During their June meeting, the district’s Board of Education paid tribute to several members of the district’s faculty, administration and student body for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
The evening’s recognitions commended student-recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a program that encourages people to live a life of service and inspire other to take positive action to change the world.
Next, middle school principal Antonio Santana congratulated teachers Kandice Brucella, Kayleen Moran and Kristine Vaccaro on receiving tenure. “Hard-working, conscientious, responsible and reliable are all words that can easily be used to describe these young educators,” said Santana. “Collectively, they share a drive that pushes them to ensure their students’ success.”
Brucella, a special education teacher in the high school and middle school, has taught various preps that range from being a resource room teacher to a subject area inclusion teacher in a classroom to a learning support teacher of students in a small setting. She is also the junior class adviser. Moran, an English language arts teacher for grades 7-12, has worked in various capacities for the school district, including junior class adviser. Mathematics and special education teacher Vaccaro works in both the high school and middle school and is the Leo Club adviser. Susan Federico, the middle and high school nurse, also received tenure and was thanked by Santana for her continual efforts.
The meeting proceeded with the recognition of teacher’s aide Susan Kempe, who has resigned for the purpose of retirement. “Sue is always there with a smile, no matter what it is she is doing,” said Santana, who works with Kempe at the middle school on a daily basis. “She has been a great resource that we are truly going to miss.”
Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert then spoke about science teacher Laurie McMillen, who has also resigned for the purpose of retirement. During the 33 years McMillen has worked in the district, she has served in many capacities, including co-adviser of the Academic Team, class adviser at all grade levels, co-adviser of the National Honor Society, Student Council adviser and head of the science department. Additionally, she has worked with the school’s Odyssey of the Mind and Science Olympiad teams as well as the SCIMATECH club. “She is leaving at the top of her game as a master instructor who has done wonderful things with our students,” said Bossert. “I know that they will reap the benefits of working with her for many years to come.”
The board then acknowledged the dedication and commitment of departing trustee Dr. Dennis Kahn, who has been a member of the board for nine years. “His priority has always been what is best for our children,” said Board President Kathleen Brennan. Kahn, who is also president of the Infant Jesus Basketball Program, took the opportunity to publicly thank the board for their continued support of the league. “The cornerstone of the program has always been Port Jefferson,” said Kahn, who also commented on how remarkable education through sports is. “Without you, these children’s lives would not have been touched. It is so important to give children the opportunity to excel. You never stand as tall as when you reach out to help a child.”
High school senior class president Gregory Klesaris was next recognized for his comprehensive reports to the board throughout the school year as the Board of Education student representative. “You have devoted a great deal of time and effort to the board and have represented your peers in a very nice way,” said Brennan.
To conclude the acknowledgments, Acting Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Carmen Iannotti was thanked for his service to the district. “Carmen is probably best known in Suffolk County as the leading authority and top resource in the area of special education,” said Bossert. “In the year that you have given yourself to this district, you have done wonderful things that have touched so many students and faculty members in a positive way.”