Hampton Bays Elementary School recently hosted its annual fun-filled Family Literacy Night. The event included a meet-and-greet with numerous authors and illustrators from across Long Island, as well as literacy games. Many of the games were themed for the school’s Reads Together program, through which all students are reading “Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie” by Julie Sternberg.

 

Date Added: 1/23/2026

The members of the Hampton Bays Elementary School service organization K-Kids recently donated $250 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of an annual fundraiser. They raised the funds by selling emoji keychains to fellow students, teachers and administrators.

 

Date Added: 1/22/2026

During a recent candle-lighting ceremony, 46 students at Hampton Bays Middle School were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for students.

To be eligible for membership, the students were required to have a cumulative average of 92 or better since the sixth grade and meet the standards of leadership, service, citizenship and character.

The Hampton Bays School District congratulates the following inductees: Rileigh Andrews, Samantha Betta, Sydney Blom, Siena Bruno, Scarlett Clanahan, Taily Cuamatitla Castillo, Zoey Danna, Gavin Elizondo, Wren Fullam, Liam Gomes, Kevin Gonzalez, Kelly Guanga Suin, Alison Guzman, Hudson Hanbach, Jack Huebner, David Juarez, Aryana Kappers, Kathryn Kirst, Noah Krops, William Loudenslager, Ivanna Maradiaga Franco, Angel Martinez, Isla McMahon, Jemely Mejia, Mikayla Modini, Maya Ollennu, Valeria Ospino Sanchez, Daniela Perez, Jacob Perez, Victoria Powers, Edguin Puin Farez, Annabel Ramsay, Noelany Rea, Manuella Ribeiro, Aubrey Schrage, Addison Schulze, Alexander Sequeira, Mia Soledad, Olivia Spezzacatena, Cayden Spring, Maddox Suarez, Kai Summar, Khloe Talmage, Mariana Toro Arcila, Melina Torres and Hayden Wilson.

For the first time, a team of teachers and administrators from Hampton Bays Middle School were invited to present at the New York State Middle School Association’s Regional Conference held at St. Joseph’s University. The annual conference brings together more than 200 middle-level educators and school leaders from across Long Island and New York for a day of professional learning, collaboration and dialogue centered on best practices in middle school education.

Four members of the Hampton Bays Middle School team — Assistant Principal Dr. Jonathan DellaSperanza and teachers Samantha Gundersen, Brittany Griffin and Erin DaSilva — facilitated sessions where they shared their expertise with colleagues from across the region. DellaSperanza and DaSilva’s presentation, “Reimagining Middle School: Designing a 10-Day Cycle for Equity, Access and Opportunity,” addressed rethinking school schedules to better serve students. Their presentation explored how transitioning to a 10-day rotation model can increase flexibility, expand equitable access to both mandated and elective courses, and provide students with greater opportunities to pursue interests while discovering new strengths. The session examined how thoughtful scheduling can create a more dynamic, student-centered learning environment.

Gundersen and Griffin presented “A Service Mindset: Taking Your Student Organization to the Next Level by Expanding Community Service and Leadership Opportunities for Students.” As advisers of the National Junior Honor Society, they shared how the program has evolved from a short-term eighth grade recognition into a robust, two-year leadership and service experience for eligible seventh and eighth grade students. Their presentation highlighted initiatives such as a kindergarten mentoring partnership, a merit badge-style system for independent service projects, and a communitywide Volunteer Day that engages more than 70 students in service projects across 10 local locations.

The conference also featured a keynote address by nationally recognized author and educator Jack Berckemeyer, known for his high-energy, research-based professional development focused on reclaiming joy and excellence in education. Berckemeyer is co-author of “Deliberate Optimism,” a book currently being read and discussed by a team of Hampton Bays teachers and administrators as part of a middle school book talk initiative.

The Middle School Association’s selection of these two presentations reflects Hampton Bays’ commitment to innovation, equity and leadership development.

Date Added: 1/14/2026

Hampton Bays High School has earned placement on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll with a Bronze level status for the 2024-2025 school year.

To earn the recognition, 40% or more of the graduating class took at least one AP exam, 25% or more scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, and 2% or more took five or more AP exams during high school.

Hampton Bays was recognized for committing to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing readiness.

Date Added: 1/13/2026