The Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District Board of Education received an extensive midyear update Monday on Oyster Bay High School, with Principal Melissa Argamen outlining academic programs, facility upgrades and student achievements during a presentation that emphasized opportunity and growth.
Argamen addressed the board at its meeting in the school auditorium, offering a wide-ranging overview of how the school is supporting students academically, socially and personally.
The high school, she said, has focused on broadening and strengthening academic pathways for students in all grades, supported by a reorganized administrative team and robust counseling services.
Argamen introduced new members of the leadership team, including Assistant Principal Dr. Stephany Contreras, who also oversees English as a New Language and world languages; Assistant Principal Robert LoCastro, supervisor of STEM; and Secondary Curriculum Associate Kimberly Corbo, humanities supervisor. They work closely with department leaders, Argamen said, to support instruction and curriculum.
“Our counseling center is instrumental in providing the support our students need to succeed in school and move confidently into their post-secondary plans,” Argamen said.
She highlighted college application boot camps, college mini fairs, individual counseling meetings and the school’s Decision Day celebration. Counselors also support students socially and emotionally through partnerships such as the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying and Naviance assessments.
Argamen detailed hands-on learning across departments, including collaborations with the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery in AP Human Geography, the Atlantis research program for seventh-graders and continuing participation in civic education initiatives like Operation Democracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness.
World language offerings include American Sign Language, French, Mandarin and Spanish, with opportunities to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Argamen noted cultural celebrations throughout the year, including Hispanic Heritage Month and Lunar New Year, as ways to build empathy and global awareness.
STEM students take part in science research courses, fairs and symposiums, with several earning recognition at regional competitions. Math instruction has been enhanced through the use of Desmos digital graphing tools and enrichment opportunities such as the American Mathematics Competition and field trips to the National Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan.
Special Services programming has expanded with the creation of a Practical Assessment Exploration System, or PAES, lab and a student-run coffee cart, giving students pre-vocational and workplace skills while fostering inclusion through peer ambassador programs.
Behind-the-scenes investments in facilities and operations, Argamen said, have helped improve safety, efficiency and student engagement. Recent upgrades include improved auditorium houselights, gym and HVAC improvements, parking lot repairs and expanded cafeteria offerings. Students now receive free breakfast and lunch, and the cafeteria has become a central gathering space.
The school also implemented a new MOOV automated attendance system, allowing students to tap in with school IDs. Argamen said the system improves safety, increases instructional time and reduces costs.
Additional investments include a dedicated science research printer, upgraded broadcast studio equipment funded by the district’s 21st Century Improvements Bond and the upcoming launch of a Genius Bar internship program, which will give students hands-on technology-support experience.
“These investments may happen behind the scenes,” Argamen said, “but each one plays a critical role in supporting the teaching, learning and day-to-day experiences of our students.”
She also cited spaces such as the Innovation and CO labs as hubs of cross-departmental collaboration and student engagement.
A strong sense of community remains central to the school’s culture, she said, reflected in athletics, clubs and arts programs and traditions. During the fall season, eight of 10 varsity teams earned playoff bids, with girls’ cross-country finishing undefeated and winning a division title, and girls’ soccer and volleyball going undefeated and capturing conference championships. The girls’ swimming program earned its first playoff bid in school history. All 10 varsity teams earned scholar athlete team honors.
Clubs and honor societies continue to grow, with new Middle Level Debate Club, along with the addition of HOSA for Future Health Professionals, at students’ request. Honor societies lead service initiatives, tutoring programs and civic events.
Students have also taken a wide range of field trips and had a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including Broadway performances, museum visits, civic summits, science competitions and leadership conferences.
As well, Argamen highlighted professional development for the school staff, including training in A.I. integration, classroom management, English language learner support and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
She also reported steady gains in graduation rates, Advanced Placement performance and external rankings. Since 2021, the portion of students earning scores of three or higher on AP exams has increased by more than 20 percentage points. The school earned College Board recognition for AP performance and college credit and optimization.
Students also received individual honors including National Merit Commended Student recognition, state sports championships, arts awards and broadcasting accolades at the Broadcasting Alliance for Senior High awards.
“When students are surrounded by caring adults, strong programs and a community that believes in them,” Argamen concluded, “doors open, and their stories begin to take place in powerful ways.”
School board Trustee John Paul Kopacz thanked Argamen for the presentation, noting that her remarks underscored the district’s emphasis on opportunity and encouraging students to take advantage of the resources available to them.
“Your closing words there about opportunity really hit home,” Kopacz said. “Thank you for highlighting that, and that our students are the best.”
