National "Letter of Intent" Signings (2/2012)
Congratulations to seniors,  Eddie Gibbons,  Justin Honce and Bianca Lastra, three of our Bellport stars who have made their college choices official! 

Quarterback Justin Honce signed his letter of intent to Brown University. Honce was named the National Football Foundation's Suffolk top scholar-athlete. He holds a 96 GPA, was an Academic All-Division selection and is a member of the National Honor Society. Honce finished second in voting to Sayville's Steven Ferreira for the Boomer Esaison Award, given to the most outstanding quarterback in Suffolk County.

Boys soccer player Eddie Gibbons signed with Holy Cross University. Eddie was a two-year, All League player and a four year Varsity player. Gibbons finished the 2011 season with 8 goals and 3 assists, while leading the Clippers to a 7-7-2 overall record.

Girls soccer player Bianca Lastra made her commitment official to Adelphi University.  Bianca is a four year Varsity starter and a two year Varsity captain.  She is also an All County player and a two-time Team MVP.  Bianca has the distinction of receiving the Suffolk County Girls Soccer Association Scholar Athlete Award.                             

Click to view the MSG Varsity Video of the signing.

Pictured above are from left to right: Eddie Gibbons, Justin Honce & Bianca Lastra

Visit the Bellport Athletic Department Page for photos.

Bellport High School Musical - The Music Man

Bellport High School presents "The Music Man", at the Bellport High School Auditorium, Friday, February 10th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 pm and 7:30pm.  Tickets are $10. 

Yankee Doodle Circus
The Yankee Doodle Circus is coming to Bellport High School Sunday, February 12th! In addition to the sensational acts, there will also be a mini fun fair, with face painting, toy palace and much more.  Purchase your Pre-Sale Adult Ticket for $17 and receive 2 kids tickets free!  Tickets may be purchased through school or online at  www.getcircustickets.com.  Click on the flyers below for more information.

               

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Community Round Table Meeting on New York's Property Tax Cap
Assistant Superintendent for Business, Alan Phillips, will be hosting a Community Roundtable on New York's Property Tax Cap, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm.  The meeting will be held at District Office and is open to all community members and residents of the South Country School District. 

Click on the link at left to print a flyer.  Click on the links below for more information relating to the Round Table meeting. 

Please contact the South Country School District Business Office at 631-730-1521 for additional information.

Kindergarten and Pre-K Registration for 2012-2013 School Year
Kindergarten and Pre-K Registration for the 2012-2013 school year will be held during the month of March in the Central Registration office.  located at 189 Dunton Avenue in East Patchogue.

To be eligible for Kindergarten, students must turn five years of age on or before December 1st, 2012. To be eligible for Pre-K, students must turn 4 years of age on or before December 1st, 2012.

Registration office hours are from  8:00am – 3:00pm. 
The 2012-2013 Kindergarten and Pre-K Registration schedule is as follows:

• March 5th - 7th              Brookhaven Elementary School Kindergarten Registration

• March 12th - 14th          Kreamer Street Elementary School Kindergarten Registration

• March 19th - 21st          Verne W. Critz Elementary School Kindergarten Registration

• March 26th - 29th          Pre-K

Evening registration sessions are scheduled for March 22nd for Kindergarten & March 29th for Pre-K from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Kristine Rausch at 631-730-1617 or visit the Central Registration website.   Click on the links below for the registration flyers.

Suffolk County Music Educators Association All-County Festivals (12/2011)
Mr. James Uzzi, Chairperson of the Music Department of the South Country School District, is pleased to announce that forty-two South Country student musicians have been selected to perform at the Suffolk County Music Educators Association All-County Festivals in March 2012. 

Ten Bellport High School musicians were selected to Division III All-County Music Festival.  Faculty and students from 25 school districts throughout eastern Suffolk County will participate. 

University in High School Program (12/2011)
The Bellport High School Business Department is proud to announce that thirty students are participating in the University in the High School Program through SUNY Farmingdale.  The program allows students to complete college courses while at the high school for a significantly discounted tuition rate.  Through the program Business students have the opportunity to earn up to 15 college credits.  The following Business courses at the High School offer the option for college credit: Microsoft Office I and Office II, Accounting and Business Ownership/Virtual Enterprise.

Central Office Hosts Holiday Gathering (12/2011)
Joseph L. Cipp, Superintendent of South Country School District, and Central Office personnel hosted a holiday gathering for students from the Head Start Program. Students were entertained by members of the Athletes Helping Others Club, Bellport High School Student Council and the History Club members as they sang songs and read books to the very excited youngsters. A special surprise visit from Santa highlighted the celebration. Each child was given a gift donated through a school district toy drive. Click below to view.

Pictured is Superintendent Cipp, reading to the children and Bellport High School students singing and reading.

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Kreamer Street Can Tabs for Kids (12/2011)
In this season of giving, there is no better way for young children to get into the holiday spirit than doing what they can in the fight against childhood cancer. With students anticipating the holidays and vacation, Gershow Recycling joined with school officials, elected officials, staff members from Stony Brook Medical Center and students on December 14th, to kick off the growing “Can Tabs for Kids” program at Kreamer Street Elementary School in Bellport. The program benefits the Sunrise Fund at Stony Brook University Medical Center, an organization that raises awareness and funds for specific projects to assist families with children fighting childhood cancer.

As part of the "Can Tabs for Kids" program, students at Kreamer Street Elementary School will bring in aluminum tabs from soft drink and pet food cans that their parents purchased and place them in collection bins located in their classrooms. The bags are taken out of the bins and brought to Gershow, where the contents will be weighed and recycled. The tabs will be collected throughout the school year, and a special assembly will be held to announce the worth of the collected tabs. Each year, Gershow will match the amount cumulatively raised by participating schools, up to $5,000.

“We are very proud to bring "Can Tabs for Kids" into our school,” said Sean Clark, Principal of Kreamer Street Elementary School. “In addition to raising money for the Sunrise Fund, our students are bringing awareness and hope to other children who have been or will be diagnosed with cancer. We look forward to working with Gershow Recycling in the fight against childhood cancer.”

Pictured: Representatives from Gerhsow Recycling explain the Can Tabs for Kids Recycling Program
to students at Kreamer Street Elementary School.

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South Haven School Holiday Feast (12/2011)
On December 15, 2011, students and staff at the South Haven School enjoyed a holiday celebration made possible through a generous donation from DiCarlo Distributors. Students were exposed to cultural traditions that are celebrated during the holiday season.

 

Pictured are staff members serving students and guests.

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Bellport High School - Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Award (12/16/11)
Bellport High School Principal Bernie Soete is pleased to announce that Connor Cipp will be Bellport High School’s Ambassador at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar.  Connor will attend a conference with some of the country’s brightest high school sophomores.  The HOBY mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation and bring that experience back to Bellport High School. 

 Connor Cipp was selected based on his stellar grades, extensive extracurricular activities, and overall commitment to the Bellport High School community.  He is in the top 1% of his class, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Math Team, Football Team, Lacrosse Team and Athletes Helping Others.

 
Pictured from left to right:
Patricia McCallum, Bellport High School Guidance Department Chairperson, Connor Cipp,
Joseph L. Cipp Jr., Superintendent and Linda Rozzi, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction and Technology

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National Football Foundation Awards (12/14/11)
Justin Honce was named “Top Scholar Athlete” by the National Football Foundation's Suffolk County Chapter at the 2011 Suffolk County Scholar Athlete Brunch.  Every year in December, the Suffolk County Chapter holds their Scholar-Athlete Banquet, honoring student-athletes who have performed exceptionally well both in the classroom and on the football field. In honoring these kids, the chapter distributes scholarship monies for the scholar-athletes.

In addition to the Top Scholar-Athlete Award, the Suffolk County Chapter also presents a variety of awards including  a Golden Eleven Award, a Contribution to Amateur Athletics Award, and an Official of the Year Award.  Justin was named to the “Golden Eleven” , which goes to the top 11 scholar athletes that have achieved “All-County” honors or higher.  Out of that eleven,  Justin took home the top honor. 

At the same brunch,  Coach Joe Cipp Jr.,  was inducted into the Suffolk County Chapter of the National Football Foundations Hall of Fame.  

Click below to view photos.

"Can Tabs for Kids" - Supporting the Fight Against Cancer 12/13/11
Kreamer Street Elementary School will host an Assembly on the "Can Tabs for Kids " program on December 14, 2011 at
 9:40 am in the Kreamer St School Cafetorium.  Click on the link below for more information.

Bellport High School Guidance Department Financial Aid Night Presentation (12/12/11)
The Bellport High School Guidance Department recently held a "Financial Aid Night", presented by Amy Thompson of St Joseph's College.  Click on the link below to view the presentation.

Bellport Senior Honor Society Induction Ceremony (12/12/11)
The Bellport High School Chapter of the National Senior Honor Society,  which was given its Charter on March 15, 1954,  recently held its induction ceremony for 90 new members. The Bellport Chapter currently has 136 members. The members are expected to participate in community service, be leaders in the community, and maintain high standards in character and academic excellence. The Bellport National Senior Honor Society Chapter sponsors three Long Island Blood Service Blood Drives each year. At the November 4, 2011 blood drive,  102 pints of blood were donated. The next blood drive will be on
March 1, 2012 and May 15, 2012.

Bellport Middle School Hosts Civil Air Patrol Open House (12/12/11)
The Bellport Middle School recently hosted the Civil Air Patrol’s Open House event. During this event,  the community was provided with information regarding career possibilities in the fields of aviation and aerospace. The event included a presentation of awards by guest of honor,  New York State Senator Lee Zeldin.

Pictured from left to right:
Brian Ginty, Principal, Cadet 2nd Lt. Ambar Durango, Cadet Captain Mark Duffy, Cadet 2nd Lt. Kimberly Nocita, Senator Lee Zeldin, Lt Col. Louis Fenech

South Country School District Hosts Naval Academy Midshipmen (12/12/11)
Bellport High School and Bellport Middle School recently hosted representatives of the United States Naval Academy as part of our district’s ongoing effort to provide information as students prepare for college and career experiences. The Naval Academy midshipmen, all of who are products of Long Island schools, one - Alexander Mc Kenna - a graduate of Bellport High School, provided our students with powerful first-hand accounts of the preparations and choices that are required of them as they work to achieve their goal of entering this prestigious academy. Students were also provided with information regarding the Naval Academy’s summer STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) programs.

Assemblies like this one, along with other career and college informational events offered throughout the year, are intended to drive students to achieve their true potential.

Pictured are left to right:
Joseph Cipp, Superintendent, Midshipman Second Class Michael Cristiano, Midshipman First Class Kyle O’Leary, Midshipman Third Class Dylan Kelly, Midshipman Commander Alexander McKenna and Brian Ginty, Principal of Bellport Middle School

South Haven First Quarter Awards(12/12/11)
South Haven School in the South Country School District recently presented awards for the first marking period of the 2011-2012 school year.  Ms. Lisa Zaccaro, Principal,  was pleased to present Leah Liggons with the Citizenship Award, Briana Norales with the Highest GPA Award and Monisha Prior with the Best overall Attendance Award.  Ms. Zaccaro is very proud of her student’s accomplishments.

 Pictured from left to right are:Leah Liggons, Briana Norales and Monisha Prior.

Frank P. Long “Little Gardeners” Complete First Harvest (12/12/11)
Members of the Garden Club at Frank P. Long Intermediate School completed their first harvest of the school year. The “Little Gardeners” program begins during the first week of school and synthesizes educational learning with donations to charity, good citizenship and home grown fun in learning. 

This year’s crop yielded 9 bags of fresh spinach, which the students have decided to donate to the Lighthouse Mission in East Patchogue.  Each season the program begins with basic lessons in ecology and agriculture.  To make the lessons come alive, students plant and tend to the vegetable gardens until the quick crops are ready to be picked.  Then, students wash, package and finally donate their results to local food pantries or for the benefit of the school cafeteria.  Garden Club Coordinator Peter Cisek said, “The spinach garden was planted in September and the children kept track of its growth on a daily basis. The Lighthouse Mission was a great choice to donate the fresh veggies to because the mission feeds the poor, sick and less fortunate in the children’s own community."  This veteran fourth grade teacher further points out, “The children learn invaluable life skills through their actions and interactions with nature and community resources. They realize that there are people that live in their community who go hungry each day and that they can make a difference.”

The “Little Gardeners” have already planned next season’s harvest for the second week in November. With Thanksgiving around the corner we want to make sure that the spinach is picked and ready for someone’s dinner.  The students who participate in the program feel they are a part of someone else’s holiday meal and are giving back something to the community. 

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Pictured from left to right:

Back row:  Lighthouse Mission Operations Manager, Jon Musser, Garden Club Volunteer, Al Nolan, Garden Club Coordinator, Peter Cisek

Middle row:  Christina Nunez, Shannon Bruce, Zachary Ostrowski, Mikayla Gerardi.

Front row: Giannah Hicks, Colby Johnson, Sarah Neese, Dillian Kincel, Grace Rojas.

Bellport High School Spring Drivers Ed Program Registration (12/12/11)
Bellport  High School is offering a Driver Education course that will enable students to upgrade their Junior License to a Senior License and receive a reduction on car insurance.  Students who have a passing grade at the end of the 48-hour program consisting of in-car driving and classroom instruction, will receive a MV285 Certificate (formerly known as the blue card) and completion letter for their insurance company.  Students who complete the course and pass the Dept. of Motor Vehicle Road Test will be able to obtain a Senior License at the age of 17.

To be eligible, students must be 16 by January 17, 2012 and hold a Learner’s Permit or Junior License.  Admission will be by birthdate. The program begins Tuesday, January 17, 2012.  Registration forms and payment are due in the main office of the High School no later than Monday, January 9, 2012.  Click here for additional information and registration forms.

Kreamer Street Students Learn about Adinkra Cloths (12/2011)
Third grade students at Kreamer Street Elementary School recently read a story in their reading anthology in which a young girl finds her aunt’s Adinkra cloth and learns all about it.  Adinkra cloths originate from the country of Ghana and contain intricate symbols which signify many different things.  On November 16^th, the third graders were visited by Mr. Ababio, whose own children attended Kreamer Street Elementary.  Mr. Ababio brought three of his Adinkra cloths to show the children.  He discussed the history of the cloth and explained what the symbols mean.  Mr. Ababio was even nice enough to let the children touch the cloths so they could see how heavy the material is.  Then, he allowed students to try it on, showing them the proper way the Adinkra cloth is worn.  It was a valuably learning experience that enabled the children to make a connection to something they read about.  Thank you, Mr. Ababio, for showing us that learning can be fun!

Bellport High School Students "Get Lost" (12/2011)
“The idea is to have no idea. Get lost. Get lost in the landscape.” An artist constantly believes this. The students of the Advanced Placement Studio Art class at Bellport High School had the pleasure of meeting and exploring the studio of a local legend. Malcolm Morely is a famed artist living in the town of Brookhaven. He let the students into his world to see and understand how art is created. His dynamic paintings of planes and the creation of super-realism are just something to take note of this famous artist. At eighty, Morely continues to work and create. The students were so proud and honored to be able to visit his workspace and meet the man behind the name. 

South Bay Art Association 24th Nita Elder Student Scholarship Show (12/2011)

The Art Department at Bellport High School is proud to announce that senior Maya Cohen won a special award from Brookhaven National Laboratory at the South Bay Art Association 24th Annual Nita Elder Student Scholarship Art Exhibit.  Her digital photograph Magnify, was chosen over 200 pieces for best representing the theme "Discovery".

Maya also won special recognition from the South Bay Art Association for her digital photograph, "Merge". 
 

Elfe Marschall won special recognition from SBAA for her digital photograph "Alone".

Eight seniors from Bellport High School exhibited work this past weekend at the South Bay Art Association 24th Nita Elder Student Scholarship Show. 

Pictured left to right are:  Rachel Adler, Elfe Marschall, Nicky Bottiglieri, Maya Cohen, Sam Polins and Bridgette Clifton.  Not pictured Anissa Rivera and Khadijah Swann

Bellport Middle School Participates in the G.R.E.A.T. Program (12/2011)
Bellport Middle School 6th grade students participated in a Gang Resistance Education and Training Program in their Social Studies classes.  The students learned many things including the truth about gangs and violence,  and student roles in their families, schools and communities.  The G.R.E.A.T. officers also work with the students on goal setting, effective communication, empathy, responding to peer pressure, anger management, and conflict resolution.  Students get to participate in role playing activities, small group work, class discussions, and brainstorming sessions.  The students had a G.R.E.A.T. time while learning valuable life lessons.

Bellport Middle School Students Build Green Transportation (12/2011)
Mr. Baker’s sixth grade technology students at Bellport Middle School have been making solar powered vehicles. They constructed and tested their machines using a photovoltaic cell. A photovoltaic cell is a device that turns the sun’s rays into electricity. Students tested their vehicle first using battery power to make sure that the motor, the gears and the wheels and axels worked as they should. They learned that the solar cell would not produce electricity on cloudy days. His seventh grade students are doing experiments with solar energy. They worked with a solar cell and a conveyor to see how solar energy could be used for manufacturing.

Pictured above are students John O’Neill, Brian Larkin, and Steven Laney.

South Country String Students Selected for 2012 Long Island String Festival (12/2011)
The Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) announced the selection of twelve South Country School District String musicians to perform with the 2012 LISFA String Orchestras.  The LISFA festival consists of string orchestras at the elementary, middle school, junior high and high school level and features the finest string musicians in Suffolk Country.  Students are selected based upon scores from performances at the NYSSMA Spring Solo and Ensemble Festival, held last June, and upon recommendations submitted by the South Country string faculty.

South Country Teachers Take Part in Professional Learning Communities During Annual Staff Development Day, 11/8/11.
On Tuesday, November 8th, the entire South Country district staff enjoyed a day of professional dialogue and learning as it related to excellence in our classrooms!  The day kicked off with a visit from inspirational leader, Dr. Murray Banks.   A national motivational speaker, Murray Banks was “Teacher of the Year” in Vermont and has been to the world championships in two sports.

Everyone absolutely loved the keynote speaker, Dr. Banks, who delivered a motivational message titled “RECHARGE, REENERGIZE, REFOCUS…At Our Best and Leading the Way!” His message mentioned that any outstanding educator is unique and is one that blends intellect, experience and style.  However, today’s high stakes testing, teacher accountability and Common Core Standards are challenging even the best of us to teach with the joy and passion that make students want to be in our class.  Murray then shared with the staff the four skills for sustaining the energy and creativity that enable us, and our students, to be at our best every day!

There were also over 50 teacher-led workshops by our own colleagues pertaining to almost every topic educationally desired.  Teacher and staff feedback was extremely positive, as many mentioned they enjoyed the revised structure of this annual event.  The central office team wishes to thank all teachers who presented on important educational topics, the South Country Board of Education and Superintendent Joe Cipp for supporting this new format, as well as the Staff Development Day Team who assisted Mrs. Rozzi in organizing this professional day of learning for the district.  The team members included Theresa Palermo, Megan Bevan, Danielle Flaumenhaft and Donna Snyder. 

Click here to view the motivational talking points from Dr. Bank’s keynote address for you to all read and enjoy!

Click below to view the PowerPoint documenting the day’s events and break-out sessions. 

Kreamer Street Elementary School Honors Our Veterans (11/2011)
In honor of Veterans Day, third graders in Ms. Leonardi, Ms. Bartkewicz and Ms. Yee’s classes created greeting cards to veterans who reside at the Long Island Veterans Home in Stony Brook, NY.  After discussing citizenship and patriotism in class, the students wrote letters to the veterans thanking them for risking their lives for our freedom.  Many of the students wanted these veterans to know that they have not been forgotten.  This was a great way for the students to practice their letter-writing skills, while showing patriotism and honoring great Americans at the same time!

Pictured are Madison Peters and Rian Murphy

Verne Critz School Receives a Book Grant! (11/2011)
The staff and students at the Verne Critz School are grateful recipients of a grant from Wells Fargo Advisors. The grant was submitted on behalf of Mr. Frank Virno, a parent of a student at the school. The books are offered as part of a literacy partnership between Wells Fargo, Desert Arc and Scholastic, Inc.   Scholastic donates the books to Wells Fargo employees who apply for the grant and Desert Arc packages them up to be sent out.  Desert Arch is a company committed to enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. They provide vocational training, job placement, employment and independent living support. Special thanks to Mr. Virno, Wells Fargo, Desert Arc and Scholastic, Inc for providing wonderful literature to add to our classroom libraries at the Verne W. Critz School!

South Country School District Attacks Risky Health Behaviors (11/2011)
Students from Bellport High School and Bellport Middle School recently attended a conference,  "Teens as Teachers Peer Educators in Nutrition and Wellness".  This comprehensive approach to reducing risky health behaviors among adolescents was the first of three scheduled conferences focused on teaching younger children about healthy eating, body image and physical activity.  Supervisors Lynette Murphy, Social Worker and Elizabeth Eaton, Psychologist stated, “Using teenagers as role models is a win-win situation as younger children are deeply impressed when taught by teenage role models and the teens received a valuable educational experience.”  Participants were encouraged to develop skits, write and perform songs and make posters illustrating various issues relating to nutrition and healthy lifestyles. 

 The next two conferences will focus on tobacco use and sun safety. 

Bellport High School Safe Halloween (10/31/11)
The traditional halls and classrooms at Bellport High School were “ghostly” transformed into fun houses and scary hallways as Bellport High School hosted “Safe Halloween” from 4 – 6 P.M. on Halloween Day.  Neighborhood children were treated to a safe place to trick or treat.  Activities hosted by the many clubs at the High School kept children entertained, amused and safe.  Children of all ages came dressed in their favorite costumes, where they were greeted by Bellport High School students and staff in what turned out to be a great event.  “Safe Halloween” will continue to be an annual event at the High School.

Pictured are students ready to greet neighborhood students.

Bellport High School Music Department Concert with Electric Violinist Mark Wood (11/2011)

The Music Department at Bellport High School,  along with the South Country Education Foundation, are proud to present electric violinist Mark Wood, vocalist Laura Kaye and drummer Elijah Wood in concert with the Bellport High School Concert Orchestra and Jazz Choir Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 7:30 in the Walter Ebersole Auditorium at Bellport High School.

Songs on this year’s set list include "Carry On My Wayward Son", "Thank You For Letting Me Be
Myself", "Synchronicity 2", "Carol of the Bells",  plus others.
 

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the door. All proceeds benefit the SCEF
Becker / Gambles Music Fund. For more information go to http://www.scefonline.org//

Kreamer Street's Pumpkin Project (10/2011)
This October,  the students in Mrs. Benzie’s 2nd grade class at Kreamer Street Elementary School, learned everything about a pumpkin’s life cycle. First,  the children sang along to the story "Pumpkin, Pumpkin" by Jeanne Titherington and discussed the sequence of a pumpkin’s life cycle. The children then simulated the life cycle of the pumpkin by constructing a paper plate pumpkin and attaching the stages of the life cycle sequentially on a rope vine. After going pumpkin picking in the school field, the students examined the seeds and pulp of a pumpkin and enjoyed tasting pumpkin seeds. The class saved pumpkin seeds to plant in the spring, so they can begin the cycle again.

Student Art Shows
The South Country Central School District Art Department is proud to announce their  upcoming Student Art Shows from November 18th -20th at the Bellport Community Center and November 18th - December 31st at the LI  Museum at Stony Brook.  Click here for more information.
 

Bellport Football to be Featured on Traditions TV
Tune into the SNY network,  (Channel 60 on Cable TV), on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 12 noon to watch Bellport Football as featured on Traditions TV.  Bellport was one of  six schools in the entire northeast who were selected.  Click here for flyer. 

Bellport High School Challenge Team Wins Round One 
On October 25th,  the Bellport High School Challenge Team traveled to Manhattan to take on Southampton High School in the first round of the Challenge.  Bellport’s Dan Garisto, Sam Hoff, Mark Maranan (captain) and Dan Santana all contributed to Bellport’s victory.  Team alternate Michelle Henriksen was ready to step in if the team needed her.  The match will air on November 7th at 6:30 P.M.  on Channel 14.  Rounds two and three will be in February.

Pictured from left to right are:  Paul Feltman, advisor, Dan Garisto, Dan Santana, Jared Cotter, host, Mark Maranan (captain), Sam Hoff and Michelle Henriksen  (11/3/11)

Bellport High School Goes to Court (11/1/11)
Students at Bellport High School are getting a lesson on court proceedings. Brookhaven Youth Court, a taxpayer saving program funded by the Town of Brookhaven, introduces and trains students on roles of a prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, judge, clerk or jury member. Brookhaven Youth Court is a diversionary program for youthful, first-time offenders who have committed misdemeanor crimes. Janet Wohlars, Coordinator of the Brookhaven Youth Court, states,  “The offenders must admit their guilt in order to have their case heard by Brookhaven Youth Court.” The members conduct closed and confidential hearings for the offender and determine a fair and appropriate sentence. The offenders must complete their sentence or the case is returned to the Probation Officer and brought to Family Court.

Current Bellport High School Brookhaven Youth Court members are Jizelle Mercer, Shannon Nieves, Omotolani Olabode, Ashton Richards and Freddy Torres. 

Pictured below are Bellport High School students in training :  Michael Paz, Anthony Gennusa, Jake Kramer, Christian Giannone, Brendan Bone and Darrin Nelson.  Not pictured is Crystal Mayfield.

Live Homework Help!  Click Here! (10/14/11)
The South Country Central School District, in conjunction with the Brookhaven Free Public Library, is proud to announce the access to live homework help for students in grades K-12!  Students will be able to interact with live , certified teachers in math, science, reading, writing, social studies, as well as practice for Regents exams, PSAT’s/SAT’s, ACT’s as well as grades 3 through 8 New York State assessments!  Follow the link at http://live-brary.com.  The site is parent/student friendly and easy to access.   All one needs is an active Suffolk County library card to get started!

Bellport High School Musicians Selected For 2011 All-County Music Festival (10/2011)
Eleven Bellport High School musicians were chosen to participate in the 2011 High School All-County Music Festival.   The Suffolk Chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) and the Suffolk Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) sponsor this event jointly. 

Bellport has representatives in all four performing groups, the All-County Band, Mixed Chorus, Women’s Chorus and Symphony Orchestra.  Over 14 hours of rehearsals will culminate in a concert performance at Huntington High School on Friday, November 18th.  Selections were made based upon each student’s NYSSMA Solo Festival rating and nominations submitted by school music teachers last June.  This festival recognizes Suffolk’s most accomplished high school music students in grades 11 and 12.  Representing Bellport are:

College & Career Readiness Presentation 9/2011
On September 21st, Mrs. Patricia McCallum (Guidance Chair Person) and Mrs. Linda J. Rozzi (Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology) presented to the Board of Education the many new initiatives to promote a culture of  “College and Career Readiness” within South Country Schools. 

Click below to learn about the many initiatives underway to give our students the tools they need and the tools they deserve to be successful in the world beyond their high school years!

Bellport High School Musicians Selected for 2011 All State Performing Ensembles 9/2011
The selection committees for the 2011 New York State Music Conference selected four Bellport High School musicians to perform at this year’s All-State NYSSMA Winter Music Conference. The festival and Conference will take place in Rochester, NY, beginning Thursday, December 1st, through Sunday, December 4th. Two days of concert performances will be held at the renowned Eastman Theater of the Eastman School of Music.

Each of these students received a perfect score (A+, 100) from state adjudicators on their solo performances at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo Festival held at Riverhead High School, on June 3rd and 4th.

Bellport High School All-State musicians include:

Each student was notified of their acceptance to the All-State Music Conference by mail in late August.  They are one of 900 other NYS student musicians selected to perform in one of the eight prestigious All-State performing ensembles.  This represents a remarkable achievement, as there were approximately 4,500 students that auditioned statewide for a position in the All-State Music Festival.  Performing ensembles include the All-State Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Womens Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.  South Country had approximately 25 high school students audition for All-State last spring.

 The music department is very proud to have Rachel, Aidan, Elizabeth and Dan represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School District at this highly celebrated event!

Remembering September 11th  - Community Members Honored 9/11/11
The South Country Central School District held a ceremony in memory of those members of the community who lost their lives during the tragic events on September 11, 2001. A black granite monument representing strength was unveiled for the four families in our district that lost loved ones.  Mr. Nelson C. Briggs, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources memorialized the four individuals as being the base of our strength over the last ten years, stating that they guided us as the community bonded together to do what is right in support of all individuals who have the freedoms we enjoy today.  Representatives from the surrounding fire departments and South Country Ambulance read biographies of Lincoln Quappe′, Lt. Andrew Desperito, Vincent D’Amadeo and Maxima Jean Pierre.  The event was planned by Ms. Regina Hays, advisor of the History Club at Bellport High School and student members of her club.  The monument was placed significantly in the senior courtyard at Bellport High School where victims, and now their children,  spend time.

Welcome Back to School Message from the Superintendent 9/4/11
As we prepare to return to school for the 2011-2012 school year, we ask all families to make sure that they have reviewed material sent home this summer. more...
 

Universal Pre-K Openings (8/26/11)
Openings are still available for the South Country Universal Pre-K program.  Please contact Central Registration at 631-730-1617 for information.

Parent Portal Is Now Available to All Grade 4 through Grade 12 Parents (8/24/11)  
The South Country Central School District is pleased to make it possible for parents to access their child’s academic progress and attendance in each of their classes through the Internet. South Country Central School District believes this kind of access will improve parent and teacher communication as well as student responsibility. Parents will be able to view schedules, progress reports, report cards, attendance, and grade book.  For more information and to register, please click here.

2011-2012 Testing Schedule Released (rev 8/26/11)
The New York State Education Department has released the tentative Elementary  and Intermediate level testing schedule for the 2011-2012 school year .  The state-wide uniform testing dates are as follows:       
      Grades 3-8 English Language Arts: 
            Tuesday, April 17th  & Wednesday,  April 18th, 2012
      Grades 3-8 Mathematics:
           Monday, April 23rd and Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

If such dates are amended by the New York State Education Department, our parents, students and staff will be promptly notified.  Click here to view the testing schedule or visit the Curriculum & Instruction page for more information.

South Country School District Launches "Virtual Backpack " (8/ 2011)            
In an effort to enhance communication with students, parents, and the community, the South Country School District is proud to announce the launch of the " Virtual Backpack", a new feature on its website. The Virtual Backpack will contain all of the notices, flyers, forms, principals’ newsletters and other materials that are sent home with your child from the school's main office.  This allows you the opportunity to keep up-to-date with school activities and announcements with just the click of your mouse.  The Virtual Backpack will also have information for the South Country community and the entire school district as well.  Click here for more information. 

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