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