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Community Corner

Port Jefferson Fifth-Graders Move Up to Middle School

The Port Jefferson School District celebrated the accomplishments of 144 fifth-graders during a moving up ceremony at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School on June 25.

During the ceremony, numerous students were honored with achievement awards, including recognitions from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman. Students were recognized with awards for classroom citizenship and excellence in language arts, math, science and social studies, as well as with the Principal’s Citizenship Award and safety patrol awards.

Parents Francine Mosche and Jennifer Skulla addressed the students, with Skulla

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reminding them that they would always be part of the Port Jefferson school family, which would grow larger when they move on to middle school and high school. 

After a performance of “My Favorite Things” by students Olivia Ross and Sophie Xu, the students were each handed their certificates.

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“Watching you mature has brought a smile to my face,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, who urged the students to take advantage of the opportunities and friendships that await them in middle school. “Make sure you enjoy every day and the opportunity that is presented to you, and find out what your thing will be.”

Also addressing the students were retiring teacher Margaret Moore and Principal Thomas Meehan, who gave the fifth-graders a heartwarming send-off as he spoke of the many positive things they had accomplished over the years. “Continue to be yourselves,” he encouraged them.  

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