Superintendent/Principal's Message

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