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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.
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
Culinary Arts Team Wins Four out of Eleven Awards at “Cook Around the World” Competition
Hats off to the Bellport High School Culinary Arts Program, who won four out of eleven possible awards at the "Cook Around the World Competition" held at Walt Disney World on May 13th. Our two High School teams created dishes inspired by African cuisine and brought home 1st place in side dish, 2nd and 3rd place in dessert, and the prestigious Judges Award for best display of teamwork. Congratulations to all our culinary students for an exceptional job!
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Etched in Sand and in Our Hearts
Etched in Sand author Regina Calcaterra came to visit Brookhaven
Elementary School to share with the staff her story of resilience and
optimism. Regina and her four siblings grew up on Long Island dealing with
homelessness and an abusive mother. Later they were faced with the
challenges of the foster-care system.
Regina talked about how some of her past teachers, librarians and also her
siblings encouraged and influenced her to get an education. Her goal was to
graduate college. Today Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York
State official, and activist. Regina’s message to the staff is that they can
bring kindness to a child in that moment in time when a child in need is
before them. Their kind act can forever impact a child.
Special thanks to Mrs. Nicole O’Leary and the Brookhaven Reading Department
for organizing this special visit.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Baseball Wins a Share of the League 4 Championship
The Bellport Varsity Baseball Team secured a share of the League 4 championship with a 3-2 home win over Centereach High School. The Clippers finished the regular season with a 14-6 record. Ryan Bauman got the job done throwing a complete game against Centereach. The team is led by senior standouts Adam Colon, Joe Greco, Matt Mulligan, Mike Francomano, Ian Hampson and Mike Sangiamo. This is Bellport’s first league title since 1966.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
The Planets, Music, and Our Kids
This week in music class, 2nd graders at Kreamer Street learned about Gustav Holst's The Planets. In addition to demonstrating the dynamics through movements, students created their own dynamic charts by coloring in the planet Mercury while listening to the movement of the music for the planet. Featured are students from Ms. Leonardi's class.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Shannon Gibbons Signs Division II Scholarship to play soccer at Queen’s College
Shannon Gibbons’ soccer prowess earned her the title of Captain and All-Conference accolades her senior year, and contributed to the family tradition of earning an athletic scholarship to play soccer. Shannon will be attending, Division II Queen’s College where she will be joining her sister Hailey. Shannon is the youngest of five siblings who have all earned athletic scholarships to play soccer in college.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Verne Critz Students Save The Eagles
Mrs. DeRosa’s third graders were inspired to take action after they attended
a presentation at Verne W. Critz Elementary School. The Quogue Wildlife
Refuge presented on “Birds of Prey” to the students at Verne W. Critz
Elementary School. The three girls began a campaign to save the eagles by
creating posters, poems and making morning announcements in order to raise
funds for this cause. They recruited their parents to help out and this
partnership between home and school was a success. The girls were able to
collect over $250 and various supplies to donate to the wildlife refuge.
Together with their parents, Amaya, Olivia and Sofia visited the Quogue
Wildlife Refuge during spring recess. Along with the monetary donations they
collected, the girls also provided supplies for the animals such as eggs,
apples, baby carrots and paper towels. Marisa Nelson, the Assistant Director
for the refuge, was so impressed with their donations that she asked each
girl to sponsor a bird of prey; Sofia chose a red tailed hawk, Olivia chose
a barn owl and Amaya chose a bald eagle.
Verne W. Critz Elementary School Students will be recognized on the “Sponsor
Tree” that is located at the entrance of Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Sofia,
Olivia and Amaya will continue their work to save the eagles because they
know they can make a difference.
Pictured left to right: Third Grade Students, Olivia D’Orio, Amaya Cullum
and Sofia Almeyda
Courtesy of the South Country School District
WISE Students Participate in SoMAS Marine Vessel Trip
The Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS)
invited the Bellport High School Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
program students to participate in the SoMAS Marine Vessel trip. SoMas is
conducting research to understand the way our marine, atmospheric, and
terrestrial environments function; as well as the impact of human
interactions with these systems.
Meeting at the Marine Science Research Center Building in South Hampton,
students boarded the R/V Paumanok in the Shinnecock Bay, where work on
projects such as the Shinnecock Bay Restoration is underway. The project
uses science, outreach and partnerships to restore water quality and
fisheries of the Shinnecock Bay in response to deteriorating environmental
conditions. The R/V Paumanok contains several instruments to carry out
marine research projects including trawl net, bottom grabs, plankton nets,
water sampling bottles, and bottom dredge.
Students practiced using water sampling bottles and bottom grabs
instruments, discovering how they’re used to maintain the health of the
Shinnecock Bay and the impact of various factors on various ecosystems. The
students had an opportunity to feel the texture and smell the sulfur of the
dredge they pulled up, while also learning about oxygen levels, temperature,
and salinity of the various depths of the water and the implications of
abnormal data levels.
While on the water, the students also were eager to observe seals and were
guided to better understand how to identify true seals. They were excited to
learn around shark tagging and the marine organisms they ingest. When the
students disembarked the vessel, they discussed food choices they were going
to make moving forward. Overall, it was a remarkable and enjoyable
experience for all.
Students pictured left to right: Chiara Scharpf, Eloise Kocay, Morgan Monte,
Rebekah Ofori, Marvina Basilious, Megan Berja
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Reading Role-Models
Teachers at Brookhaven Elementary School have teamed up with “Book Fairies”
to provide parents with some great fiction and non-fiction adult books.
“Book Fairies” is a not-for-profit organization that collects reading
material for people and districts in need throughout the New York
metropolitan area. Their goal is to foster literacy and academic success.
The goal of the Reading Role Model project was to provide parents with books
to keep in the hopes that they will serve as a great tool to model the
importance of reading in each household. These books were available for pick
up during our spring parent teacher conferences as well as other after
school events.
Teachers have received some great feedback from parents regarding this
project. Parents were excited to browse the books available and there was a
great book buzz around the titles and authors that Book Fairies provided.
Brookhaven looks forward to continuing this with the support of the Book
Fairies for future events such as Kindergarten Orientation and Dial
Screening.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
“Be a Scientist Day” at Kreamer Street Elementary
The third grade students of Kreamer Street Elementary School participated in “Be a Scientist Day.” The students had the amazing opportunity to participate in a hands-on, science enrichment program with a Long Island Science Center educator. The lesson focused on discovering the States of Matter and differentiating between solid, liquids and gases. The children made polymer “phlubber” to take home, made ice cream to taste, and started a crystal garden. A big “thank you” to the South Country Education Foundation for providing such an amazing opportunity for our students.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Women’s Self Defense Seminar at Bellport High School
Bellport High School’s Center of Excellence Club presented its 2nd Annual Women’s Self-Defense workshop in recognition of Women’s History Month. Bellport HS Social Studies teacher, Mr. J. Scioli, was the guest instructor. Mr. Scioli is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with 20 years of martial arts experience. The female student body was invited to learn techniques in situational awareness and disabling attackers. The experience was invaluable to the empowerment of our young women and the workshop will be hosted every year during Women’s History Month.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport High School Student Council Stays Awake for Brighter Tomorrows
The Bellport High School Student Council held its 2nd Annual
“Stay-Awake-a-Thon” on March 3rd and 4th in the High School gym. As part of
the Community Charity Champions Competition for Cablevision (now Altice),
the Student Council raised $3,000 for Brighter Tomorrows, a domestic
violence shelter that services people in our District.
As Regional Champions in last year’s competition, Bellport is not eligible
to win again, but that didn’t stop the StuCo members from achieving their
goal in both fundraising and staying up all night. There was a great amount
of support from the faculty and staff, as well as parent and other students
to meet the challenge, all much appreciated!
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport Middle School Celebrates National Foreign Language Week
Each year, educators across the country observe National Foreign Language
Week during the first week of March. Over the years, the World Languages
Department of Bellport Middle School has made National Foreign Language Week
a highlight of our school life. This year, the week-long celebration at the
Middle School was particularly outstanding. Each day had a different theme:
Monday was “Hispanic Cultures Day”, Tuesday - “Italian Day”, Wednesday -
“French Day”, Thursday - “Portuguese Day”, and Friday was “Multicultural
Day”. During homeroom, students introduced the morning announcements in
Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. During their World Language class
periods, students assembled each day in the auditorium for presentations and
fun activities.
Monday saw the debut of a BMS original documentary about global citizenship.
In the film, various BMS staff members shared their personal experiences
about traveling abroad, and how those experiences helped shape their world
perspective. Mr. Di Puma, the creator of the film, said that he hopes the
video will help increase student reflection on being global citizens, and
that it will promote kindness and empathy throughout the Middle School.
After the film, students were invited to compete in a poster contest on the
theme of global citizenship and what it personally means to be better global
citizens.
They are proud to report that our film has “gone viral” and has been shown
to students in other schools outside of our district.
Click here to view the video.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Lending Library Open for Business in Cluster A
Sharing their love of reading, Frank P. Long Intermediate School teachers
Mary Pettit, Trish Gallina, Tony Giresi, Laura Heaton and Nick Paolillo
worked together to create a “Lending Library” for 5th Grade students in
Cluster A. Stocked with books donated from “The Book Fairies,” a Long Island
based non-profit organization, the library aims to foster literacy by
inspiring and cultivating a love of reading among students. The library is
maintained by the students themselves, who are free to both borrow and
donate their own books to the collection. They ensure the success of the
program by making sure it runs smoothly and offering new features to keep
kids motivated. Book requests, book reviews and book raffles are among the
features added since the program began.
Pictured above left to right are: Bryelle Reid, Brian Suarez, Taylor Macioce,
James Voher
Courtesy of the South Country School District
BMS Cancer Research Fundraiser Sets New Record
The Bellport Middle School Student Council has concluded its third
consecutive “Penny Wars” for Cancer Research. The school engaged in a month
long competition this January, in which the sixth, seventh and eighth grade
students battled it out to see which grade could win the most points while
raising money for cancer research. Cassidy Solina, 8th grade Student Council
Representative, said “We all know someone who has been affected by this
terrible disease and remembering those people helped push us to beat the
goal.” This year the council set the goal to beat the $3,010 record that was
set last year. The faculty and students set out to do exactly that. The
success of this fundraiser was supported by many of the staff members
helping to cheerlead and coordinate the students’ enthusiasm. Other students
took to collecting outside of local supermarkets to help increase their
collection. In the end, Bellport Middle School collected $3,800, which will
go directly to John Hopkins University for Cancer Research.
Bellport Middle School Student Council advisor, Mr. Di Puma, said that he is
truly grateful for the collective efforts of the Bellport faculty, staff and
students. He stated that he is continually inspired by the charitable nature
of the middle school and the amazing feats that the faculty, students and
staff continue to accomplish on a daily basis.
Pictured 1st row: Angie Gomez, Madison Peters, Emily Zahralban
2nd row: Kaylee Thatcher, Annie Mezzatesta, Karli Monsell, Isabella Gascon,
Grace Mezzatesta
3rd row: Student Council Advisor Mr. DiPuma, Jack Armann, Cassidy Solina,
Michaela Lyons, Mitchell Mordente, Isabella Banellis, Dr. Jamal Colson,
Principal.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Board Honors Girls Volleyball League Champions
The Bellport High School Girls Volleyball Team was recently honored by the
Board of Education for an outstanding season as undefeated, League
Champions. Coach Larry Auth praised the team for their hard work,
attributing their success to their steadfast dedication to both the sport
and to each other, on and off court.
Pictured left to right: Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Giani, team
members Juliann Posch, Courtney Kane, Jenna Monsell, Arielle Lane, Coach
Larry Auth and BOE Vice President Allison Stines.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport Middle School Musical, Seussical Jr.
The cast and crew of the Bellport Middle School’s musical recently put on an
amazing and magical performance of “Seussical Jr.” The story intertwines
numerous books from one of the best known children’s authors, Dr. Seuss.
Students worked very hard, meeting 4-5 days a week, 2-3 hours each day
rehearsing, singing, dancing, and acting.
In addition to the wonderful performances, special thanks also goes out to
the team behind the scenes, including Mr. Sean Austin, Producer, Set
Designer and PR person, Mrs. Melinda Linke, Props Designer, Mrs. Cynthia
Pfister, Costume Designer, Ms. Oya Bangura, Choreographer, Mr. Joseph
Skelly, Lighting Designer and Ms. Michelle Stiriz, Director and Vocal
Instructor.
“The entire cast and crew of Seussical Jr. formed a family bond and
everlasting friendships through their experience during the play season,
which lasts from September to January. The team effort that takes place
throughout our time together is incredible, and we are looking forward to
our time together next year,” said Mrs. Stiriz. Congratulations to all
staff, cast and crew of Seussical Jr. for another successful Bellport Middle
School Musical season!
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Christmas in a Shoebox
Bellport High School’s Student Council packed over 100 shoeboxes for their annual “Christmas in a Shoebox” campaign. In its 12th year at the High School, the program provides shoeboxes filled with toys and goodies to children in need.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Internet Safety Presentation at Bellport High School
Detective
Rory Forrestal, an expert in the field of internet and computer crimes,
recently visited Bellport High School to talk to our freshmen and sophomore
students about the dangers and consequences of social media. He informed the
students about laws regarding photos posted and shared, sexting, and
cyberbullying. His message to students was to “think before you click” and
to protect themselves. The Suffolk County Police Department will return in
the spring for an informational presentation specifically targeted for
parents and guardians.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
BHS Seniors Sign to Play Division 1 Baseball Next Year
Adam Colon and Joseph Greco were recently honored on Monday, November 21st in the Bellport High School Library to sign a national letter of intent to play Division 1 Baseball. Both Adam and Joe are 5 year varsity players who anchor the strength of the 2017 team. Adam will be playing baseball at the Citadel Military College of South Carolina and Joe will be playing baseball at Sacred Heart University.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport Middle School Food Drive Sets New Record
Bellport Middle School students completed the building’s annual Thanksgiving
Food Drive on Thursday, November 17th. The middle school kicked off the
collection with its second annual Harvest Festival on October 22nd. The
students and staff collected food items to donate to the Lighthouse Mission
Food Pantry over the duration of four weeks. The goal was to raise 3,000
food items. When this goal seemed out of reach the community rallied to help
the effort. Students organized a team to stand outside Cirillo’s Market in
Bellport Village to increase donations and that is exactly what they did.
Members of the council and Honor Society spearheaded the campaign and worked
for six hours on Saturday, November 12th collecting food. Shortly after
that, the Food Drive took off with food coming in from class after class.
The success of this Thanksgiving Food Drive was supported by many of the
staff members helping to cheerlead and coordinate the student’s
participation through contests and other incentives. Also aiding the cause
was the Quicksilver and Bellport Breakaway Youth Soccer Teams. In the end,
Bellport Middle School collected over 3,397 food items, which will go
directly to helping families in need throughout the South Country School
District.
Mr. Di Puma, the Bellport Middle School Student Council advisor, was humbled
by the collective efforts of the Bellport faculty, staff and students. He
said that their continuous help and support is a reminder of what makes our
community a very special place to learn, work and live and he wishes
everyone a peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Interact Club Cleans Up the Town
The Bellport High School Interact Club recently participated in the
Brookhaven Town Clean Up. The Interact Club is Rotary International's
Service Club for young people ages 12 to 18. Under the guidance of Advisor
Mr. Gauler, the club is in its second year at the High School and members
volunteer their time for community service both in the school and community.
The group met at the Brookhaven Fire Department and worked with other
volunteers to clean up litter and debris that had gathered along the side of
the road. All of the students were happy to do their part to “Keep
Brookhaven Clean” and look forward for more opportunities to make the
community a nicer, cleaner, place to live!
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Career Exploration Class Revamps Bellport HS Store
Students in Kelly Scotti’s Career Exploration class have been doing various
jobs around the High School this school year. One of the jobs that the
students have expressed the most interest in is revitalizing the School
Store. Students ordered new inventory, began marketing the new merchandise
and ringing up sales. The students are currently working on holiday
merchandise that can be purchased for a teacher, friend or parent. Gift
wrapping is available for a minimal fee. Mrs. Kathy Staganelli, a Teaching
Assistant at the High School has also played an integral part of this
program. The students are very excited to prepare themes within the store
for the various holidays throughout the year.
Students Left to Right: Mariah Rivera, Daili Arias, Sherry Myers, Ethan
Wilson, Rashona Ringgold, Jordan Abbasi and Davonte Bonner
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport High School student named LIAA Scholar Artist
Bellport
High School is proud to announce that Alexa Orsino is the recipient of the
Long Island Scholar Artist award. Each year the Long Island Scholar Artist
program recognizes students who excel academically and in the areas of
music, visual arts, dance, theater, or media arts. The Long Island Arts
Alliance and the members of the Educators’ Committee selected Alexa based on
her Photography portfolio and her academic ranking. Alexa is one of 20 Long
Island students to receive this honor and will be featured in Newsday during
the month of January.
A kickoff event to announce this year’s recipients was held in September and
there will be a reception in May at the Tilles Center to honor all
recipients and their families.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport Students Participate in Farm to Table Program
Over the summer, students from the Extended School Year Program have been growing and caring for their own vegetables. Students have been farming a piece of land on Isabella Rossellini’s farm with the assistance of Patty Gentry from Early Girl Farm. The students planted several different vegetables including potatoes, pumpkins and zucchini. They will continue to maintain the farm in September, and along with the culinary classes at the high school, the students will learn to prepare meals with the vegetables they have grown.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Dual Language Enrichment Program Enters Second Year at Brookhaven Elementary School
After a successful first year, South Country School District is proud to
announce the continuation of its Dual Language Enrichment Program at
Brookhaven Elementary School. The popular program features an enrichment
model of bilingual education that uses two languages for the purpose of
instruction. Classes are held at Brookhaven Elementary School and are
composed of half native Spanish speakers and half native English speakers,
with instruction in both Spanish and English. The program incorporates the
required academic standards established by the State of New York and is set
to continue throughout the elementary grades.
Assistant Principal, Dr. Rebecca Raymond, explained the goal of the program
is to enable students to become bilingual and proficient in both languages
and use those tools to make positive contributions to their community. The
students develop mutual respect and appreciation for both their own and
other languages and cultures, and attain academic achievement at or above
grade level in all content areas.
Students are selected by parent commitment and through a lottery. Students
who are unable to enroll in the Dual Language Enrichment Program in
kindergarten are kept on a wait list and may be able to join the program in
first grade if spaces become available. The Dual Language program supports
the district’s vision to be academically prepared to succeed in college,
career, life, and the global economy.
Please visit the South Country Central School District
website for more
about the program.
Courtesy of the South Country School District
Bellport High School Clipper Staff Wins Big at LI Press High School Journalism Awards
Congratulations to the Bellport High School Clipper staff for their
impressive number of wins at the Long Island Press High School Journalism
Awards Gala at Hofstra University! Class of 2015 graduate Kennedy Rose won
Student Journalist of the Year 1st place, and Story of the Year 1st place
with Junior Abbie Veitch. Kennedy and Abbie together also won the
prestigious Robert W. Greene Investigative Enterprise Journalism Award, 1st
place. The award is named in honor of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning
journalist Robert W. Greene. All in all, these Clipper journalists won 23
awards with 13 first place distinctions.
Pictured are: Board President, Carol Herrmann,
High School Principal, Tim Hogan, Clipper Advisor, Mark Nolan,
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Giani and Clipper Staff students:
Alexa Orsino, Julia Loiacono, Afra Seemab, Eva Stanganelli and Abbie Veitch. rlotte. We all think YOU are
pretty awesome. Congratulations, Charlotte Keyes!
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The above internet links direct to websites of the South Country Central School District. Photos courtesy of South Country Schools.