As Hampton Bays educators set up their classrooms for the first day of school, they also dedicated time to serving the community. On Superintendent’s Conference Day, staff members participated in hands-on community service projects, kicking off a yearlong initiative called Baymen in the Bays.

At Hampton Bays Elementary School, staff assembled 125 healthy snack packs for clients of Maureen’s Haven, a homeless shelter advocacy organization. Each pack included sanitary wipes and mints, as well as granola, dried fruit and other nutritious snacks to provide support throughout the day.

Hampton Bays Middle School staff created “Cards of Connection” for patients at the Westhampton Beach Care Center, a long-term rehabilitation facility. The fall-themed cards carried messages of hope, love and encouragement.

Staff at Hampton Bays High School assembled 125 emergency amenity kits for clients of The Shelter, a domestic violence organization that provides direct support to victims and advocates for policy change. Each kit contained essential hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash and hand sanitizer — critical items for those individuals who may arrive at The Retreat with just the clothes they are wearing.

This day of service marked the inauguration of Baymen in the Bays, a districtwide initiative rooted in the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” The district adopted the hashtag #HBRisingTide to celebrate service and inspire community involvement.

The district is planning to participate in several more community service activities during the school year, including Hampton Bays High School’s Rotary Interact Club 5K at Red Creek Park, benefiting Mary’s Meals; Southampton Town’s Great East End Clean Up; and the annual Hampton Bays Middle School Day of Service, a Saturday event where students, staff and families come together for five different service activities.

“Service is at the heart of who we are as a district,” said Lars Clemensen, superintendent of schools. “Through Baymen in the Bays, our staff and students will demonstrate the idea that when we lift each other up, we all succeed.”

Hampton Bays School District students were full of excitement as they arrived for the first day of the 2025-2026 school year on Sept. 3.

“We are so happy to have our students back for the 2025-26 school year and our newest Baymen in kindergarten, as well,” said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen. “Today is the first day of a year of possibility, opportunity and potential that our students will experience every single day.”

Elementary students were greeted by their teachers and principals and escorted to their classrooms, where they began organizing their supplies and making new friends. Middle and high school students kicked off the academic year by settling into their new routines and meeting their teachers.

Date Added: 9/3/2025

Date Added: 9/3/2025

The Hampton Bays School District recently welcomed incoming students enrolled in the district’s pre-K program during a special meet-and-greet event. The gathering provided children and their families with the opportunity to visit classrooms, explore the school and become familiar with their new teachers ahead of the first day of school.

Date Added: 8/29/2025

Dime Bank of Hampton Bays generously donated school supplies to Hampton Bays Elementary School to ensure that every student is prepared for a successful school year. The donation provides essential items such as notebooks, pencils and backpacks. The district extends its gratitude to Dime Bank for their continued commitment to education and the community.

Date Added: 8/27/2025