Jr.-Sr. High School student Julia Cestone is the recipient of an Honorable Mention in the South Asian American Women’s Alliance STEM Program essay contest. This year’s topic, “Is artificial intelligence a threat to human job security in the present or future,” inspired Julia to write a 500-word original and thought-provoking essay that resulted in her standing out among more than 200 applicants.

The District congratulates Julia on this achievement.

Date Added: 4/24/2025

The Jr.-Sr. High School’s Student Council has been recognized as a 2025 National Council of Excellence for its record of leadership, service and activities by the National Association of Student Councils. The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Eastport-South Manor is one of only four Long Island high schools to receive such recognition this year.

Student Council adviser Michelle Heaney said she could not be prouder. “The students’ dedication and effort to build a strong sense of community and pride here at ESM have really stood out, earning them well-deserved recognition for their hard work,” Ms. Heaney said. “It’s a true honor to work alongside such talented students. Their enthusiasm and dedication not only motivate me but also uplift our entire community.”

A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, a council must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development, and service to the school and community.

Eastport-South Manor’s Jr.-Sr. High School’s Student Council has become a vital part of the school and local community. By organizing various after-school activities, spirit weeks and community undertakings such as the annual Stuff-A-School event, the Student Council has successfully fostered a positive school culture and climate. The council also attracts some of the school’s most exceptional students who understand their peers’ needs and actively promote school spirit.

The district congratulates the student council on this achievement and would like to thank the students for their service to the school community.

Date Added: 4/23/2025

Tuttle Avenue School first graders celebrated the hatching of baby chicks, which were previously incubated in their classroom.

Called Chick Day, the morning hosted educational centers and opportunities for students and their parents to meet the newly hatched chicks named Cookie, Cupcake, Jelly Bean, Ruffles, S’mores and Stewart. Teacher Nicole Rau reported that the chicken eggs were generously donated by Cornell Cooperative Education Center in Yaphank and placed in an incubator, donated by the PTO. Chick Day was a culmination of a unit on the lifecycle of chickens.

During the morning activities, students participated in writing and math activities related to the morning’s theme and created a chick frame. The best part of the morning, however, was holding the cute, fluffy chickens.

Click here to view the Tuttle Ave Celebrates Chick Day slideshow.

Date Added: 4/21/2025

Thousands of bubbles wafted in the cool spring breeze at Tuttle Avenue on April 10 as students chased and popped them with delight. The activity’s main goal was to raise autism spectrum awareness through participation with the fast-growing, worldwide Bubbles 4 Autism movement. The activity was a part of the District’s acknowledgement of April’s Autism Awareness Month.

During an earlier schoolwide Google meet, Principal Jeanmarie Zambelli read Ellie Mosca’s “So Did Kevin,” which touts the importance of understanding inclusion and neurodiversity. Faces 4 Autism, who sponsored the first Bubbles for Autism event, encouraged children worldwide to blow bubbles in solidarity for acceptance of those with neurodiversity. Everyone can play together with bubbles.

Additionally, celebrated author Amy McCoy visited Dayton Avenue, Eastport and South Street elementary school students in grades 2-6 to speak about her newest book “Katie Finds Her Voice,” the third book in the “Little Big Sister” book series. The book is about a girl whose brother is autistic and, through her eyes, the students learned that kids with autism want what everyone wants.

Date Added: 4/17/2025