The South Country Central School District marked Mental Health Awareness Week, which commenced on May 15, with a variety of activities at Bellport High School and Bellport Middle School.

High school students participated in theme days and attended an assembly featuring Sarah Kinard, a social worker and Bellport High School graduate, and Michael Kilano, a U.S. Marine veteran who works with Paws of War. Kinard shared her story of resiliency and spoke about the importance of balancing mental health and letting go of any stigma associated with seeking help or talking with a counselor.

Kilano discussed how companion animals, such as the dogs at Paws of War, are bringing help to so many. Speaking virtually to students during the week was Cheryl McBride, a professor in the Nassau Community College Art Department, who discussed mental health, the stigma surrounding treatment, and the importance of speaking to someone when feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, etc. She also talked about how to navigate the transition from high school to the real world.

At the middle school, students dressed for theme days, including wearing sweatpants to school on Mindful Monday and team attire for Team Friday. They also took part in a yoga session on Thankful Thursday.

Date Added: 5/30/2023

Kreamer Street Elementary School physical education teacher Kerry Hogan has been awarded the Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award.

Hogan earned the distinction for making exceptional contributions to her profession.

“It is an honor and privilege to be nominated for this award, but the smiles seen, gratitude heard and relationships developed with the students are the biggest reward and motivation I could ever receive,” said Hogan. “I thank those that nominated me and the committee for choosing me. Most of all, I thank my family and my colleagues for always supporting me.”

Hogan has been a K-3 physical education teacher in the South Country School District for the past 27 years. She enjoys teaching students the value of personal health and fitness, cooperation, communication and overall well-being.
Hogan is also active with Suffolk Zone, having served in voluntary roles, as a past president and as the Zone Conference director, as well as participating in and organizing professional development events. Additionally, she has coordinated district events such as the annual high school, middle school and elementary leadership award ceremonies.

Throughout her career, Hogan has coached swimming and lacrosse. When not on the field watching her children, she volunteers as co-director for PAL lacrosse in her home district.

Hogan holds a B.A. in physical education from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s in liberal arts with a health concentration from Stony Brook University.
The South Country Central School District extends its congratulations to Kerry Hogan on this notable achievement.

Date Added: 5/29/2023

To view the Board Notes for the May 17 meeting, please click here.

Date Added: 5/26/2023

Two Bellport High School student-musicians recently performed at the prestigious National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Festival, held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center with a culminating concert at the Eastman Theatre. MacKenzie Cover, junior, performed with the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus, and Keira Ballan, senior, sang in the All-Eastern Treble Chorus. The talented students were selected based on their impressive NYSSMA scores.

Date Added: 5/26/2023

Members of the Bellport High School Jazz Band and Tri-M Music Honor Society recently attended the Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez Centennial Celebration of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Three music teachers and 23 students took the LIRR into Grand Central Station, enjoyed dinner at the Playwright Tavern, explored Central Park, attended a pre-concert lecture by Joe Conzo, saw a live pre-concert performance by Karen Joseph and MamboCha, and attended the two-hour concert led by Carlos Henriquez, bassist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Date Added: 5/25/2023