Dayton Avenue School and library media specialist Cheryl Skidmore are pleased to announce thatthe poetry of students Addison Ebright, Ryan Fabian, Kaylee Larson, Isla Norris and Gabby Rodriguez were selected for inclusion in the 2026 Young American Poetry Digest. The librarymediacenter also received a $100 award from the Digest for its outstanding commitment to fostering writing and creativity among students. The award underscores the library media center’s supportive environment for aspiring young writers.There were more than 200 submissions from 10 schools across the nation with Dayton Avenue having the most submissions from any one school.    

This recognition highlights the incredible talent and hard work of the school’s young authors. The students’ poems include titles, “Violin” (Addison), “Football” (Ryan), “Beach” (Kaylee), “My Dog” (Isla) and “Flowers” (Gabby) that reflected a wide range of themes and emotions. Students and staff arebeingencouraged to explore the published works and find inspiration in their peers’ creativity. 

Ms. Skidmorecongratulatedthe students when she said, “Your passion for writing deserves to have been recognized and we are excited to continue nurturing your talents in the future. This is truly exciting for Dayton Avenue School.” 

 

Date Added: 1/21/2026

Tuttle Avenue School second grader Adrian Uzcategui and Dayton Avenue School third grader Austin Callegari were named first-place and second-place winners, respectively, in the Town of Brookhaven’s second annual Brookhaven Recycles Poster Contest. The goal of the contest was to promote the importance of recycling in an important way.   

The contest invited students to submit posters under the theme of “Choose to Reuse!” or Recycle Right!” and included the town’s recycling can nicknamed “Curby.” Adrian and Austin were recently honored along with six other winners during a town board meeting. They each received a framed copy of their posters, which were displayed in Brookhaven Town Hall. 

 

Date Added: 1/9/2026

Suffolk County Board of Elections representatives visited the Jr.-Sr. High School students with an important message: Your vote is your voice.  

As part of the organization’s Voter Information Program, students enrolled in the school’s Advanced Placement U.S. History, AP Government, U.S. History, and Government and Genocide courses attended an informative seminar in which they learned about the importance of voting, the various types of elections and voter qualifications. The representatives also assisted the students with filling out voter registration forms to prepare them for future elections. 

“This is a rite of passage for students,” SCBE representative Lanette Rubino said. “We hope that this seminar today will also start a conversation at home about the many issues and where families stand. It’s their voice and they should use it.”

  

 

Dayton Avenue School hosted a First Responders Breakfast on Dec. 10 to say thank you to the men and women who work hard to keep members of the Eastport-South Manor community safe. 

The students played an active role in this unique service activity. The guests were greeted with cheers and applause as they walked through the hallway to the breakfast. Orchestra and choral students performed the national anthem and showcased their musical skills that left guests feeling inspired and proud. The student council also helped to serve food, assisted guests and cleaned up with enthusiasm. 

Local businesses, including Handy Pantry, Nettie’s Country Bakery, Bagel Palace, along with the PTA also generously donated breakfast items. 

The event was a meaningful reminder of how deeply the district values localpolice officers, firefighters, EMSprofessionalsand nurses. Their unwavering commitment to the community’s safety and well-being is truly commendable, andresidentsare so grateful for all they do.  

 

Click here to view the Dayton Avenue Holds Holiday Breakfast for Local First Responders slideshow.

 

Date Added: 12/15/2025

The District is pleased to announce that elementary teachers Patricia Capobianco (South Street School), Deb Damboise (Eastport Elementary), Jeannette Hooks (Dayton Avenue School) and Jacqueline Osbourne (Eastport Elementary School) have been recognized as iCivics Civic Star Champions for their work teaching civics lessons related to key themes from the Declaration of Independence: freedom, equality and the pursuit of happiness. 

The Civic Star Challenge is a national initiative sponsored by iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute in honor of America 250 – the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The challenge invited educators nationwide to celebrate this historic milestone by helping students connect the nation’s founding ideals to the responsibilities of citizenship today.  

Through this challenge, teachers engaged students in the exploration of principles that shaped this nation’s democracy by using hands-on lessons, discussions and civic learning activities. Some of the lessons included studies of the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution and the importance of honoring veterans in society.  

Social Studies Director Dr. Stephen Posselt said he is proud of the iCivics Civic Star Champions’ commitment to civic engagement and education. “These teachers created meaningful classroom experiences that helped students understand their role in a democratic society,” Dr. Posselt said.  Through their dedication, they have helped their classrooms connect with the past, deepen their understanding of citizenship and the values our democracy was built upon.” 

 

Date Added: 12/12/2025