Northport Middle School Students Return To Class In New Buildings

NORTHPORT, NY — Northport Middle School students returned to class on Thursday for the first time since their school was shut down for the remainder of the academic year due to an ongoing investigation by environmental firm PW Grosser Consulting into elevated levels of mercury found in a cesspool by the building. Elevated levels of benzene were also found in soil samples from two different septic systems, PWGC told the district.

The middle schoolers are attending classes in different buildings throughout the Northport-East Northport School District. Some are getting a taste of what's to come, while others saw a return to their roots.

Seventh graders were relocated to East Northport Middle School, while 8th graders are getting an early taste of Northport High School.

After Superintendent Robert Banzer sent out a letter Saturday noting the district's plans, he said the greatest concern came from parents of sixth graders who wanted to ensure the class would remain together. Originally, the district planned to split sixth graders up between Norwood Avenue Elementary and Bellerose Avenue Elementary School. Under a modified plan, which was being finalized Tuesday and Wednesday, all sixth graders will attend Norwood.

The Gifted & Talented program will be relocated to Bellerose, and an alternate instructional space for music will be provided.

"I am aware that this entire situation is stressful," Banzer wrote in a Monday letter. "I hope that the knowledge that the entire sixth grade will be together in one building will ease some of your concerns."