Under the direction of Toni Borkowski and producer Adriana Aracri, Jr.-Sr. High School thespians delivered powerful performances of “The Crucible,” held in the high school auditorium on Nov. 8-10. Based on Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play, the school production paralleled the sense of doom, tension and intrigue of the time in which the play was written (1953) and accurately portrayed the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1600s. 

Mrs. Borkowski, who researched the sites related to the trials, congratulated the actors for their dedicated countless hours of their lives to bring this story to life. “Having the opportunity to explore these stories and history through Miller’s lens has been an exciting and enriching experience for all,” she said. 

The district congratulates cast members: Kevin Ackerman, Keira Albanese, Sophie Barnes, Coleman Blackler, John Costanza, Pamela Crenshaw, Noah DaSilva, Gianna Fazzolari, 

Chelsea Gallagher, Emma Gallagher, Jack Gallagher, Douglas Grimmett, Samantha Hayes, Aaron Isaacson, Bennett Leselrod, Kailyn Marra, Steven Noethiger, Logan Penkower, Damian Schmidt, Bella Tesoro and Abigail White. 

Click here to view the The Jr.-Sr. High School Performs ‘The Crucible' slideshow.

Date Added: 11/15/2024

District students celebrated local veterans in recognition of Veterans Day.

At the Jr.-Sr. High School, students lined the hallways with flags and banners as the marching band led a parade from the school’s main rotunda and through the academic wing of the building. The parade featured local veterans, including Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. John Christie and special education teacher Thomas Hayes, members of the Board of Education and Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig. The event culminated with the Concert Choir’s singing of patriot songs to mark the solemnity of the occasion.

At both Eastport Elementary and South Street, students held a special breakfast for veterans from all branches of the military. The veterans settled down to breakfast and coffee and took the time to speak with students about their experiences in the military.

“We want Veterans Day to be in the minds of our students and not just another day off,” Eastport Elementary School Principal Tomas Fabian said. “We believe in giving back to the community, and this is one of the ways we can give back to those who have served.”

Click here to view the Celebrating Veterans slideshow.
Date Added: 11/12/2024

The District’s elementary school students participated in the democratic process on Nov. 4 by casting their votes in mock elections.

At Dayton Avenue School, fourth grade students learned about the voting process and about making informed decisions before voting for their favorite cookie, Chips Ahoy or Oreos. During an assignment called The Great Cookie Debate, they were also instructed to write an essay defending their decision. The essays were placed on a bulletin board for peers to read. Additionally, students voted schoolwide on whether they want revised school hours.

Eastport Elementary and Tuttle Avenue students also voted for their favorite sharks. Tuttle Avenue students voted between the great white and tiger shark. Student ambassadors lead the voting process by explaining to peers how to vote and awarding “I Voted” stickers. Eastport students chose between the bull shark and hammerhead shark. Using the school’s new Glowforge machine and inspired by the book “Who Would Win,” the winning shark will have a cutout printed out and displayed in the cafeteria.

After the votes are counted and the winners are announced, students in all three schools participated in further discussions about the results.

Click here to view the Elementary Students Go to the Polls slideshow.

Date Added: 11/6/2024

The District celebrated the commitment and bravery of the community’s first responders on Nov. 1 with the dedication ceremony for First Responder Plaza. In attendance were esteemed first responders from the Suffolk County Police Department, Southampton Town Police Department, Eastport Fire Department, Manorville Fire Department, the Manorville Community Ambulance and first responders who reside in the community.

The First Responder Plaza is located at the entrance of the District’s newly built promenade between the Jr.-Sr. High School’s athletic fields and serves as a reminder to the community of these brave men and women’s selfless service to the community.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel remarked, “This plaza will serve as a daily reminder to our students, athletes and visitors of the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. It is a testament to the values we hold dear as a community: Courage, compassion and service above self.”

Board of Education President Jeffrey Goldhammer also thanked Mr. Steimel and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Timothy Laube who both ensured that the project was completed. “From this day forward, our community will regard this plaza as a powerful symbol of gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who serve as our first responders,” Mr. Goldhammer said. “They are the ones who ensure our safety and protect the rights we cherish as Americans. May future generations of students who pass through this plaza be reminded every day of the incredible individuals ready to answer the call for help.”

K-2 representatives from South Street and Tuttle Avenue elementary schools presented hand-crafted thank you cards to the first responders and, selected by their principals, students from Dayton Avenue and Eastport Elementary schools and the Jr.-Sr. High School read their personal sentiments about these brave and selfless individuals. Additionally, under the baton of Brendan Hogan, the marching band played the national anthem and student Ava Burke led the community in the pledge of allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. The Concert Choir, under the direction of Daniel Graf also sang patriotic song selections, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

To conclude, invited guests joined Mr. Steimel, Mr. Laube, and the Board of Education to cut the ribbon and to officially dedicate the First Responder Plaza.

Click here to view the District Dedicates First Responder Plaza slideshow.

Date Added: 11/5/2024