Since 2017, Jr.-Sr. High School research students have  collaborated with the Brookhaven National Laboratory Laboratory’s SPARK program, which provides students access to advanced research facilities such as the NSLS-II. This collaboration has produced several publications to BNL’s protein database. 

Over the weekend of Dec. 5-7, Rachel Neville’s spectroscopy research students collected data on microplastic samples from mussels, clams and oysters. The students worked at the IR microscope, using infrared spectroscopy to successfully analyze the types of microplastics in each sample. 

Robert Bolen’s protein crystallography research students also collected data from the protein dihydroorotaseat the NYX beamline.The students cryogenically prepared protein samples and then collected data using X-ray diffraction to determine the overall structure of the proteins.These proteinshave unknownstructures that students are working to determine using diffraction and crystallography techniques. 

Mr. Bolen and Ms. Neville said the students received valuable hands-on research experience in the laboratory and would like to thank BNL for its generosity in providing invaluable research opportunities for Eastport-South Manor students.

 

Date Added: 12/11/2025

 

Our District Social Workers are here to assist families in need at the Holidays. Please reach out to the social worker in any building for community outreach referrals.

JHS
Lori Franchi, LCSW 631-801-3282
Pamela Camacho, LMSW 631-801-3294
Alyssa Marinelli, LMSW 631-801-3275

DAS
Corey Briggs, LCSW 631-801-3111

EES
Nina Leonard, LCSW 631-801-3183

SSS
Helen Gardella, LMSW 631-801-3101

TAS
Alyson Heimann, LMSW 631-801-3072

Jr.-Sr. High School students enrolled in Megan Murray’s and Katherine Dodenhoff’s Life Science classes have been exploring sustainability through an unexpected lens – alternate protein sources. As part of their learning, students researched the environmental benefits of insect-based proteins and wrote persuasive letters to companies requesting samples of cricket snacks. 

Why crickets, someone might ask. The students learned that crickets are packed with protein, require minimal resources to raise and represent a highly sustainable food option for the future. 

A company called 3 Cricketeers generously provided the students with an exciting assortment of their cricket-based products, which were enthusiastically taste-tested by the classes. Through their support, 3 Cricketeers helped to bring real-world science learning to life. 

 

Date Added: 12/8/2025

The Jr.-Sr. High School Natural Helpers Club members recently attended a three-day retreat at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island where they learned how to become a trusted friend, allowing them to create a helpful network of peers throughout the school.  

The Natural Helpers program trains and empowers students to support peers, recognizing that young people will often confide in friends first when something is wrong in their lives. The members learned listening and helping skills, as well as when to refer a peer to a professional.  

During the month of November, the club also collected candy donations, which are being sent to the troops through Operation Shoebox, boosting the morale of the brave military service men and women.    

 
Date Added: 12/5/2025