Superintendent/Principal's Message

August 2024:

I hope this message finds you enjoying a wonderful summer filled with fun, relaxation, and quality time together. As we look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, I'm excited to introduce you to ParentSquare, our new district-wide communication platform.

ParentSquare is designed to streamline and enhance communication between our school and your family. In the coming days and weeks, you'll begin receiving many of our traditional summer mailing items through this new platform. This includes all required student forms for the upcoming school year. By transitioning to ParentSquare, we aim to make the back-to-school process more convenient and efficient for everyone.

We're thrilled to share that over 30 students participated in the Oysterponds Summer Camp this year. The camp has now concluded, and we hope all participants had a fantastic experience filled with learning, friendship, and memorable moments.

Looking ahead to the new school year, I'm delighted to announce that our theme will be "Celebrating Community." This theme reflects our commitment to fostering a strong and supportive environment where every student, family, and staff member feels valued and connected. We hope to grow that connection outside of our school walls into the community as we celebrate the proud history of both East Marion and Orient by connecting with local businesses and organizations. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming school year, we're always here to help. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition back to school for all our students and families.

We're looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and community building at Oysterponds Elementary. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for the 2024-2025 school year!

December 2023:

As we head into our December break and get some time to relax and recharge with friends and family during the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the first few months of the school year. I would like to begin by thanking all members of the Oysterponds Community, especially our students, staff, and families for making me feel so at home in this new role. Everybody has been extremely supportive and welcoming since my first day on the job.

Our students, faculty and staff have truly gotten behind our theme for the year, Let’s Grow Together! We have taken part in proud Oysterponds Traditions, including the Thanksgiving Feast, and put a new spin on the Halloween Parade. In addition, we have continued some newer traditions, like our Stuff the Bus Food Drive, and even started new ones including our Spirit Week which highlighted Kindness and Bullying Prevention.

I’m excited to report that most of our students are involved in at least one of our many after school clubs and activities. We have added Yearbook Club and Garden Club to an already impressive list of offerings which include Bookworms, Art Club, Art Portfolio, ExSEL, Physical Education Club, and Coding Club.  

We have exciting plans for the new year, including the formation of a student council, and the selection/creation of a school mascot! Both of these new initiatives will build around the feedback of our students to make Oysterponds an even better place to learn each day!

Respectfully,

Justin T. Cobis, Ed.D.

Superintendent/Principal of Schools

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August 2023:

Dear Oysterponds Families,

I hope that this message finds you well and you’re enjoying summer as we prepare for the 2023-2024 school year. This will be my first year at Oysterponds, and I am honored to serve the community as your Superintendent/Principal of Schools. 

Being that I’m new to the Oysterponds Community, I’d like to share a bit of background about myself. I am entering my 17th year in the public school system, having always enjoyed working in East End schools. My journey in education began at Riverhead High School where I taught social studies for 13 years. One of my most rewarding experiences was teaching a Long Island History class, which allowed for students to learn more about local history. While at Riverhead, I also found a love for coaching track and field and working with student athletes. Four years ago, I took on the role of school administrator at Southampton Intermediate School, where I served as Principal working with 5th-8th grade students. I live with my wife and two children in Cutchogue, and I am thrilled to take on this position and make a home here at Oysterponds on the North Fork.

Our theme for the 2023-2024 school year is Let’s Grow Together. We will explore how to work together to solve problems, support each other, become stronger as both individuals and a learning community.

Respectfully,

Justin T. Cobis

Superintendent/Principal of Schools