2 Port Jefferson Schools Earn 'Reward School' Designation

Port Jefferson's high school and middle school have made New York State's list of high-achieving "reward schools" for the second year in a row.

It's the second time the middle school and high school have earned this status; the 2012-13 school year marked the first year that schools were categorized in this way by the state. Last year, all three schools were on the list, which superintendent Dr. Ken Bossert said is based on several criteria that measure achievement and growth.

"It's a little confusing, because it's based on data that's more than a year old ... but we're happy to be included on the list," Bossert said in an interview Friday.

"It doesn't change the fact that we have identified our own areas for focus and improvement," he said. "While accolades are pleasant, we understand the race for excellence has no finish line."

"Reward school" status is awarded to schools that are identified “among those schools that have the highest achievement in the state or are making the most progress and do not have significant gaps in student achievement that are not being closed,” according to the state's Department of Education.