As of the end of the 2021-22 school year, the New York State Department of Education has awarded 10 out of 11 schools in the Patchogue-Medford School District good standing after they made significant improvement.
According to the district, this is a huge accomplishment, being that it is one of the first assessments post the pandemic, after multiple years with significant opt-out numbers from state testing. The district credits the hard work of teachers, teaching assistants, aides and administrators, as well as the Board of Education, Executive Team, and Union Presidents for their support.

“Over the last several years, we’ve navigated a pandemic, purchased laptops for all students, provided elevated levels of social and emotional supports, experienced tragedies of epic proportions, and so much more,” said superintendent of schools Dr. Donna Jones, proud of the district’s work. “Yet, in the midst of it all, we have demonstrated what we’re capable of accomplishing through collaboration, hard work and determination!”

According to the NYSED accountability standings of Pat-Med Schools, as of 2020-21, Barton, Bay, Canaan, Eagle, Saxton, Tremont and Medford Elementary schools were on the Targeted Support and Improvement and Comprehensive Support and Improvement lists, all of which, as of 2021-22, have reached “good standing.” River Elementary and Oregon Middle School, as well as the high school, remain in “good standing.” South Ocean Middle School is the only school in the district that now remains on the Targeted Support and Improvement list. However, according to Jones, the school is on its way to making “good standing” after significant work under the leadership of Dr. Piciullo and Dr. Mays.

Jones said she hopes to continue to provide exemplary service to the students and community.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our teachers, administrators and the entire Patchogue-Medford community for this significant achievement,” she said. “We have worked tirelessly through the challenges of a pandemic and all that was associated with it—which makes this accomplishment all the more significant.”