The Port Jefferson School District proudly hosted its 2nd annual club fair, an exciting event designed to showcase the diverse range of extracurricular opportunities available to students at both Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School.

Held in the gymnasium, the club fair offered students from grades 6 through 12 a one-stop event to explore the diverse clubs and activities offered throughout the district. Club advisors and current members set up eye-catching displays and interactive booths to share their missions, highlight past accomplishments, and recruit new participants. Clubs and activities displayed at the fair ranged from robotics club to debate club, from interact club to art and drama clubs. The fair highlighted the district’s commitment to providing a well-rounded student experience.

“Our annual club fair is a great way to connect students with the opportunities that match their interests and passions,” said Principal John Ruggero. “It helps build community, leadership, and school spirit across all grade levels.”

Students were encouraged to ask questions, sign up for clubs that piqued their interest, and learn how they can get involved in shaping their school community. The event reflects the district’s ongoing mission to promote student engagement, collaboration, and personal growth beyond the classroom. By giving students a platform to explore new interests and develop leadership skills, the club fair continues to be a valuable tradition in Port Jefferson.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District Hosts 2nd Annual Club Fair to Inspire Student Involvement slideshow.

The Port Jefferson School District celebrated an exciting and spirited 2025 Homecoming season with a series of events that brought together students, staff, families, and community members.

Festivities began on Friday, September 19, with the annual Homecoming Parade, a beloved tradition featuring student-athletes, cheerleaders, marching bands, decorated vehicles and school clubs. The parade marched proudly around the district, showcasing the Royal spirit and community pride. The excitement continued on Friday, September 27, with a fun-filled day of events. The morning kicked off with the Royal Educational Foundation Fun Run, where students from across the district participated in a spirited run to promote health, wellness, and school unity.

Later that day, families and students gathered for the Homecoming Carnival, which transformed the school grounds into a vibrant celebration complete with games, food, music, and activities for all ages. The festivities culminated with the Homecoming Football Game, where the Port Jefferson Royals took the field. Students and fans packed the stands, proudly wearing school colors and cheering on their team in a spirited display of school pride.

Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan praised the collaborative effort behind the success of this year’s events. “Homecoming is more than a game—it’s a celebration of our entire school community. We’re proud of the enthusiasm, participation, and unity shown by our students, staff, families, and neighbors.”

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District Celebrates Spirit and Unity at Annual Homecoming Event slideshow.

Date Added: 10/14/2025

On Thursday, September 18, fifth grade students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School took a special field trip to Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, where they were welcomed by over 30 varsity student-athletes and 10 coaches for an exciting and interactive day focused on athletics and school community connection.

The event, designed to introduce fifth graders to the diverse athletic opportunities available in middle and high school, included demonstrations and hands-on participation in sports such as cross country, tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, and football.

“Our goal is to spark interest and help students find a sport they’re passionate about before they enter middle school,” said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. “It’s about planting that seed early and showing them what’s possible.”

What made the day especially meaningful were the connections formed between the high school athletes and the younger students. The varsity athletes not only showcased their sports but also mentored the fifth graders, offering encouragement and sharing their own athletic journeys.

This annual tradition continues to foster a sense of unity and excitement across grade levels, as younger students begin to see themselves as future leaders and athletes within the Port Jefferson School District.

Neither wind nor rain could stop the community spirit and enthusiasm at the second annual Culper Spy 5K, organized by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School junior Sean Grossman and his grandmother, Janette Handley, to benefit the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS).

Held on September 7, the event saw an impressive turnout of 300 runners braving the downpour to celebrate local history and support educational programming. Their efforts raised $7,000, all of which will go directly toward expanding the TVHS's outreach and educational initiatives.

Sean, a dedicated student-athlete with a passion for both competitive running and Revolutionary War history, launched the inaugural race last year to combine his interests while giving back to the community. The race pays tribute to the Culper Spy Ring, a famed Revolutionary War-era intelligence network that operated in the Setauket area.

“This event represents the best of our community, resilience, teamwork, and pride in our local history,” Sean said. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make it a success—especially in the face of such challenging weather.”

This year’s race had even more momentum thanks to support from Port Jefferson High School coaches Cosci and Snow, as well as medalist Jameson Roeber. Organizing help came from Deidre Fillipi, Jesse Rosen and members of the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Varsity Club who volunteered on race day to ensure the event ran smoothly. TVHS Executive Director Mari Irizarry praised the grassroots nature of the fundraiser, saying, “Sean and Janette have created something truly special. It’s not only a race, it’s an educational celebration that gets people of all ages engaged with our region’s rich Revolutionary past.”

With two successful years under his belt, Sean Grossman hopes the Culper Spy 5K will continue to grow, bringing more runners, more awareness, and more support for historical education in the Three Village community.

Date Added: 9/26/2025

Students at Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School were recently treated to an inspiring presentation by Major League Baseball agent and national speaker Mark Leinweaver, who visited the district to deliver his signature assembly, “Why Character Matters.”

Presented to both middle and high school students, the 30-minute assembly provided real-world education on critical social issues, emphasizing the importance of character, leadership, and decision-making in students' daily lives. Mr. Leinweaver’s message was clear: Strong character is the foundation of success both on and off the field.

A seasoned sports agent with years of professional experience, Mark Leinweaver has become a respected voice on youth development and personal integrity. During the assembly, he engaged students in an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the dangers of social media, the value of volunteering and giving back, the courage it takes to be brave in the face of peer pressure, and the importance of standing against bullying.

Port Jefferson School District administrators praised the assembly as a meaningful and timely experience for students, helping to reinforce the district’s mission of developing responsible and ethical young leaders.Students walked away from the assembly inspired and more aware of the impact their actions have on themselves and others.

Date Added: 9/18/2025