My name is Rui Mendes, and I am the Principal at Bay Elementary School. I have had the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Principal at both Saxton and South Ocean Middle Schools prior to my appointment as Principal of Bay.  I began my career in education with the Brentwood School District where I taught sixth grade and had the opportunity to coach Soccer and Baseball at the Middle School level. This year, I will be embarking on my 14th year as an educator.

I grew up in the Bay Shore area and graduated from Brentwood High School with the distinction of being class Salutatorian, so it was with great pleasure that I was able to give back to the community that helped to raise and educate me during my childhood years.   I attended St. Joseph’s College where I received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education.  I obtained a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and went on to continue my studies in order to receive my credentials as a School District Administrator.

I am impassioned about the field of education and setting a tone of academic excellence for our children. The multitude of hats I wear as an administrator are expansive and challenging but rewarding. Every day brings a new opportunity and reminder of the commitment, resilience, and integrity that a school leader must exemplify for positive change in a progressive school community. It takes a whole village to raise a child and an even greater community to educate them.

Once again, thank you for sharing your most precious possession with me, YOUR CHILD! I know that together, we can make each year the most rewarding and exciting time in your child’s young life.

Sincerely,

Mr. Rui Mendes