Bellport Middle School celebrated Women’s History Month with an assembly featuring women in law enforcement. Speaking to the students were Deputy Police Commissioner Belinda Alvarez-Groneman, Deputy Chief Milagros Soto, Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth M. Daitz, Detective Sergeant Apryl Hargrove and SCPD Latino Liaison Officer Yasmin Gallant. They spoke to the students about their lives as officers and how they got into law enforcement.

Date Added: 3/21/2025

Kreamer Street Elementary School students and their families recently enjoyed a Winter Wonderland event where they learned about the habitats of animals in the winter months. Stations were set up that featured hands-on activities, including bird feeder and nest construction and information about the snowy owl, which lives on Long Island.

Date Added: 3/20/2025

The South Country Central School District Board of Education named Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability at their March 5 meeting. O’Hagan replaces Beth Doyle, who took a new position in the Greenport Union Free School District.

The South Country Central School District Board of Education named Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability at their March 5 meeting. O’Hagan replaces Beth Doyle, who took a new position in the Greenport Union Free School District.

“We are pleased to promote Ms. O’Hagan,” said Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana. “She has proven to be an integral part of our administrative team. The Department of Humanities has thrived under her leadership and we are certain that she will continue this momentum in her new role.”

O’Hagan was recently recognized with a 2024-2025 Outstanding Social Studies Supervisor Award by the New York State Council for the Social Studies. She earned the award for her track record of being a transformative leader who empowers and inspires teachers in her district.

During her tenure in South Country, O’Hagan has been committed to working closely with humanities educators and central and building administration to build greatness amongst her team. She, along with social studies teachers Andrew Budris and Megan Bevan, spearheaded the district’s Generation Citizen initiative, in which students work toward earning a New York State Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas. Over the past four years, 90 percent of the district’s graduates have earned the seal.

O’Hagan has also worked closely with reading and English language arts educators and literacy coordinators across all levels to create a more personalized, student-centered approach to reading instruction, ensuring that every child has the support needed to succeed academically. Their efforts led to the development of customized reading criteria that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. This allows for more effective monitoring of progress and intervention.

Additionally, she spearheaded efforts to build robust classroom libraries so that all students have access to a wide variety of reading materials that resonate with their interests and cultural backgrounds.

Under her leadership, the humanities department presented at national, local, and state social studies and English Language arts conferences.

O’Hagan has served as the director of humanities for grades K-12 since 2017. She holds a Master of Science in social studies education from Hofstra University and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. Additionally, she was a participant in the 16th cohort of the New York State Council of School Superintendents’ Future Superintendents Academy for the 2024-2025 school year. 

“I am honored and excited to serve as the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability,” O’Hagan said. “The journey ahead is fueled by passion, purpose and the unwavering belief that education is the key to unlocking limitless potential.”

She said she is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Education, Mr. Santana, central and building administrators, teachers, staff and the community to ensure academic achievement and the social-emotional well-being of students.  She plans to collaboratively continue to build an innovative and research-based curriculum that supports the diverse needs of all learners at South Country. “I’m confident that together, we will ensure excellence and opportunity for every student in which they acquire skills needed as a portrait of a graduate,” she said.

Date Added: 3/19/2025

To kick off Women’s History Month, Bellport High School students participated in an assembly with Alexandra Bernard Simmons, international entrepreneur, bestselling author and entertainer. Simmons spoke to the students about her life journey and the power of authenticity, integrity and self-discovery. The program aimed to provide students with practical tools to navigate their unique paths to success while fostering resilience and a sense of purpose.

Date Added: 3/12/2025

Bellport High School has announced the top 10 students of the Class of 2025. Leading the group are Keshavi Shah and Maya Dixit, who will serve as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, and Lily Seif, the class essayist. The three seniors earned the top spots through their outstanding commitment to academics. Rounding out the list of high-achieving seniors are Anthony Costanza, Nicole Alvarado-Diaz, Ryan Seubert, Jannat Majid, Kaitlyn Schuessler, Lauren La Grega and Erin Dupaya.

Shah is an AP Scholar with Distinction, president of her school’s Science Bowl team, vice president of the Math Honor Society, and a member of the National, Science and English honor societies. She also participates in Key Club, the Multicultural Club and the WISE program. Outside of school, she conducts research through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s MITES STEM program.

Shah will be attending Rice University on a full four-year college scholarship through the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program. She plans to study mechanical engineering.

Equally impressive is Maya Dixit, an AP Scholar with Distinction who will graduate with an AP Capstone diploma. She is president of her school’s Math Honor Society and French Club, vice president of the Science Bowl team, and treasurer of the English Honor Society and Class of 2025 council. She is also a member of the National, French and Tri-M Music honor societies and participates in the WISE program. As a multitalented musician, Dixit plays the French horn, trumpet and flugelhorn in her school’s jazz band and pit orchestra. On the athletic front, she is a varsity tennis player, serves as captain of her team and holds an All-League title in the sport.

She plans to study applied mathematics in college.

Lily Seif is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and will be graduating with an AP Capstone designation. She is treasurer of her school’s Science Honor Society, vice president of the Future Teachers of America Club and a former president of Key Club. She is a member of her school’s National, English and French honor societies, as well. Additionally, she participates in the WISE program.

She plans to study biochemistry on a pre-med track in the fall.

Click here to meet the Val and Sal!

Date Added: 3/18/2025