Learn more about the South Country Central School District’s Social and Emotional Learning curriculum in this short video.

Following the acceptance of South Country Board of Education member Gena Ancona’s resignation on Oct. 13, board members recognized her with words of gratitude and thanks. They also presented her with a service award. Ancona, who is moving out of state, served on the BOE since 2020.

Excitement and school spirit filled the air on Saturday, Oct. 16, as the Bellport High School Clippers celebrated homecoming with a parade and football game that brought the community together.

The celebrations kicked off during the week of Oct. 12 with fun-filled theme days and preparations for the parade. Students constructed colorful floats surrounding the theme of board games. The floats were on full display during the annual parade, which also featured the school’s marching band, class courts, cheerleaders, dance team, and members of the Bellport Fire Department and South Country Ambulance Company.

The stands were full a few hours later for the homecoming football game. Cheers rang out for the Clippers as they took on and defeated Connetquot with a final score of 42-0. The game also featured superb halftime performances by the varsity cheerleaders and varsity dance team.

Bellport High School music students participated in a unique Zoom presentation with the Crane Latin Ensemble on Oct. 1.   

The event, which was coordinated by district Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman, was held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. It featured live musical performances of “Oye Como Va” and “Para Todo El Mundo Rumba,” as well as a hands-on rhythm instrument lesson and a question-and-answer period.

Making the presentation even more special was the opportunity for Bellport music students to hear from two 2019 Bellport graduates who are members of the Crane Latin Ensemble. Tyler Zapata (trumpet) and Andrew Zimlinghaus (alto saxophone) have been performing with the group after auditioning while attending SUNY Potsdam.

The Crane Latin Ensemble is based at SUNY Potsdam under the direction of Dr. Peter McCoy. According to the university’s website, they have toured in Cuba, Mexico and Canada and are dedicated to promoting Latin American dance music, specializing in Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican traditional musical styles. The ensemble collaborates with traditional artists, such as former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, and Los Naranjos, the oldest continuously functioning Son group in Cuba, as well as contemporary artists such as Chris Washburn.