opportunities, attends and presents workshops, participates in numerous
school committees and extends the learning experiences of colleagues.
“We at Brookhaven are proud of your achievement and are humbled to work
and learn from you each and every day,” Dr. Raymond said.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
South Country Central School District Art Gallery Commendations
The artistic talents of 51 individual student-artists and group work by
Verne W. Critz Elementary School first graders were commended during the
South Country Central School District’s second annual Art Gallery
Reception, held on Oct. 23 at Central Office headquarters. The students’
artwork is part of an ongoing art gallery, which will be exhibited
throughout the 2019-2020 school year.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani told parents and faculty in
attendance that “This is a new tradition, and we are excited and pleased
to walk down the hallway at Central Office and see this wonderful
children’s artwork.”
Each student received a certificate, and refreshments provided by the
art department were served.
The district congratulates the following students:
Bellport High School: Roselida Albarran, Edwin Alfaro,
Audrey Barry, Tatianna Davis, Josselyn Fuentes, Sarai Garcia, Courtney
Gerard, Violet Gordon, Haley Herrmann, Abigail Horn, Tiara Jones, Hanna
Lupo, Robert Menendez, Jake Mulle, Yeak Kay Phong, Samantha Porsche,
Madelyn Reyes, Sabrina Rodriguez, Caitlin Saliba, Dream Smith, Seryna
Waldron-Walker and Jaelyn Zapata
Bellport Middle School: Karyn Devine, Louisa Gordon,
Julia Kotasek, Scarlett Maldonado, Alana Negron, Leah Ofori, Megan
Wilkinson, Katherine Yanza and Mirka Zapata
Frank P. Long Intermediate School: Jack Fauci and
Joshua Terry
Kreamer Street Elementary: Adrianna Fudge, Mason Kern,
Sophia Fuentes Rios and Adeline Wiley
Brookhaven Elementary: Isay Gonzalez Bonilla, Shianelle
Dilan, Samantha Velasquez-Garcia, Jayden Giuseffi, Iniya Holland, Brody
Kandler, Antonio Michielli and Ashly Angelina Muy
Verne W. Critz Elementary: Christopher Behnke, Lineth
Rivas Gamero, Joseph Figueroa Oliva, Sofia Perez, Lola Provenzano, Dylan
Sarmiento Quiroga and Group Work by first grade students.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Frank P. Long Students Give Back to the Community
Frank P. Long Intermediate School fourth graders in Vanessa Gordon’s
class got a jump start on the community’s participation in the annual
South Country Community Clean Up, held on Oct. 19.
The students joined their teacher with large plastic bags and gloves to
clean up all of the trash that had blown within the perimeter of the
intermediate school. The students retrieved two bags of trash, and many
of the classmates remarked how good it felt to give back to the
community.
Sponsored by the Brookhaven Free Library and the South Country Community
Leadership Network, the annual clean up aims to work together to make a
difference in the community.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Volleyball Digs Pink
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Bellport High
School student-athletes worked to make a dent in raising funds for
breast cancer research.
On Oct. 10, the girls volleyball program played against Newfield High
School during a Dig Pink event. In addition to defeating the visiting
team, the program raised $1,410 for the Side Out Foundation to assist
with breast cancer research and awareness. The funds were raised by
selling paper volleyballs to show support for those impacted by breast
cancer, which hung on the gymnasium walls as a reminder of the games’
purpose. For the past eight years, Bellport High School’s volleyball
program has raised and donated more than $20,000, one of the largest
contributions from a high school volleyball program on Long Island.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Top Notes for South Country Student Musicians
The New York State School Music Association selected Bellport High
School student-musicians Taylor Kelly and Timothy Montick to perform at
the 2019 NYSSMA All-State Winter Music Conference, to be held at the
prestigious Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York on Dec. 8.
Taylor, an alternate, was selected to play French horn with the
symphonic band, and Timothy was selected to play the trumpet with the
symphony orchestra. The students were nominated and selected based on
their NYSSMA solo and ensemble festival scores, held at Mt. Sinai High
School last spring. This represents a remarkable achievement, as there
were 6,500 students that auditioned statewide for a position in the
All-State Music Festival.
In addition, eight Bellport High School students were selected to
participate in the 2019 High School All-County Music Festival, sponsored
by the Suffolk chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators
of Music Education (NYSCAME) and the Suffolk Music Educators’
Association (SCMEA). More than 14 hours of rehearsals will culminate in
a concert performance at Huntington High School on Nov. 15. Selections
were based upon each student’s NYSSMA Solo Festival rating and school
music teacher nominations. This festival recognizes Suffolk County’s
most accomplished high school music students in grades 11 and 12.
Representing Bellport High School are the following:
• Jack Burkhardt – clarinet – symphonic band
• Vivian Fritz – harp – symphony orchestra
• Taylor Kelly – French horn – symphony orchestra
• Timothy Montick – trumpet – symphonic band
• Anthony Notartomaso – euphonium – symphonic band
• Troy Sica – viola – symphony orchestra
• Ryan Voegele – trombone – symphony orchestra
• AutumnMargaret Walthers – alto – treble choir
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Brookhaven Town Celebrates South Country Hispanic Students
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
the Town of Brookhaven’s Hispanic Advisory Board has recognized the
academic achievements of Bellport High School seniors Elsy Franco
Argueta, Ashley Chavez, Natalia Jordan and Sebastian DeRosa during the
sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, which was held on Oct.
11 at Brookhaven Town Hall.
The students were nominated by teachers and the school’s guidance
department for having acquired and attained a 95% GPA or above through
their junior year of high school.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Frank P. Long Garden Club Planting Reaps Stellar Harvest
The recent warm daytime and cool nighttime temperatures made ideal
conditions for Frank P. Long Intermediate School Garden Club members to
harvest vegetables planted in the school’s courtyard learning lab
gardens. There were exclamations of joy and awe as the students examined
and then picked the labor of their work: a bright purple eggplant,
onions, peppers and a variety of lettuces. The vegetables were bagged
and donated to the Lighthouse Mission for an early fall salad for its
patrons.
During the 2018-2019 school year, the South Country Central School
District opened its new courtyard learning lab, completed with the use
of district capital reserve funds while providing a flexible
instructional space and an extension of classroom learning. Vegetable
and flower boxes were made available for Garden Club members and classes
to beautify the garden plots as part of the science curriculum.
Previous Garden Club adviser Sarah Rauch said, “The goal of planting
vegetables was to beautify the courtyard and to show students where
their food comes from.”
Ms. Rauch noted that the students were particularly interested in the
way asparagus plants grew. Additionally, Bellport Garden Club volunteers
came each week to assist with the planting and weeding and provided the
club with a $100 grant to pay for bulbs, plants and tools.
Even Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani caught the planting bug.
He donated spicy onions from his own home garden for the students to
enjoy. “The gardening plots are amazing and a wonderful opportunity for
our students to learn how food is grown,” Dr. Giani said.
Frank P. Long Intermediate School teacher Diana Santos is the new Garden
Club adviser and has plans in place for imminent planting and science
learning with this year’s members, who meet on Tuesday afternoons after
school. The students will continue taming the overgrowth and plant
additional bulbs that will bloom in spring. The students are even trying
to identify a spikey plant that unexpectedly grew among the flowers.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
College Board Recognizes 42 Bellport HS AP Scholars
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that 42
current Bellport High School students and 2019 graduates were recognized
as Advanced Placement Scholars for exceptional achievement on the May
2019 national exams.
23 students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by receiving a 3 or
higher on three or more exams and include: Chelsea M. Argueta, Marvina
E. Baslious, Rafael M. Benavides, Megan Berja, Roshnie A. Bisram,
Kayzjah N. Charles, Katerin Fuentes Velasco, Sam F. Hampson, Erin G.
Kelly, Jared M. Lorenzo, Nolan R. Lyons, Alyssa N. Mantione, Grace A.
Minikel, Rebekah A. Ofori, Victoria J. Pennachio, Andrew R. Porsche,
Nicholas F. Promutico, Ella G. Rauch, Ciarra N. Saliba, Luca S. Scharpf,
Christopher Z. Tucker, Sarah R. Valenzuela and Cesar Velasquez.
Connor M. Coleman, Sebastian M. Derosa, Ali Guillermo, Natalia A.
Jordan, Maxwell R. Kaczmarek, Eloise R. Kocay, Nicholas J. Nazzaro,
Chiara M. Scharpf and Gabrielle V. Tims 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 L. Armann, Valentina C. Banellis, Tyler M. Brock, Kyle D. Climan,
Alexander G. Erwin, Shaun V. Laurinaitis, Juliana F. Lewkowski, Aneeqa
Majid, Maya G. McCullough and Daniel J. Roach 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.
Additionally, Valentina C. Banellis and Tyler M. Brock were recognized
as a National AP Scholar by earning an average score of at least 4 on
all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these
exams.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School
District
Bellport High School Photographer Takes Top Art Honors
The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that
the Long Island Arts Alliance presented Bellport High School student
Courtney Gerard with an Award of Merit during the 2019-2020 Long Island
Scholar-Artists Award ceremony, held at Long Island University’s Tilles
Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 11. Courtney was recognized for
her excellence in academics and in the area of photography.
To be considered for this prestigious designation, students must be
nominated by their school for representing the highest level of artistic
excellence in media arts, visual arts, music, dance or theater. The
student must also submit a portfolio of their work for consideration by
the selection committee and must hold an unweighted grade point average
of 90% or above.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School District
School Begins for South Country Central School District Students
South Country Central School District students disembarked from bright
yellow buses with backpacks and school supplies on hand for the start of
the 2019-2020 school year on Sept. 4. The students were greeted with
warm smiles and well-wishes from faculty and principals as they filed
into the buildings ready to begin instruction 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 instruction. “I am confident that the 2019-2020
school year will be productive for district faculty and a wonderful year
of learning for all South Country students,” Dr. Giani said.
Courtesy of the South Country Central School District
New Faculty Welcomed to the South Country Central School District
During a three-day orientation program, 25 educators were welcomed to
the South Country Central School District by the board of education and
administration and were familiarized with the workings of the district
on Aug. 20-22.
In addition to a warm welcome by Assistant Superintendent for Personnel
and General Administration Nelson Briggs and Assistant Superintendent
for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Marlon Small, new faculty
members learned how to utilize the district’s technology, employee
benefits and payroll, and took tours of the district and their
individual buildings.
Presentations included information on how to reach every
parent/guardian, how to create a culturally responsive learning
environment, classroom management and positive intervention strategies,
teachers’ union, training in Response to Intervention, Common Core
Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
The board of education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani
also hosted a luncheon at the administrative offices to formally welcome
new faculty to the South Country family. After introducing the
administration, Dr. Giani noted that each and every South Country
employee, regardless of their role and title, impacts student learning
and contributes to the district’s mission to educate all students, even
though successes may not always show up in the classroom.
During his opening comments, Dr. Giani told the new faculty that he
believes that if each and every child has a connection with one adult in
their school, that child will be academically and emotionally
successful. “I challenge each of you to make connections with your
students and build relationships with their families, regardless of who
they are, where they live, or their socio-economic status,” Dr. Giani
said. “Teaching isn’t easy, but what can be a more important profession
than one that shapes the mind and lives of children.”
Courtesy of the South Country Central School District
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The above internet links direct to websites of the South Country Central School District. Photos courtesy of South Country Schools.