‘Exciting’ school year ahead for all students

As the weather turns cooler and school busses start appearing, returning to class is a time for the family to reorganize and prioritize goals for the academic year. The Suffolk County News sat down with superintendents Dr. Tim Hearney of Bayport-Blue Point, Dr. Marc Ferris of Sayville, and Dr. Joseph Centamore of Connetquot to learn what course of leadership they have charted for our students.

What are some of the main goals specific to this school year with respect to academics, arts, and athletics?

Hearney, BBP:

The 2024-25 school year is sure to be an exciting one for our Bayport-Blue Point School community, as we continue to work to nurture and support our students districtwide. As we focus on the full experience, we will remain steadfast in our work to meet the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan and provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically and explore personal interests through coursework and extracurricular programs, while also supporting them socially and emotionally.

To support this growth of development and programs, the district is proud to launch several new initiatives this year. The elementary guidance counselor position has been expanded to further support the needs of our students, and a new high school robotics club has been added to our robust extracurricular offerings. In addition, our UPK program, which has grown in popularity since its launch two years ago, has been expanded this year to accommodate additional students—each of whom will be a part of the BBP HS Class of 2038!

Centamore, CONNETQUOT:

There is certainly an air of excitement from our teachers and staff as we quickly approach the start of school. We can’t wait to welcome our students back. Our facilities and IT departments have worked very hard to prepare the schools, which all look amazing. I like to describe Connetquot as an “AAA” school district due to our history of excellence in Academics, Arts and Athletics. This school year we are looking to build upon this prior success to further student growth and achievement in all areas. While teaching and learning is the “bread and butter” of a school district, we also take great pride in supporting the health and wellness needs of our students and families.

Ferris, SAYVILLE:

The Sayville Public Schools continues our focus on providing all students with a school environment committed to caring and learning. Each building principal collaborates with our professional staff, developing unique school communities that ensure all students feel cared for, valued, and inspired to learn. Our desired student outcomes are part of our five-year strategic plan, developed by the district leadership team using feedback from our parents, teachers and students. Our goals for 2024-25 focus on developing students in all pre-K-12 classrooms who can be: 1) Independent learners, 2) Caring citizens, 3) Effective communicators, 4) Successful collaborators, 5) Critical thinkers, and 6) Joyful learners.

What advice do you have for parents whose children are attending their first day of preschool in 2024? For the parents of a high school senior?

Hearney, BBP:

To our families, my advice is to enjoy the moments—little and big, as each is a first in many ways. Whether this is your first day as a UPK family, or your first day of senior year, each is filled with many exciting opportunities and memories. Cherish them, as it all goes by very fast! To our students, I encourage you to explore your dreams, be kind, and always stay true to yourself. Here’s to a great 2024-25 year BBP!

Centamore, CONNETQUOT:

Whether it is the first day of preschool, or the first day of a senior’s last school year, this is truly a time for parents and guardians to cherish. Be sure to take lots of photos. While the older ones may not always openly acknowledge it, deep inside they appreciate the attention. Remember, education is a partnership. Our students and families are never in this alone. We are always here to assist in any way possible as we truly are one big Connetquot family!

Ferris, SAYVILLE:

Enjoy your time with your children as it is precious. Listen to what they have to say each day and support them in following their dreams. Please collaborate with the school district as often as you can, ensuring that they are cared for and supported throughout their time in our schools. Please know that we are here for you, care deeply about your children, and will do whatever it takes to help them succeed. For those parents of high school seniors, the world awaits them, they are well prepared, and we are excited to watch them fly.

How do you think the community can best support the school district?

Hearney, BBP:

Integral to our work as a district is the strong home-to-school partnership that exists in BBP. It is at the core of our mission of providing a supportive and motivated learning environment where each student feels that they belong, believes in themselves, and knows that anything is possible. We will continue to work to strengthen that this year, and welcome open dialogue with all stakeholders along the way.

Centamore, CONNETQUOT:

The support from our parents and community organizations, such as PTA, SEPTA, ORBBA, Athletic Boosters, Civics and Rotary has been absolutely amazing. I encourage our families to actively engage with these organizations and to maintain open lines of communication, including feedback, with the schools. We will frequently send out information, via ParentSquare, as well as the district’s social media and website, so please be sure to look for these communications.

Ferris, SAYVILLE:

Get involved and stay informed. Join our PTA, SMBA, SEPTA, and booster clubs. Participate in school events and communicate often with our teachers and staff. We are all here to support your children and the more connected you are to what is happening in our schools, the more effective our partnership will be. Follow the school protocols outlined in our Sayville Family Communication Guide, watch our BOE meetings online or in person, and vote in our local elections. If you hear information online that sounds not quite right, it is probably not true. Please call us directly using our Sayville Family Communication Guide to ensure you have the correct information so you can act accordingly.