Athletic Program Philosophy
Brian Sacks
Director of Health Physical Education & Athletics
Email: brian.sacks@plainedgeschools.org
Phone: (516) 992-7475
Middle School Program
The philosophy of middle school athletics is to maximize participation, have fun, and learn the fundamentals of the sport in a developmental setting. Each participant will be given equal opportunities to participate in both practices and games to develop those skills necessary for the sport. However, if the student-athlete is not developing to the satisfaction of the coach, then equal participation might cause a safety situation. This equal participation is also contingent upon attendance, behavior, and effort during practice sessions and games. The maximum number of athletes will be kept on the rosters (generally 10-25 athletes per coach, depending on sport). The procedure of reducing student-athletes in not desirable. However, if the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is difficult to manage, poses a safety issue, or is problematic because of faculty or facility considerations, reducing team size may be necessary.
*Middle school athletic teams are reserved for students in grades 7 and 8*
Junior Varsity Program
The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential for continued development into productive varsity-level performers. Although team membership varies according to the structure of each program, sophomores and freshmen occupy the majority of roster positions. In certain situations, juniors, freshmen, and a maximum of exceptional 8th-grade student-athletics may be included on a junior varsity roster.
The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. For all team members, meaningful contest participation will exist over the course of a season. However, a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the same six-day-a-week commitment that is expected at the varsity level. With the goal of becoming a varsity athlete clearly in sight, students participating at this level are expected to demonstrate a high degree of dedication and commitment.
Varsity Program
Varsity competition is the culmination of each sports program. Seniors and juniors generally make up the majority of the roster.
Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed.
A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six-day-a-week commitment. This commitment is often extended into vacation periods for all sports seasons. While contests and practices are rarely held on holidays and Sundays, they sometimes may be scheduled during school vacation periods.
The varsity coach is the leader of that sport’s program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program.
School News
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🎓 We proudly celebrated the graduation of the Plainedge High School Class of 2026, honoring an exceptional group of students as they reached this remarkable milestone!
Valedictorian Leah Muldoon and Salutatorian Khloe Hong delivered inspiring speeches, encouraging their classmates to pursue their passions, remain true to themselves, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with confidence and determination.
Principal Lauren Iocco, Board of Education President Joseph Beyrouty, and Interim Superintendent of Schools Ms. Carol Muscarella offered heartfelt congratulations and shared words of encouragement as the graduates embarked on their next chapter.
As the Class of 2026 begins this exciting new journey, we are confident they will continue to make a positive impact wherever life takes them. No matter where their paths lead, they will always be part of the Plainedge family!
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
#Weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #classof2026 #together #plainedge
🎓 Congratulations to the Plainedge Middle School Class of 2026! 🎓
Today, we celebrated an incredible milestone as our graduates officially moved up to Plainedge High School. National Junior Honor Society President Vincent Cusumano reflected this remarkable class while encouraging his classmates to embrace the exciting opportunities ahead!
A special thank you to our Middle School Drama Club for their outstanding performance of “Finale” from Frozen Jr., which made the ceremony even more memorable.
The Plainedge Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff are proud of all that this class has achieved and look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in high school and beyond.
To the Class of 2026: Believe in yourselves, continue to work hard, and never stop reaching for your goals. Your future is bright! ✨
If you missed today`s ceremony, you can watch the recording at Plainedge TV Live Stream.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #MiddleSchoolGraduation #ClassOf2026 🎓❤️🖤
🎓 Congratulations to the 5th-grade students of Eastplain, Charles E. Schwarting, and John H. West Elementary Schools on reaching this important milestone and moving up to 6th grade!
As you prepare to begin your journey at Plainedge Middle School, take pride in all you have accomplished, the friendships you have built, and the knowledge you have gained along the way. Your teachers, families, and the entire Plainedge community are incredibly proud of you and excited to see all that you will achieve in the years ahead!
Embrace this next chapter with confidence, curiosity, and determination! Your future is bright, and your possibilities are endless.
Well done, and congratulations! 🎉
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #education #movingup
On behalf of the Board of Education and everyone in Central Administration, we wish you all a Happy Father’s Day!
Juneteenth - Schools will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026 and reopen Monday, June 22, 2026
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride
🎓✨ Our Pre-K students celebrated their Moving Up Ceremony with joyful songs, big smiles, and lots of excitement as they marked this special milestone on their journey to Kindergarten! We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can`t wait to welcome them to Kindergarten in the fall.
Families and community members can watch Plainedge Public Schools` Moving Up and Graduation ceremonies live at plainedgetv.com/live.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #ClassOf2039 #MovingUpCeremony #PreKGraduation #FutureReady #PlainedgeSchools 🎓📚
🎶❤️ The Charles E. Schwarting Elementary School 5th Grade Choral Students visited their Bristal Buddies for a memorable morning filled with music, laughter, and celebration.
Our talented young performers delighted residents with their graduation song and a selection of contemporary favorites! Residents sang along and shared in the excitement!
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #BristalBuddies #CommunityConnections #MusicMatters #SchwartingElementary 🎵✨
Cheers, applause, and plenty of Plainedge Pride! Matty and Oscar took their final walk to the bus during a memorable clap-out celebration! Surrounded by the love and support of our school community, this clap-out celebration was a beautiful reminder of what makes Plainedge so special.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #PlainedgeProud #BestBuddies #Community #Education #Family #SpecialEducation
🔔 One last bell.
📚 One last walk through the halls.
🎓 One unforgettable class.
Congratulations to the Plainedge High School Class of 2026! Your Plainedge family is cheering you on every step of the way!
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #ClassOf2026
Creating Our Beautiful World 🌎🎨
This week, our 9:1:3 students partnered with APE Peer Mentors and Best Buddies to bring a special mural project to life! Guided by artist Mr. Dinaro, students worked together to paint two vibrant panels celebrating the beauty, diversity, and wonder of our world.
The project showcased creativity, teamwork, inclusion, and friendship as students and staff collaborated to create a lasting piece of artwork that reflects the spirit of our school community.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #education #together #united #art #ourworld
