The collective artwork of 219 sixth grade students attending Dayton Avenue and Eastport elementary schools is being displayed in the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition sponsored by the New York State Education Department. Inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, the artwork is one of 1,000 pieces now being exhibited from 2,208 submissions from 67 public and private schools across New York State. The exhibit can be viewed online at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking.

Measuring four feet tall and eight feet wide, the acrylic painting was a collaborative process. Under the direction of art teacher Jamie Walsh, each student was given a small piece of a photograph of Dr. King to work from. During the process, students learned to mix tints and shades and learned blending techniques to recreate the portion of their photograph. 

“At the time of the painting, the students did not know what the final image would look like,” Ms. Walsh said.“Upon completionthe students were excited to see the painting was a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which led to additional discussions about who the civil rights leader was and his impact on oursociety.”

The finished creation is also being displayed for a few weeks in each of the elementary school buildings as a visual reminder of Dr. King’s principles of peace and the incredible talent of the district’s young artists.

 

Date Added: 1/14/2025

For the first time in the Jr.-Sr. High School’s history, the girls varsity 4x200 relay team qualified for the Millrose Games Trials, held at the Nike Track and Field Center at The Armory in Manhattan on Jan. 8.  

After almost missing their race due to heavy traffic, team members Colleen Carroll, Sophia Colavito, Maddie Laezza and Lila McCarthy hit the track with no warmup and still managed to break the school record with a time of 1:50:56. Additionally, each of the girls ran their fastest split of their careers: Carrol (27.9), Colavito (27.8) Laezza (27.0) and McCarthy (27.7).  

The district congratulates the team on this outstanding accomplishment. 

 Date Added: 1/14/2025

The Jr.-Sr. High School congratulates student-musician John Costanza (tenor I), who participated in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County Festival, held at Hauppauge High School on Nov. 15.  

SCMEA brings together the county’s highest-achieving music students to perform in one or several three large ensembles, including concert band, chorus and orchestra. John was nominated by his teachers based on his New York State School Music Association scores from the previous year, as well as for his character attributes. 

Additionally, three student musicians participated in the NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference, held in Rochester on Dec. 5-8. Aaron Isaacson (French horn) was selected for the symphonic band on French Horn and Emma Gallagher (alto I) was selected into the mixed chorus. Double bass player John Schroeder had the rare distinction of being selected to perform in two NYSSMA All-State ensembles. John elected to participate with the Instrumental Jazz Ensemble over the string orchestra. 

The music department is incredibly proud of these musicians and their accomplishments and extends best wishes for success in their music careers moving forward.

 

Date Added: 1/10/2025

There hasn’t been much snow so far this winter, but that didn’t stop Tuttle Avenue students from participating in a Spanish Snowball Fight. Physical education teacher Marion Mastrangelo and World Language teacher Jacqueline Chambers collaborated on a dynamic lesson that incorporated Spanish vocabulary and physical education skills and movement.

The students didn’t have to brave the cold temperatures, but instead, they dodged and moved (mueve) around obstacles placed in the gymnasium to avoid snowballs made from fabric that were thrown at them. Students would also practice the physical education skill of throwing (tire) their snowballs overhand at a moving target to tag their opponent out. The students also heard additional commands to assist them in following directions, including counting numbers and identifying colors in Spanish.

Click here to view the Let’s Have a Snowball Fight slideshow.

Date Added: 1/7/2025

Jr.-Sr. High School physics teacher James Lever was accepted into the New York State Master Teacher Program, a program which recognizes and supports exceptional STEM educators statewide and who are committed to student success and have a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.   

After an extensive and competitive application process, Mr. Lever will now join a statewide network of Master Teachers who are invited to engage in professional development, in collaboration with peers and in opportunities to refine their instructional strategies. During this four-year commitment, Mr. Lever will also receive access to advanced training, leadership opportunities and teaching enhancement resources. In addition to improving his own educational practices, Mr. Lever will also contribute to the broader Eastport-South Manor school community by mentoring other educators and sharing best practices.  

District Director of K-12 Science Dr. Jessica Mintz noted that Mr. Lever is deserving of this distinction that recognizes him as one of the most exceptional STEM teachers in the state. “Being chosen into the Master Teacher Program is not only a reflection of Mr. Lever’s dedication to his craft, but also his commitment to improving student outcomes in STEM subjects,” Dr. Mintz said.  

 

Date Added: 1/6/2025