The Hampton Bays School District is pleased to announce that it has named John Foster as its new director of health, physical education, athletics and transportation.

“We are excited to have a proud Bayman leading our athletic program and transportation department,” said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen. “We are certain that Mr. Foster will continue to build our athletic programs and ensure that the district’s transportation needs are addressed.”

Foster, of East Quogue, was promoted to his new position after serving as a physical education teacher in the district’s middle and elementary schools for the past six years. In that role, he also coached varsity golf, varsity baseball and JV baseball. Prior to his employment in Hampton Bays, he was a physical education and health teacher at Springs School, where he also coached middle school baseball, basketball and soccer.

The Hampton Bays School District is home to Foster, who graduated from Hampton Bays High School in 2002. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in physical education and health from East Stroudsburg University and a master’s in education leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University. He also holds a New York State Health Physical Education Professional Certificate and is in the process of earning a School District Leader Emergency COVID Certificate.

Of his appointment, Foster said, "I am extremely honored and excited to be the next athletic director of Hampton Bays. I am proud to have grown up a Bayman and now take on this new role.”

Foster said his goal is to provide student-athletes with as many opportunities as possible to participate in sports and activities.

“Many life lessons can be taught through sports,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who has made this opportunity possible. Go Baymen!”

This summer, the Hampton Bays School District has not only been engaging students in its annual academic support program, but has also teamed up with SCOPE educational services to offer a “Summer Fun” program.

The SCOPE program runs in tandem with the district’s K-6 academic support program, Monday through Friday, 12-4 p.m., at Hampton Bays Elementary School. It provides lunch, a plethora of fun social activities, including weekly themes. Participating students attend the SCOPE sessions following a morning of learning at Hampton Bays Middle School.

By teaming up with SCOPE, the district, with the support of several local organizations, was able to offer grants to 19 elementary students to attend the SCOPE program free of charge.

“This is an amazing opportunity for these students,” said school psychologist Christine Anselmo.

Organizations that provided support funding include the Centro Corazón de María, St. Vincent De Paul, the Unitarian Church and Neighbors in Support of Immigrants.

Of the program, Aniyah Porrata, a fifth-grade student, said, “I like SCOPE because we have fun and make crafts. I like being here because it gives me something else to do in the summer.”