Dear Patchogue-Medford Raider Families,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year.

As I enter and reflect on my milestone 20^th year serving the Patchogue-Medford School District and its community as a High School Assistant Principal (2003-2006), Principal at South Ocean Middle School (2006-2009), and finally as High School Principal (2009-present), I have never been more optimistic of what lies ahead. There is always more work to be done to create an educational environment that we can all be proud of. Here at Patchogue-Medford High School, we strive to offer programs that we hope will excite students and spark their curiosity as they ponder what they want to do in their lives. While they’re with us, we want them to find their passion and unlock their hidden talent so that they will never have just a job but look forward to building a career that they are excited to go to each day and make a difference as they build a successful life.

Our high school is a very diverse small city but each day students get the opportunity to interact with many individuals, much like life will throw their way very soon. Managing differences of opinions and ideas can be challenging, but also a critical ingredient to managing life and the world we live in today; a world that is becoming ever more challenging and harder to understand. We continue to offer many clubs and sports after the school day has ended because school does not end for us at 2:00 p.m.. In many ways, it is only the part 1 of the school day. Our students also excel after school on many levels in our clubs and sports. These are great ways for your student to meet new people, work as a team, assist with community service in our area, and to make closer connections with our faculty.  We want our school to be a second home to our students and take advantage of everything it has to offer. We also want students to look back upon their high school years with fondness and delight.

So, as they say, “There is nothing to it, but to do it!” Please know I am always available to assist in whatever way I can, as is our entire school. Never feel that you are being a bother. This is what we do. Many times, it is through these interactions that we become even closer as a school and as a community. I wish you and your family and especially your high school children the best school year ever!

Sincerely,

 
Randy E. Rusielewicz, Ed.D.
Principal
631-687-6500