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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
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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Pre-Kindergarten
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Brookhaven
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Kreamer
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Verne
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Frank
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Bellport
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Bellport
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South
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The above internet links direct to websites of the South Country Central School District. Photos courtesy of South Country Schools.