Current News

South Country names new athletic director

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The South Country Central School District Board of Education has appointed Martino Sottile as its new director of health, physical education and interscholastic athletics, effective July 3.

“We are excited to announce this new appointment,” said Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana. “We are certain that Mr. Sottile will prove to be an integral part in ensuring that our students receive a stellar athletic experience.”

Sottile, of Islip, joins South Country from the Brentwood School District, where he has served as an assistant to the administrative team at Brentwood South Middle School since 2022 and as a physical education teacher in the district since 2014. He also coached several teams at Brentwood, including varsity wrestling, varsity girls soccer, boys junior varsity soccer, middle school wrestling and girls lacrosse. 

As a coach, he earned Division 1 Coach of the Year three times for girls soccer, and as a wrestling coach, he earned League 1 Varsity Assistant Coach of the Year four times and Section XI Division 1 Assistant Coach of the Year two times.

Outside of the Brentwood School District, he has served as the Future Stars sports camp director at Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood campus, since 2022.

Sottile holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland, a Master of Science in health, physical education and recreation from Emporia State University, and  School Building Leader and School District Leader certification from the College of Saint Rose.

“I am excited to be a part of the Bellport community and am looking forward to working together to support our students in their athletic and academic endeavors,” Sottile said. “The tradition in Bellport is incredible, and I look forward to immersing myself into every program.”
 

Date Added: 7/24/2024

South Country Board of Education reorganizes for 2024-2025 school year

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The South Country Central School District Board of Education organized and prepared for the onset of the 2024-2025 school year during their July 2 reorganization meeting.

During the meeting, the trustees nominated and elected Chris Picini as board president and Joseph L. Barry as vice president. Both were sworn in by District Clerk Christine Flynn. Also sworn in was new trustee Debbie DeLillo. Additionally, Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana took the oath of office.

Date Added: 7/24/2024

Board Notes for July 2, 2024

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Date Added: 7/10/2024

Attachments:

Hats off to the Bellport High School Class of 2024

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The accomplishments of the 286 members of the Bellport High School Class of 2024 were celebrated during a graduation ceremony on June 28. As family and friends looked on, the class was praised for working to achieve important milestones in their educational careers.

Welcoming the students was Principal Erika Della Rosa. During her introductory comments, Della Rosa congratulated the students and wished them well in their future endeavors.

Also speaking during the ceremony were class essayist Daniel Lewkowski, salutatorian Jordan Truce and valedictorian Samantha DeLillo. Each reflected on their time in the South Country School District and offered advice to their peers for the future.

After the celebratory speeches, Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana certified the diplomas and announced that the seniors had completed the requirements for graduation. Board President Cheryl A. Felice then led the students in the traditional moving of the tassel, symbolizing that the seniors were now alumni of the South Country Central School District.

The Class of 2024 touts 113 students who graduated with an Advanced Regents Diploma, 14 who graduated with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors, seven graduates who earned a Seal of Biliteracy, and 258 graduates who earned a Seal of Civic Readiness. A total of 228 graduates will continue their education at colleges and universities and eight graduates are entering the armed forces. Additionally, 30 students are seeking technical school career education.

Click here to view the Hats off to the Bellport High School Class of 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 7/2/2024

Walking down memory lane

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Wearing white graduation gowns, members of the Bellport High School Class of 2024 recently strolled down the halls of their former elementary schools to both reminisce and serve as inspiration to current students. The graduates were met with cheers, applause and colorful signs bearing messages of congratulations.

Date Added: 6/26/2024