The District recently celebrated the completion of its $18.5 million Energy Performance Contract with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Jr-Sr. High School.Through energy savings and state aid, this project was completed atno costto the community’s taxpayers. 

The EPC will generate guaranteedsavings of at least $450,000 in its first full year of operation by reducing ESM's energy consumption at all five of its buildings. Thanks largely to the construction of solar carports and rooftop-mounted solar panels across the district, these cost-saving measures will reduce district energy usage. 

Further savings were captured by retrofitting all the lights and lighting fixtures to LED throughout each facility. The district also installed new, massive 600-ton and 300-ton cooling units at the Jr-Sr High School as part of the project. These units are more efficient than the old ones, which had reached the end oftheirlifespan and were responsible for cooling the entire 365,000 squarefoot building. Otherenergy control measuresaddressed pipe and valve insulations, new building management controls, and energy-efficient motors for the heating systems at the Jr,-Sr, High School and Dayton Avenue School. 

At a ribbon cutting ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Joseph A.Steimel thanked local and state legislators for making the funds available for the project, as well as for expediting the solar panel connection to the grid. In attendance were Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo, New York Sen. Dean Murray and Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig.

Date Added: 10/20/2025

The Jr.-Sr. High School National Honor Society inducted 85 new members during a traditional candlelighting ceremony, held on Oct. 15 in the auditorium.

After Society members Jack Gallagher, Bennett Leselrod, Kiera Romond and Abigail White sang the national anthem, Principal Salvatore Alaimo congratulated the inductees on consistently exceeding expectations.

“Remember the commitment you are making and go out in the world and make an even bigger impact,” Mr. Alaimo said.

Officers Madison Heaney (president), Ava DiDonna and Pasha Wray (co-vice presidents), Logan Silbert (secretary), Jameson Ackley and Alex Silbert (co-treasurers) and Brianna King (historian) then lit a corresponding candle as they each described the tenets of the society: leadership, character, service and scholarship.

Each of the new inductees then lined the auditorium’s perimeter with lit candles as they recited the honor society pledge, and then walked across the stage to receive their certificates, marking their membership in the National Honor Society. The officers then presented Jr.-Sr. High School science teacher Robert Bolen with an honorary membership into the society for being instrumental in the success of the inductees and other members and for truly embodying the ideals of the Society.

Click here to view the ESM Inducts 85 into National Honor Society slideshow.

The excitement was palpable as Jr.-Sr. High School students filed into the gymnasium for an assembly hosting members of the BMX No Hate Tour, held on Oct. 8 and sponsored by the U.S. Marines. Now in its 25th year, this impactful program used the energy and excitement of BMX biking to deliver critical and important bullying prevention tools and information overcoming obstacles, surrounding yourself with positive influences, problem-solving and other mental health messages that resonate with high school students.

Spokesperson Dan Sieg spoke to students about the issues of bullying while bikers Logan Place, Trevor Meyer, Zach Newman and Russell Summerville performed jaw-dropping tricks performed on the ground and in the air. One of the tricks included Assistant Principal Daniel Franchese, who sat in a chair on the ramp while one of the athletes pedaled above his head.

Although the BMX tricks were thrilling, the assembly had a powerful message. “Decide what your passion is,” Sieg said. “If someone gives you a hard time, put your head down and focus on the task on hand. I encourage you to find the passion and energy inside you and put it in play.”

Click here to view the BMX No Hate Tour Visits Eastport-South Manor JSHS slideshow.

Dayton Avenue and Eastport elementary students received a loud round of applause from paparazzi peers and adoring fans as they walked down the red carpet during the schools’ individual Readers Walk of Fame.

The parallel events were a culmination of the schools’ summer reading program, which encouraged students to read daily and record the number of minutes read. Dayton Avenue students read a total of 60,120 minutes, while Eastport Elementary logged 63,550 minutes, for a cumulative total of 123,670 minutes of reading. The students also completed individual projects associated with one of the books they read that are now displayed.

Eastport Elementary School library media specialist Alyssa Sorensen explained that summer reading helps elementary students keep their skills sharp and avoid a summer slide. Joining a summer reading program also keeps students motivated, builds strong reading habits, and develops a love of reading.

Click here to view the Reading VIPs Walk the Red Carpet slideshow.

Date Added: 10/14/2025