The District is pleased to announce the appointment of John J. DeKams as principal of Eastport Elementary School. Mr. DeKams will replace Tom Fabian, who was appointed assistant superintendent for personnel and employee relations. Additionally, Dr. Michael King was appointed director of instructional technology and will replace Dr. Carole Polney, who announced her retirement this year. Both appointments are effective July 1, 2025.

Since 2021, Mr. DeKams has served as principal of Floral Park-Bellerose School in the Floral Park-Bellerose School District where he prioritized instructional leadership, student-centered decision-making and a culture of continuous improvement and inclusiveness. He holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from SUNY New Paltz, a Master of Science in special education from Long Island University and certification in school building leadership from The College of Saint Rose.

“I believe that strong schools are built on a foundation of shared vision, accountability and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all learners,” Mr. DeKams said. “I am eager to bring this mindset to the school district and contribute to the continued success of the [Eastport-South Manor] community.

Dr. King served the Farmingdale Union Free School District as school librarian in the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School and Farmingdale High School since 2011 where he advised administration on security design, implementation and information systems. He led multiple departments in curriculum redesigns incorporating technology integration and managed districtwide technology implementation across multiple levels. Dr. King holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Binghamton University. From Long Island University, he holds a Master of Arts in library and information studies, as well as an additional masters in information science, and a Ph.D. in information science.

“My doctoral research in Data Science, coupled with my hands-on experience in both educational technology and library science, positions me uniquely to lead Eastport-South Manor’s technology toward its future goals and aspiration,” Dr. King said.

The District welcomes Mr. DeKams and Dr. King and sends best wishes for success in their new positions for the 2025-2026 school year.

Date Added: 6/12/2025

Under the direction of Jr.-Sr. High School music teachers Jamie Sico, Brendan Hogan and Daniel Graf, the talented wind ensemble, Sinfonia and concert choir traveled to the most enchanting place on earth – Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida. 

With music in their hearts and pixie dust every step of the way, each ensemble delivered performances worthy of a standing ovation, earning outstanding ratings across the board. Senior Aaron Isaacson brought home the Best Student Accompanist Award. 

The District is proud of the students for sharing their talents and representing Eastport-South Manor with pride, passion and a touch of Disney magic. 

Date Added: 6/12/2025

The District celebrated the successes of 27 student-athletes during Senior College Signing Day, held in the gymnasium on June 4. The ceremony honored years of hard work, determination, dedication and sacrifice and was a testament of the athletes’ commitment to their sports and teams, as well as the incredible character they developed.

District Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Patrick Hayes told the athletes, “We are incredibly proud of you. You’ve inspired us, and we cannot wait to see what you achieve next.”

Congratulations to the following student-athletes:

Justin Albanese – cross-country and track and field – Binghamton University

Griffin Becker – boys lacrosse – Belmont Abbey College

Rebecca Benson – girls volleyball – Rochester Institute of Technology

Gavin Calvo – cross-country and track and field – Farmingdale State College

Sarah Cluff – girls lacrosse – Marist College

Alexandra DaEira-Loccisano – girls soccer – Pace University

Logan DeLumen – boys volleyball – St. Joseph’s University

Ayden DesLauriers – boys volleyball – Loyola University (Chicago)

Katarina Dietz – girls lacrosse – Springfield College

Gracie DiPalo – girls soccer – Mercy University

Steven Gordon – football – SUNY Brockport

Joseph Gubitosi – baseball – St. Joseph’s University

Allyson Justesen – girls soccer – Oswego State University

Sophia Kourounis – dance – St. Joseph’s University

Noah Kirwin – baseball – CUNY Queens College

Alexis Maggi – softball – SUNY Fredonia

Alyssa Masino – St. Joseph’s University

Sara Mikula – cross-country and track and field – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Zackary Pittala – boys soccer – Penn State University

Natalie Psaltis – girls lacrosse – Jacksonville University

Ella Russo – girls soccer – Mercy University

Andrea Sammarco – girls flag football – St. Joseph’s University

Michael Senzatimore – boys lacrosse – Post University

Aidan Slovensky – boys soccer – Maritime College

Breanna Viscusi – softball – Suffolk County Community College

Kendall Ward – softball – SUNY Oneonta

Paul Zorn – cross-country and track and field – Bentley University

Click here to view the ESM Athletes to Continue Their Sports slideshow.

Date Added: 6/9/2025

The Suffolk County School Superintendents Association hosted its 31st annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook on May 29, an annual SCSSA tradition that honors the enviable accomplishments of Suffolk County’s highest-achieving Class of 2025 graduates. Class of 2025 Valedictorian Amanda Seligman attended the event, alongside Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel, Principal Salvatore Alaimo, music teacher Jamie Sico and her parents Sara Seligman and Jason Seligman.

After a warm welcome by SCSSA President-Elect Dr. Timothy T. Eagan, SCSSA President Dr. Harold Dean told the valedictorians that their success is a testament to their relentless dedication, hard work and perseverance. “As you look ahead to the paths you will forge and the lives you will impact, know that we take great pride in both your accomplishments and your potential to make a meaningful difference in the world,” Dr. Dean said. “We encourage you to remain true to your values – they are the foundation of a lasting leadership.”

Guest speaker Dr. Carl Lejuez, executive vice president and provost at Stony Brook University, encouraged the valedictorians to seek mentorship but to remain true to themselves. “From the first day [of college], look for an opportunity to make an emotionally connected relationship with faculty and staff.” He also said, “You should take something from mentors while staying yourselves” and that it is important to “carve out your own place.”

The valedictorians were then called to the stage, accompanied by their school superintendent and high school principal, to receive a certificate of recognition, a plaque and a copy of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

During his closing remarks, Dr. Eagan congratulated the valedictorians on their outstanding accomplishments and charged them with the following advice. “Approach your college education with the same passion that got you here today.”

Date Added: 6/6/2025