Bellport High School teacher Andrew Budris has been recognized by the New York State Council for the Social Studies with the distinguished Outstanding High School Social Studies Classroom Teacher Award. He earned the accolade after being nominated by Jackie O’Hagan, director of the South Country School District’s humanities department.

“I couldn’t have earned the award without the support of my fellow teachers, administrators and the Board of Education,” said Budris.

Budris credits much of what he has accomplished in his classroom and within the social studies department to the unwavering support that he has received.

Within his classroom, Budris reinforces the curriculum through problem-based learning, or PBL, a teaching tool that he has brought to his co-workers and that has earned him the opportunity to present at conferences at the local, state, and national level. PBL, Budris explained, requires teachers to construct a problem for students to solve in groups. It requires collaboration and critical thinking skills.

Budris has also presented on the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness program, which he and O’Hagan implemented in the district in 2022. South Country was one of only a handful of school districts on Long Island last year to offer the new Civic Readiness pathway, an all-encompassing program that teaches students how to apply civic knowledge, skills and mindsets to make positive impacts in their school, community and the world. It also aims to strengthen relationships with community partners and civic leaders. An impressive 95% of the Class of 2022 graduated with the Seal of Civic Readiness attached to their diplomas.

Budris, a Bellport resident, has been teaching at Bellport High School for the past 25 years. He currently teaches AP U.S. Government and Politics and co-teaches AP Research. He also serves as the lead teacher for the social studies department, a position he has held for the past seven years. He taught for two years in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn before moving to Bellport.

The accomplished teacher earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Siena College and his master’s in liberal sciences from Stony Brook University. He is currently working toward his doctorate in learning and teaching from Hofstra University.

When not teaching, Budris and his wife, Ellen Hoffman, who is an English teacher at Bellport High School, are supporting their three-sport-athlete daughter, who is a junior at the high school. An outdoor enthusiast, Budris also ran the New York City Marathon last year to raise money to support Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

“I’ve always felt extremely grateful to be a social studies teacher and that fate put me here,” said Budris. “I love my coworkers, the community and my students and the different experiences they bring into my classroom.”

“We could not be prouder of Mr. Budris,” said Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana. “He offers inspiration to his students and peers. Congratulations!”

Date Added: 3/3/2023

Bellport High School students recently heard from 2004 alumnus Khalik Allah during a special assembly that culminated Black History Month.

Allah, a famed photographer and videographer, spoke to students about the importance of education, persistence and perseverance. He talked about his time at Bellport High School and Middle School and how he has since earned prestigious recognition in his field.

Since graduating, Allah has traveled the world showing his work in festivals, museums and schools. He has produced numerous documentary films, is a published author and has worked with notable celebrities and companies.

Date Added: 3/2/2023

Bellport High School senior Cadence Howard became one of the first wrestlers to compete in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s inaugural all-girls wrestling invitational tournament held in Syracuse on Jan. 27.

Howard, who has been wrestling since middle school, was one of 410 girls from across the state to compete in 13 weight classes. She showcased her impressive skills and earned fifth place in her weight class.

In addition to being a member of her school’s varsity wrestling team, Howard is on her school’s varsity cheer and varsity softball teams.

The South Country Central School District extends its congratulations to Cadence Howard on a job well done.

Date Added: 2/6/2023

Bellport High School varsity winter athletes spent time bonding with third grade students at Brookhaven Elementary School on Jan. 20 as part of the South Country School District’s social and emotional learning program Second Step.

The program was inaugurated this school year, with fall athletes visiting Kreamer Street Elementary School students.

Second Step aims to create lasting bonds between Bellport High School student-athletes and third graders in the district’s elementary schools. Serving as role models, the athletes shadow the third graders and support them in all aspects of their day, from lessons to assisting with academics and accompanying them to lunch.

Prior to the visit, all the student-athletes were trained in social and emotional learning techniques.

The program will continue during the spring sports season, when athletes will visit Verne W. Critz Elementary School.

Date Added: 1/25/2023

Bellport High School AP Seminar students recently shared group research with their peers and members of the district’s administration.

During the event, held in the school’s library, the students, under the direction of their teachers Kristen Fehr-Thompson and John Bishop, presented research that they have been working on since the start of the school year. Research topics included sleep deprivation, pollution, depression, the prison system and poverty.

AP Seminar is a college-level course that prepares students for college by engaging them in the study and research of real-world issues. It is a stepping stone to the AP Research course, where students undertake a yearlong, research-based project.

Date Added: 1/24/2023