Superintendent's Corner

Summer 2025

Happy Summer, South Country!

While many students and staff are enjoying a well-earned summer break, the South Country Central School District remains hard at work laying the foundation for a successful 2025-2026 school year. Summer is a vital season for reflection, preparation, and progress—and this year is no exception.

Throughout July and August, our teams are deeply engaged in the review and analysis of assessment data, helping us identify areas of strength and opportunity across all grade levels. This data-driven process informs robust professional learning plans for educators, with a strong emphasis on reading, math, science, and social-emotional learning (SEL). We are also advancing curriculum development efforts to ensure greater alignment and rigor across all content areas.

In addition to instructional work, our administrative team is preparing to convene for our annual Summer Leadership Retreat. This year’s retreat is especially meaningful as we focus on unpacking and preparing to implement our newly adopted five-year Strategic Action Plan—an ambitious roadmap built around community-driven values and
district-wide goals.

Meanwhile, our schools are buzzing with enriching summer opportunities for students. From the Extended School Year program for students with special needs, to our elementary enrichment sessions, summer offerings at Bellport Middle School, art and music camps, and academic support through summer school, we continue to provide meaningful, engaging experiences throughout the break.

Facilities upgrades and capital improvement projects are also in full swing. Major projects include the long-anticipated renovation of the Bellport High School auditorium, continued progress on our districtwide energy performance contract, and the replacement of windows at Verne W. Critz Elementary School—each initiative aimed at enhancing safety, sustainability, and student experience.

Whether it's academic planning, leadership development, summer programming, or infrastructure improvements, every initiative is guided by our Clipper PRIDE values—Prepared, Respectful, Involved, Diligent, and Ethical. These values anchor our efforts as we set the course for a productive and inspiring school year ahead.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyful summer!
 
With Clipper PRIDE,
Antonio Santana
Superintendent of Schools
Click here to view the letter in Spanish.