Mr. Antonio Santana
September, 2022
Dear South Country Families and Community Members,
As much as we lamented seeing the summer come to an end, the entire South Country family was very much excited to welcome back our students and have a fantastic start to the new school year. After all of the adversity that the last couple of years has presented, we are excited to turn the page and pledge to bring back as much normalcy as possible. To this end, it has been great to see our high school athletes already back on the fields, and we are anxious to have our buildings filled with eager students and staff. Needless to say, we are all ready to embrace our school spirit as we embark on another school year representing growth, student achievement, and all the things that fuel our Clipper PRIDE!
Our first day of school for all students was Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Please note that most materials related to our students are posted on the home webpage of your child’s respective school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding schedules, access to the parent portal, or if you want to request hard copies of any school materials, please contact your child’s school at the number(s) listed below:
Bellport High School (631) 730-1575
Bellport Middle School (631) 730-1626
Frank P. Long Intermediate School (631) 730-1725
Brookhaven Elementary School (631) 730-1700
Kreamer Street Elementary School (631) 730-1650
Verne W. Critz Elementary School (631) 730-1675
South Haven Early Childhood Center (631) 730-2180
As you may be aware, many of the COVID-19 restrictions that were implemented in the past have been lifted by the CDC, Department of Health, and the State Education Department. In summation, there will be no universal masking or social distancing requirement; students and staff exposed to COVID-19 will not have to quarantine (though the recommendation is that anyone exposed to the virus wear a mask in public indoor settings for ten days and get tested on or after day 5 or sooner if symptoms develop); students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will continue to isolate for five days, but there will be no testing requirement for their return; and there will be no need for temperature checks, universal screening, or weekly testing of school employees. It should be noted that all this is subject to change and we will be sure to keep the community updated as new information becomes available.
We also want to emphasize that while the lifting of these restrictions is, in many respects, welcome news, the health and welfare of our community is still extremely important to us. Please be mindful and take precautions to ensure our safety. We will continue to encourage washing hands regularly and keeping your child home if they are not well or exhibiting symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea. It is our collective responsibility to keep our community safe and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Our goal in South Country Central School District is to provide an atmosphere where teachers, students, administrators, parents, and community members work closely together to provide an environment that is a true reflection of the positive and supportive community that South Country is – all working collaboratively towards the same goal, which is to provide our students with the best learning experience possible. And let’s not forget that school is supposed to be fun!
We are really looking forward to a great school year representing growth and success for everyone in our learning community.
It really is a pleasure and honor serving the South Country community as your Superintendent of Schools. Please continue to be healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Antonio Santana
Superintendent of Schools
Click here to view the Spanish version of this letter.