The South Country Singers, Bellport Middle School's award-winning a cappella group, has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving the highest award, Superior, at the Long Island Music Festival. This prestigious accolade highlights the group's exceptional talent and dedication to musical excellence.

On June 6, the South Country Singers showcased their vocal prowess and artistry at the Long Island Music Festival, earning top honors among numerous participating schools. The judges praised the group's harmonization, creativity and overall performance, cementing their reputation as one of the leading middle school a cappella groups on Long Island.

Following the competition, the South Country Singers celebrated their success with an afternoon at Adventureland, a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. This festive outing was a joyful conclusion to a day of musical triumphs.

In addition to their recent success, the South Country Singers have had a dynamic year filled with notable performances and community engagements. Highlights include competing in the International Championship of High School A Cappella, performing at MacArthur Airport and participating in multiple community fundraising events. Each event provided the students with valuable experiences and opportunities to share their musical talents with a broader audience. The South Country Singers look forward to releasing their first album of four songs and a music video in the near future.

Date Added: 6/18/2024

Lisa Dooley, an ELA teacher at Bellport Middle School, has been awarded a first-place Teacher’s Appreciation Week grant from Teachers Federal Credit Union. She was selected from a pool of over 4,000 applicants.

Dooley was touted by TFCU as a “student advocate, both inside and outside the classroom.” She co-founded Boutique Week, which offers free attire for students' formal dances and moving-up ceremonies to ensure all students can participate in significant milestones. She also worked with students and staff to create a food waste program that was started to keep food out of the garbage. Food left over from the cafeteria is now distributed throughout the school day and before after-school sports, and weekly deliveries are sent to the Boys & Girls Club. Over 80 volunteers are now assisting with the initiative. Additionally, she collaborates and leads literacy read aloud events with Vicki Williams and Kreamer Street Elementary School.

“My philosophy for teaching has always been to connect with my students to foster opportunities for their development in more ways than just academics,” said Dooley. “I want them to know that I am not here just to teach them, but to also encourage them, to advocate for them, and to celebrate with them.”

She also thanks her colleagues for their support and inspiration. “I am so lucky to work with them every day,” she said.

The South Country School District congratulates Dooley on earning this TFCU grant.

Date Added: 6/17/2024

Bellport Middle School Generation Citizen students recently celebrated Civics Day by presenting to their peers, principals and distinguished guests research projects that aim to make a positive impact within their school and community.

Each student team presented an issue they had researched, the root causes of the problem at hand and a plan for action. Project topics included lowering the cost of field trips, creating more options for lunch, reducing homework and creating a video game club.

Delivering the keynote addresses were Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. Both leaders spoke about the importance of researching and finding solutions to problems.

Date Added: 6/7/2024

Bellport Middle School eighth grade ELA teacher Lisa Ditta is using AI to engage her students in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” As part of the school’s AI program, students interact with AI to ask and answer questions to gain a deeper understanding of the play. The AI provides differentiated learning based on student skill level and assists with student understanding by connecting aspects of the play to modern-day times. For example, AI relates the Montagues’ and Capulets’ dispute to a baseball game against rival teams. Finding that students are enjoying the program, Ditta plans to use it in future book studies.

Date Added: 5/29/2024

Bellport Middle School students recently participated in Mental Health Awareness Week. As part of the week’s activities, the students took part in themed days that aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. They also completed mindfulness tasks in their classrooms, learned yoga, walked to release stress, and engaged in a Ryan’s Story assembly that stressed the importance of being kind to others and looking out for their peers.

Date Added: 5/28/2024