Date Added: 9/15/2025

Dayton Avenue School and Eastport Elementary School students displayed patriotism in their special activities for Patriots Day on Sept. 11. 

Eastport Elementary held its third annual Waves of Patriotism Project. Members of the school community purchased an American flag, which was displayed in recognition of those lives lost during or affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center. Proceeds from the flag purchases were generously donated to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. 

At Dayton Avenue, third and fourth grade students participated in a Patriots Day Footprints project. Students wrote thank-you notes, in the shapes of a footprint, to first responders for their courage on 9/11 and for their continuous assistance in keeping the community safe. The footprints, which taught students the meaning of gratitude, were placed on a large poster for the community to read. During the day, students also gathered together on the track to walk 2,200 steps, which is the equivalent of the number of steps first responders had to climb in the World Trade Center. 

Click here to view the Elementary School Students Display Patriotism slideshow.

Date Added: 9/12/2025

The Board of Education has added two seats to the table during its monthly meetings. Jr.-Sr. High School juniors Sarah Benson and Payton Friede now serve as the district’s first ex-officio student members of the board of education for the 2025-2026 school year.

Board of Education President Jeffrey Goldhammer welcomed the students during the Aug. 27 meeting. “In this role, you join us in our shared commitment to supporting the students, families and community of our district,” Mr. Goldhammer said. “While this position is non-voting, your voice and perspective represent the heart of our mission, which is to educate, empower and inspire every learner.”

A New York State law effective July 1, 2025 requires school districts to appoint at least one non-voting student to their board of education to serve in an advisory capacity. The ex-officio student board member can participate in public meetings but are excluded from executive sessions. Sarah and Payton were selected by the board and superintendent of schools Joseph A. Steimel through an interview process.

Sarah is an Advanced Placement Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society and World Language and Tri-M honor societies. She is also a varsity athlete on the bowling and tennis team and is involved in the natural Helpers and robotics clubs. Off campus, Sarah volunteers with the Shirley Community Ambulance.

Payton is an AP Scholar with Honors and is also a varsity athlete on the girls volleyball team. Additionally, she is a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. With aspirations of becoming a doctor, Payton volunteers at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Eastport-South Manor faculty and staff attend Superintendent’s Conference Day

The Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School pulsed with excitement for the start of the 2025-2026 school year as administration, faculty and staff gather in the auditorium for Superintendent’s Conference Day, held on Aug. 29.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel welcomed everyone back from the summer break and set the tone for the school year with his message to follow the district’s motto: “Every Student Matters.” He also encouraged teachers to “commit to innovative teaching strategies” and to “be reflective.”

Board of Education President Jeffrey Goldhammer acknowledged that faculty and staff rise to accomplish the goals behind the district motto with dedication, creativity and heart. “You bring learning to life, you inspire confidence, and you make sure every student knows they matter,” he said.

Thomas Fabian, assistant superintendent for personnel and employee relations, then introduced faculty and staff who have served the District for 10 years, 20 years and 30 years.

Mr. Fabian’s presentation was followed with a presentation by keynote speaker and Leader in Me Global Ambassador Murial Summers, who noted that district employees have the ability to make significant changes in a student’s life. She asked the question, “How are you showing up?” She said, “You have to have systems and structures in place to create an environment to help all students to be seen, known and loved. You are the most important thing to happen to your students.”

The assembly concluded with an announcement that South Street School, under Principal J.M. Jackson, was recently named the District’s first Lighthouse School. The district is currently working with faculty and administration to acquire Lighthouse School status for all of its facilities through the Franklin Covey Leader in Me Program.

Date Added: 9/3/2025

District students disembarked from buses with their school supplies in tow ready to start the 2025-2026 school year on Sept. 2. Excitement resonated throughout the school hallways as students reconnected with peers, found their classrooms and met their teachers.  

Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel reported a smooth opening for the district and confidently predicted that the school year will be positive and productive for the ESM school community. He said he is excited about the district’s new programs and completed construction projects, which will positively benefit the academic program.    

Click here to view the ESM Officially Opens for 2025-2026 School Year slideshow.

Date Added: 9/2/2025