Health, Safety and Wellness

Please note that the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) operates a toll-free hotline telephone number to receive reports of child abuse and neglect at:

1-800-342-3720

The hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More information on child abuse or neglect reporting is available on the OCFS website at http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.

The Patchogue-Medford School District is committed to providing an educational environment that promotes respect, dignity, and equality. The District recognizes that students’ ability to learn and to meet high academic standards and a school’s ability to educate its students are compromised by incidents of bullying or harassment. Such behavior affects not only the individuals who are its targets but also those who participate in or witness such acts. All school personnel have a professional responsibility to assist the children of our schools with bullying (including cyberbullying) and socialization issues. Employees are expected to address incidents as necessary and report bullying to teachers, administrators and/or supervisors.

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

DASA includes instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes.

Dignity for all Students Act Coordinators

• Joey J. Cohen, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
• Stephen Santacroce, Principal Barton Elementary School
• Rui Mendes, Principal Bay Elementary School
• Raymond Ruiz, Principal Canaan Elementary School
• Erin Skahill, Principal Eagle Elementary School
• Sharon Deland, Ed.D., Principal Medford Elementary School
• Richard Hoffmann, Principal River Elementary School
• Christopher Kelly, Ed.D., Principal Tremont Elementary School
• Bryan Lake, Principal Oregon Middle School
• JoAnn Luisa, Principal Saxton Middle School
• Christopher Cherouvis, Principal South Ocean Middle School
• Randy Rusielewicz, Ed.D., Principal High School  

Board Policies

Dignity for All Students (DASA) Policies Include:

• BOE Policy 5159 Bullying and Cyber Bullying
• BOE Policy 5170 Student Harassment & Bully Prevention (DASA)

Extreme Heat Condition Days
Board of Education Policy 3529

The Board of Education adopts this policy to address the health and safety of students and employees on extreme heat condition days. “Extreme heat condition days” are defined as days when occupiable educational and support services spaces are eighty-two degrees Fahrenheit or higher. “Support services spaces” do not include kitchen areas used in the preparation of food for consumption by students. Pursuant to Education Law § 409-n, room temperature will be measured at a shaded location, three feet above the floor near the center of the room.

Actions to be Taken at Eighty-Two Degrees

When the temperature of an occupiable educational or support service space reaches eighty-two degrees Fahrenheit, the School District will aim to take actions to relieve heat-related discomfort (consistent with fire and building codes), including but not limited to the following:

1. Turning off the overhead lights;
2. Pulling down shades or blinds;
3. Turning on fans;
4. Opening classroom doors and windows to increase circulation;
5. Turning off unused electronics that produce heat; and
6. Providing water breaks.

The Superintendent of Schools, Director of Facilities, and Building Principals will determine appropriate action to relieve heat-related discomfort. The staff member in charge of the room or space may act within their ability in reducing heat-related discomfort.

This policy does not preclude air conditioning from being used pursuant to an Individualized Education Program, Section 504 Plan, or documented medical need.

Actions to be Taken at Eighty-Eight Degrees

Students and staff will be removed from educational and support services spaces when the temperature reaches eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, when practicable. The Superintendent will direct Building Principals to evacuate the space, including but not limited to the following:

1. Move students and staff to cooler locations; or
2. Close school early and send students and staff home according to the district’s early closing protocols.

Cross-ref: Ref: Education Law §§409-n; 2801-a

Adoption date: August 4, 2025

Counseling Centers & Mental Health Treatment

Referral Services & Crisis Help

In order to provide parents/guardians and residents with information concerning convicted sex offenders who are living or working in this district, our school district is utilizing a no-cost sex offender alert notification program.  The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Sex Offender Relocation and E-mail Alert System will email district residents, who have registered, informing them of any new sex offender’s presence and direct them to their website where they can access a full copy of the notification.

This policy allows all subscribers to be informed of any sex offender notification implemented within selected areas.  The policy prevents educational resources from being used on costly mailings while giving residents an opportunity to be informed of all offenders within New York State, at no cost to them.  The district has stopped sending mailings when notifications are received but will continue to maintain these files for duplication or viewing, upon request, at the Office of the District Clerk located at 241 South Ocean Avenue in Patchogue.  Residents who would like to register for notifications should visit the registry on the internet at http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/nyalert.htm.   For those without Internet access, please contact The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Sex Offender Relocation and E-mail Alert System at 1-800-262-3257 for further instructions.

Also be aware that our dedication to the safety of our students will remain consistent.  All of our schools have strict safety procedures for students, staff, and visitors. In the event that law enforcement informs our district of a resident sex offender, a detailed description of the offender is automatically given to each staff member, bus driver, and organization utilizing school facilities. It is unfortunate, but necessary, that we all take the opportunity to review safety rules with our children and remind them to avoid circumstances, which increase their vulnerability. Please keep this type of information in the proper perspective for your children by reassuring them that we do have a safe community, but that they need to be alert and careful.

Additionally, be aware that according to New York State Law, “it is illegal to use sex offender registration information to commit a crime against any of these individuals or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassment against these people.”

If you have questions or concerns, you may contact our District Clerk, Theresa DeLeva, at (631) 687-6370 or the Division of Criminal Justice Services at the telephone number previously provided.

Dear Patchogue-Medford Families and Community Members,

The Patchogue-Medford School District believes that the health and security of our students and staff is a top priority. We are continually implementing proactive measures to strengthen our security presence throughout the district. As part of these efforts, we are pleased to announce the implementation of a new Visitor Management System across all district buildings, effective September 1, 2025.

Our schools value the partnership between families, community members, and school staff. Your participation in meetings, events, and academic support is a vital part of student success. To preserve a safe and welcoming learning environment, all visitors must follow the district’s Guest Guidelines and new sign-in procedures outlined below.

District Guest Guidelines

• Appointments Encouraged: Visitors are encouraged to make appointments with school staff before arriving.
• Main Entrance Protocol: Upon arrival, visitors must communicate with the greeter or security personnel via the intercom system, clearly stating their name, purpose of visit, and presenting photo ID.
• ID Requirement: Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license, military ID, or other government-issued ID.
• Administrative Approval: Visitors without an acceptable ID must be approved by a building administrator or designee before entry.
• Check-in and Badge: Once approved, visitors must scan their ID into the Visitor Management System. If cleared, they will receive a visitor pass to be displayed on their outermost garment at all times.
• Lobby Escort: Visitors are not permitted to enter the building unescorted. Staff must meet visitors in the lobby and escort them to and from their destination.
• Sign-Out: All visitors must return to the greeter desk to check out and return their visitor pass before exiting.

Visitor Management System Procedures

1. Present a valid government-issued ID.
2. Place your ID on the designated cardholder so the system can capture an image.
3. Select your preferred language using the top-right menu on the screen.
4. Tap the Sign-in button to begin.
5. Follow prompts to take a live photo (remove hats/sunglasses).
6. Select the location or department you are visiting.
7. A visitor badge will print if cleared; if not, the greeter will review system alerts.
8. All visitors must be escorted by a staff member at all times.
9. At the end of your visit, return the badge to the greeter’s desk and sign out.

Security Measures and Metal Detector Policy

In accordance with Board of Education Policy 5154.1, periodic metal detector searches will take place throughout the school year, particularly during high-attendance events such as concerts, moving-up ceremonies, or other public functions. On these occasions:

• Signs will be posted in advance to alert guests.
• Designated entrances must be used.
• Additional security protocols may be in place.

The Patchogue-Medford School District considers the safety and security of our students and staff to be our number one priority. These enhanced protocols represent our ongoing commitment to fostering a secure, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. We thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our schools safe.

If you have any questions, please contact John Ahern, Director of Security at 631-687-6580.

Sincerely,
John Ahern
Director of Security
Patchogue-Medford School District

DropTheVape Quitline

The New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Tobacco Control Program, in collaboration with the NYS Quitline, announced the launch of a free, confidential 6-week texting program called DropTheVape to help young people eliminate the use of tobacco products like vapes, pouches, and cigarettes.

The program provides participants with daily messages and interactive skill-building exercises to help manage stress, handle nicotine cravings, and maintain confidence in social situations.

Interested individuals may sign up at DropTheVape