Press Releases
High School Students Meet Former CIA Agent High School students had the unique opportunity to meet with 20-year Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) veteran Gary Berntsen. Enthralled with his intriguing stories and experiences, students learned about the security of the nation as well as the historical development of terrorism. A decorated former agent during his time with the CIA, Mr. Berntsen was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the Intelligence Star. Experienced at the Counterterrorist Center, Berntsen was the CIA field commander for the agency's Berntsen described the essential role of the CIA is to function abroad in the acquisition of sources, collecting intelligence and recruitment, specifically that which is detrimental to the United States. His successes as an Operational Officer are largely attributed to his ability to function across a wide spectrum of society. A cameleon in the field, an Operational Officer must collect intelligence and acquire information from foreign countries gaining access by establishing relationships of trust with people overseas and creating a “source” in foreign government. During his time with the students, Berntsen took a look back at the History of Terrorism, throughout the world, beginning at the Holy Land and continuing through time periods of the French Revolution and Holocaust. Technology developments, in areas from weapon advancements to the printing press, Berntsen spoke about the development of propaganda, evolution of tactics and phases of international and ethnic violence. Students were able to interact with Berntsen on a personal level asking questions on various missions many where his life was in danger, personal accomplishments and milestones as an agent and the culture and lands where he has visited and lived. Elementary Students Give Thanks & Give Back Blue Point Elementary School fourth and fifth grade Peer Leaders club members sponsored a school-wide food drive to help those less fortunate during the upcoming holiday season. Students designed posters Culminating the food drive students came together to sort the food items and create plentiful boxes that will supply a Thanksgiving feast and additional food supplies to last well past the holiday season. With the help of school nurse Monica Valestrand Bayport-Blue Point families received their baskets in time to enjoy on Thanksgiving. As a result of the overwhelming support, additional food items were donated to local churches, shelters and pantries. Bayport-Blue Point Art for Peace James Wilson Young seventh-grade art student Sheher Bano was named the mid The Shanti Fund, which brings educational programs to schools on Long Island promoting peace and multicultural studies, in accordance with the Ghandi Jayanti Celebration, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, sponsored the event. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Shanti Fund coordinators and district administrators attended the awards ceremony. Bayport-Blue Point Students Uncover the Earth Academy Street Elementary students got a close up look at the land from Geologist Kris Almskog. Using examples close to home Mr. Almskog described how Long Island formed over the course of millions of years though mineral growth. Students identified types of minerals such as quartz and volcanic rock across the country that make up geographic landmarks like the Grand Canyon and places such as the Bermuda and Bahamas, which are coral. Discussing his role as an environmental geologist and his focus on conservation and consulting, students learned about the natural resources in the environment and the efforts to utilize them without waste and misuse. Exploring the earth and ground his team determines, through stringent research and testing, if the land is suitable to build structures upon. Students were impressed with the powerful tools and equipment used to drill and break rock and were very interested to learn about the various rocks and minerals that make up their world.
Democratic Process at Work in Bayport-Blue Point School District Bayport-Blue Point Academy Street Elementary School students engaged in weeks of preparation for the 2008 Presidential Election. Fifth-grade students researched the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates as well as critical topics of interest in the United States. Setting up a Town Suffolk County Legislator William J. Lindsay kicked-off the Town Hall debate by educating students on his political role and responsibilities in local and state government. Legislator Lindsay was extremely impressed with the students’ knowledge of government structure as well as Presidential American History. Fifth-grade students created posters and signs cheering the Republican and Democratic nominees as each took the podium to campaign for votes. Moderators, stationed at a central table, directed various questions on education, health care, the economy and the environment to all four candidates. The gallery of fifth-grade supporters asked additional question while Private voting booths were set up with ballot boxes allowing each student to cast their vote in a mock election. After completing their paper ballots, students recorded their vote in the computer lab tabulating student results from across the nation. After exercising their student civic duty, students received “I voted today” stickers to demonstrate their patriotism and their knowledge and participation in the political process.
Bayport-Blue Point Students Lead by Example Bayport-Blue Point High School students participated in a full-day training workshop for the district’s Ambassador Program. Students gathered for an intensive session to stimulate group work and problem solving skills. Creating a template for ambassadors, students described their roles, and ultimate responsibility as a facilitator to the entire school. Students PINK Prevails at the Bayport-Blue Point School District Bayport-Blue Point School District celebrated its successful community outreach fundraiser with
ATHLETIC HALL OF ACHIEVEMENT INDUCTEEES Several of the Bayport-Blue Point School District’s elite were given the distinction of being recognized as the first inductees into the newly established Athletic Hall of Fame. “As an alumnus and President of the Board of Education, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our inaugural induction ceremony,” stated James S March. The following inductees were selected for their outstanding contributions to the district’s rich tradition and long history of athletic success:
“Today’s induction ceremony would not have been possible without the commitment and support of many individuals dedicated to the Bayport Blue Point athletic program,” stated Timothy M. Mullins, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Athletics. “I would like to thank the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony J. Annunziato, the Booster Club, the entire Athletic Hall of Fame Committee: Mark Miller, Jim March, Jim Dooley, Lenny Camarda, Neil Zarcone, Bob Haas, Connie Haab, Tim Sheehan, and Tim Mazzie. Councilman Mazzei was also influential in securing funding for the Athletic Hall of Fame wall, which was built by Brian Ward.” SCHOOL SPIRIT AT ALL-TIME HIGH – HOMECOMING 2008 Bright sunshine and a cloudless sky provided the perfect setting for Bayport-Blue Point School Distric
Community residents lined the streets and cheered as the Homecoming Parade passed through town, featuring handmade floats designed by students, showcasing their class spirit and creativity. High School students in each grade level aimed to outdo their competition for best float by bringing this year’s theme of “Comic Book Super Heroes” to life.
he excitement continued as the stands overlooking the football field were filled to overflowing with fans eager to cheer on their Phantoms. They were not to be disappointed. The Stony Brook Bears proved to be no match for the
Bayport-Blue Point School District Prepares for a Successful School Year Bayport-Blue Point School District held its annual Superintendent’s Conference Day before students
Bayport-Blue Point School District students walked through the doors of their classrooms, some for the Administrators and community welcome New Teachers The Bayport-Blue Point School District welcomed its new teachers with a day of introductions, events and
Literary Workshop Unites District Disciplines
Academy Street Elementary School fifth-grade students were visited by representative Ms. Kaplan from the Three Village Historical Society, who came to discuss the history of the American Revolution and the impact it had on Long Island. Each class viewed a slideshow presentation and examined American Revolution artifacts. From 18th Century attire to tools used during that time period, students explored an array of topics. They learned about many significant battles during the war and, in particular, gained a greater understanding of the Battle of Long Island. In addition, students were educated about numerous historical figures of the time period, as well as the role of Patriot spies and the tactics they used to outsmart the Loyalists. Exploring Their Options As part of an annual Career Day, eighth-grade students at the James Wilson Young Middle School had Various speakers visited with students in their classrooms over the course of the day and spoke about their careers. Speakers also discussed the types of training and education needed in their industries, in addition to how they were influenced to pursue their careers. Guests included a neurologist, dog trainers, a police officer, and a martial arts instructor. Building to Benefit the Blind James Wilson Young Middle School students in technology teacher Iain Zambri’s classes created These faux doghouses were built as centerpieces that will be placed on tables for the preview kickoff of the Designers’ Showcase fundraising event. Seven eighth-grade students - Paul Chiapetta, Courtney Laskowitz, Sarah Mardovich, Nick Melhado, Joe Ryan, Mikey Williams, and James Wright - were given the task of creating a doghouse that is approximately 12” x 15” in size. This showcase will feature more than 35 interior designers, an outdoor sculpture garden, and numerous boutiques to help raise money for the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf. Feeding Those in Need Sylvan Avenue Elementary School Peer Leaders ran a schoolwide food drive to benefit The Harry Chapin At the end of the two weeks, Peer Leaders were pleased with their classmates and the faculty’s response to helping the hungry. Donations will be distributed to those in need in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Students Have Heart at Sylvan Students at Sylvan Avenue Elementary School used their hearts for some heart-healthy purposes by Students collected donations by pledging to participate in Jump Rope for Heart, which benefits the American Heart Association (AHA). Physical education teachers Ms. Richford and Mr. Campisi coordinated the program, and in total, students raised more than $5,000. The day was a success thanks to the students’ dedication to keeping their hearts pumping all afternoon for a good cause. There He Goes Again… Robby Ptacek, a shooting guard at Bayport-Blue Point High School (BBPHS), was named to the This honor was just one of the highlights of an outstanding season, during which Robby scored his 1,000th point, against Shoreham-Wading River, to help solidify another BBPHS win, and was a nominee for the McDonald’s All-American Games. Robby also made school history when he signed a National Letter of Intent with Central Connecticut State University. He is the first BBPHS basketball player to ever sign with a Division I school. Singing to Keep a Child Alive First-grade students at Blue Point Elementary School participated in St. Joseph University’s Keep A Keep a Child Alive is a global organization that provides an urgent response to help children in Africa who are living with AIDS. All donations given to Keep a Child Alive are used towards providing support, orphan care, and lifesaving medication. The St. Joseph’s chapter of Keep a Child Alive was established approximately one year ago, and has held a number of fundraisers to help keep the children of Africa alive.
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Jawbreaker team at Tora Bora where he spent time in Afghanistan at the beginning of the American Campaign against the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden after the September 11, 2001 attacks. His lifetime with the CIA is culminated in his autobiographical book Jawbreaker: The attack on bin Laden and al-Qaeda: A personal account by the CIA's key field commander.
and made morning announcements to promote their efforts and encourage students to participate. Thanks to the generosity of students, teachers and community members the peer leaders collected Thanksgiving essentials including mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and even gift certificates to local grocery stores.
dle school winner of the Shanti Fund Peace Poster Contest. The theme for this year’s contest was "Peace in our Communities." Middle school students, island wide, were asked to submit original pieces of art illustrating the cultural unity of their hometown. Sheher’s poster, highlighted with a flags around the world boarder, comes together with two hands at the forefront of a globe with a white dove, the universal sign for peace, soaring above.
Explaining his responsibilities as an environmental geologist Mr. Almskog tailored his lesson on rocks and minerals to bring to life and enhance the students’ science unit and curriculum. The interactive lab provided a visual display of rocks, minerals and sediment for students to touch and examine. 
Hall debate for fourth- and fifth-grade students each candidate presented their views, policies and plans to create an informed voting student body. 
fourth- and third- grade students utilized their graphic organizers to chart the candidates’ responses making notes on key points and areas of agreement and disagreement concerning energy resources, unemployment, taxation, insurance and public education. 
reviewed types of mistreatment, of varying degrees and severity, but all of which negatively impact those who are targeted, such as exclusion, putdowns, and bullying. Students were also taught how to uncover forms of mistreatment, the cost of mistreatment, and the stages of conflict. 
t Homecoming 2008. School spirit and community pride were at an all-time high with crowds of students, parents, alumni and residents coming together to show their Phantom Pride. 
Phantoms. As the varsity cheerleaders kept the energy level high, the Phantoms were the first to score and ended the game victorious over the Bears with a final score of 21/7. Halftime festivities began with a special introduction of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Always a crowd pleaser, this year’s Homecoming King, Lucas McCoy, and Homecoming Queen, Darcy Cahill, were also announced. Determined not to be outdone, the Class of 2009 was victorious as this year’s winner of the float competition was announced. From beginning to end Homecoming 2008 was definitely a day to remember!
arrived for the start of a new school year. District administrators, principals, Board of Education members, and teachers gathered to announce committee leaders, share knowledge on state and district educational updates and honor accomplishments. 
first time, on a beautiful September morning. Dressed in the latest fall fashions and eager to meet their new teachers and make new friends the community came together to celebrate new beginnings. 
community orientation. New teachers, building principals, central administrators and Board of Education members met to discuss the district’s rich history, present successes and review future goals. A bus ride kicked off the day touring teachers through the Bayport-Blue Point area helping them to become better acquainted with school locations and introducing them to the flourishing town and its surroundings.O'Neill welcomed the district’s newest teachers and provided words of wisdom and well wishes. 
technology into the district’s core curriculum instruction.
step program of progressive learning. The goal of the program is to develop “good readers,” who excel both academically inside the classroom, and can successfully apply their knowledge in real-life experiences as well. 
the opportunity to explore a plethora of opportunities they will have available to them as they continue on in their education. 
miniature doghouses to benefit the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf. 
Food Bank - Long Island Cares, Inc. organization. During a two-week period, students throughout the building were asked to donate nonperishable food items for this worthy cause. Students filled two oversized bins with food, as well as several boxes. By participating in this drive, students learned not only to help the needy, but also how to help those in their surrounding community. 
participating in the classic Jump Rope for Heart program, but with a Sylvan Avenue twist. To promote various healthy activities, older students created routines to jump rope to, while younger students explored other jump-roping skills.
Newsday All-Long Island Basketball Team. Robby was one of ten athletes selected Islandwide – seven from Suffolk County and three from Nassau County – by a committee of Newsday reporters and Long Island coaches. Robby is the first BBPHS basketball player in the school’s history to earn this designation.
Child Alive program. The schedule included an educational music video, musical acts, dance numbers, and a dramatic production. Blue Point students were invited to perform songs, such as Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”, while utilizing sign language.