During the June 14 and June 28 meetings of the Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Theodore Fulton recognized the accomplishments of many students and presented them with a certificate to the applause of the community.

Each year, student artwork is chosen to be published in the school calendar, and students’ whose artwork was represented in the 2021-2022 calendar were recognized as follows: Ryann A., Scarlett B., Jillian K., Christopher G., Emmett M., Salvatore M., Sydney P.,

Janie R., Jack S., Aubrey V. and Sabrina Y.

The Advanced Placement Capstone Research students, under the direction of teacher Jen Pedersen, presented the topics and finding of their research on a variety of topics. It is the second year of the AP Capstone program.

Two Bayport-Blue Point High School students were recognized for their philanthropic efforts to raise funds for breast cancer research and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Student Okiah M. was recognized for raising more than $40,000 for breast cancer research and Kieran S. was recognized for his hosting of the district’s annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney also recognized Sylvan Avenue Elementary School third grader Jane E., who created a logo chosen for the annual district Fun Run, which will take place in October.

Additionally, 23 students districtwide were recognized as PTA Reflections Contest winners. Reflections is a national program sponsored by the PTA, which provides students the opportunity to showcase their talents in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and the visual arts. This year’s theme was “I will Change the World By….” Congratulations to the following students: Camryn B., Kyle B., Anastasia C., Matthew D., Avery D., Airlea D., Jane E., John Finn M., Scarlet I., Charlotte J., Genevieve J., Abigail L., Mia M., Sienna O., Jhanvi P., Krish P., Spence P., Jason S., Charlotte W., Quinn W., Duke W., Jackson Z. and Sydney Z.

Sylvan Avenue Elementary School fourth grader Nate S. was also recognized for having placed second in the Long Island Language Arts Council 2022 Kenneth F. Gambone Writing Contest. Nate’s writing piece based on the prompt, “A smile is the same in every language,” was also published in the LILAC Conference Luncheon program.

The district congratulates the students on these outstanding accomplishments.

Date Added: 7/1/2022

Pride and nostalgia resonated at each of the district’s elementary school moving up ceremonies held at Blue Point, Academy Street and Sylvan Avenue elementary schools this June. Although each of the ceremonies were slightly different, the same sentiments held true and principals and faculty members encouraged students to do their best, be kind and to appreciate what they have.

Each of the ceremonies was punctuated with musical interludes and speeches from select students, who reminisced about the past and forecasted an academic future at James Wilson Young Middle School this coming fall. Principals also presented special awards to students who went above and beyond.

After each of the students received their moving up certificates, tearful goodbyes were made to teachers who wished them best of luck at the middle school.

Date Added: 6/29/2022

James Wilson Young Middle School faculty and parents celebrated the advancement of 164 eighth grade students during the annual moving up ceremony, held on June 22 in the Bayport-Blue Point High School auditorium. The Class of 2022 is now set to meet more rigorous academic challenges as they enter the high school this coming fall.

Student Lilly M. led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Joseph D., Harrison F., Lyndon F., Alexa G., Charles H., Julia M., London S., Francesco S. and Ally S. and under the direction of chorus teacher Jean Goloski.

Principal John Andruszkiewicz likened the graduates’ journey to the storyline of the best-selling book, “What the Road Said” by Cleo Wade. “Sometimes we go the wrong way on the way to the right way,” he explained. “Now is the time to go down that road and know that you will continue to grow with every challenge.”

Students Abby H., Brady N. and Shlok P. shared class memories and predicted what the future at the high school holds.

This year’s guest speaker, selected by the student body, was physical education and health teacher Doug Iadanza. In his address to the students, he encouraged them to be kind to others and to try new things as they move on to the high school. He told them that the challenges they have faced during the last couple of years have prepared them for the future but cautioned them that “how you react to moments define you.”

Mr. Andruszkiewicz and eighth grade class advisers Joseph DeSantis and Colleen Johnsen then called the students to the podium one by one to receive their certificates of completion. After the certificates were handed out, the high school Class of 2026 was presented to Bayport-Blue High School Principal Robert Haas, who then led the students out of the auditorium, marking their official entrance into high school.

Date Added: 6/28/2022

The Bayport-Blue Point High School football field was a sea of gold and white as the Class of 2022 processed to their seats, surrounded by proud family and district staff, during the district’s 94th commencement exercise, held on June 24.

The ceremony began with Madison D. leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the national anthem, played by the high school band.

Principal Robert Haas congratulated the students in his welcoming address. “Each and every one of you has unique talents that will ultimately lead to success in whatever path you choose,” he said.

Board President Michael Miller also told the graduates that he hopes “each of you will feel passionate and inspired,” and that the students have “an obligation to yourself to excel.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney encouraged the graduates to find their “why” and to live in the moment and not think of the “what ifs.”

Salutatorian Amanda F. then addressed the crowd, taking her peers on a reminiscent journey of their years at Bayport-Blue Point schools, noting that it was important to take a step back and focus on what they have. “We grew as people and opened up to the world around us,” Amanda said. This was followed with thoughtful words of advice by valedictorian Annelise S. who cautioned peers not to allow stress to take away from their educational experience. “Give yourselves a fair shot on determining who you are,” Annelise said.

Principal Haas then returned to the stage to recognize students who received honor medallions, having graduated with a GPA of 90% or higher. He also recognized graduates who have selflessly chosen to serve the country in a branch of the U.S. military upon graduation, which received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Prior to the presentation of diplomas, senior members of the Bayport-Blue Point High School chorus performed a moving rendition of Natasha Bedinfield’s “Unwritten,” instilling a palpable sense of nostalgia among the graduates.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Class of 2022 co-presidents Kieran S. and Andi S. addressed their peers and led them in the ceremonial moving of the tassels from right to left, officially signifying conferral of their high school degrees.

Bayport-Blue Point School District congratulates the Class of 2022 on their graduation from Bayport-Blue Point High School and extends best wishes for success each graduate moves forward on individual journeys.

Date Added: 6/27/2022

During the June 14 meeting of the Bayport-Blue Point School District Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney recognized individuals who announced their retirement and received tenure, faculty that were named SCOPE Shining Stars, as well as individuals who were honored as Teachers of the Month for February-June 2022.

“People like you are those who make Bayport-Blue Point School District the district it is today,” Dr. Hearney said to the retirees. “Remember that you are part of our family always.”

The following faculty and staff announced their retirement:

Linda Arnold – assistant – Blue Point Elementary School

Danene Baker – assistant – Bayport-Blue Point High School

Diane Bider – assistant – Sylvan Avenue Elementary School

Dawn Brady – aide – Blue Point Elementary School

Constance Chiraz – math – Bayport-Blue Point High School

Michele Cornwell – Department Chair of Special Education – Districtwide

Celeste Devany – Spanish – Bayport-Blue Point High School

Diane Generi – assistant – Sylvan Avenue Elementary School

Priscilla Kaywood – aide – Blue Point Elementary School

Brenda Kowalski – principal’s secretary – Blue Point Elementary School

Richard Reilly – physical education – Bayport-Blue Point High School

Joanne Rosche – ENL – Districtwide

Diana Uebelacker – assistant – Bayport-Blue Point High School

Rosemary Walden – assistant – Academy Street Elementary School

Linda Helenek, a teacher assistant at Sylvan Avenue Elementary School was granted tenure.

Bayport-Blue Point High School health aide Deb Anderson, Sylvan Avenue Elementary School nurse Angela O’Leary and superintendent office secretary Melissa Weinstein were recognized as SCOPE Shining Stars during the SCOPE 21st annual School District Awards Dinner held at Villa Lombardi’s on May 23. The award signifies that these individuals go above and beyond in their line of duty as employees of the district.

Additionally, the following teachers were named Teachers of the Month:

Merrill Thompson- February

Lauren Kuzmiskas – March

Colleen Erickson – April

Gina Eilers – May

Connie Chiraz – June

Date Added: 6/24/2022