In an effort to give back to their community and collaborate amongst one another, several incoming sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from James Wilson Young Middle School recently visited Blue Point’s Corey Beach to rid the surrounding area of various forms of litter. With assistance from special education teacher Andrew Peshkur, students donned latex gloves and happily removed any visible litter, including plastic bottles, snack bags and scattered debris. This year, the students were thrilled to be joined by both Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy P. Hearney and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Theodore Fulton. Afterward, the students visited Flo’s Luncheonette for a delicious meal and celebrated the successes of the day’s community service project.

Earlier this past June, 25 administrators, teachers, psychologists, social workers and guidance counselors representing the Bayport-Blue Point School District came together to be trained for the Energy Bus Leadership Journey. It is the district’s firm belief that this initiative will adapt with the current social-emotional learning efforts and BBP’s established go-to person program.

The Energy Bus for Schools journey is based on the books by Jon Gordon, “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy” along with “The Energy Bus for Kids: A Story about Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges.” Both stories include the main character, George, who is having trouble navigating through his day-to-day problems, whether that be at work, school and/or his personal life.  
After reading the books, Niki Spears, a former principal and educator, founded the Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey, where schools and districts across the country can be trained to bring back the ideas to students, motivating them to live a more positive life. Since August 2016, when there were just five model schools, the initiative has grown to now feature more than 100, including the five schools which make up the Bayport-Blue Point School District. In addition, Bayport-Blue Point will be the first district in New York State to be officially certified. 

In the coming school years, the community will be hearing a lot about the Energy Bus journey and the seven principles that go along with it. The district’s goal is to continue building and sustaining a positive school culture through the power of shared leadership, while empowering students at every level to become positive leaders.  

“As a district, we are always trying to find ways to include families and community members in new programs and initiatives, and we’d love for everyone to hop on the bus with us,” said Blue Point Elementary School Principal Tara Falasco. 

The district will also host throughout the year districtwide no homework nights with themes that correspond to the principles being focused on that month. They will also be holding a Book Club Night on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. to discuss the ideas brought up in “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon.