The cornerstone of the Tuttle Cares Club at Tuttle Avenue is to help others. During the holidays, members and Davis brothers Hunter, Greyson and Michael recorded a video to ask the community to donate toys for children, who would otherwise wake up on Christmas morning without a gift.

The Suffolk County Police Conference saw the video and decided to help the Davis brothers and the club by donating toys for their mission to help community children. The toys were sent to local families, but there were so many remaining that two other community resources benefitted from the police department’s generosity.

On Dec. 4, Eastport Bible Church secretary Joy Benski and Parent Child Plus volunteer and early childhood specialist Lillian Penney visited the club to collect the rest of the toys. Both visitors spoke to the club members about how their caring for other would be greatly appreciated this holiday season.

Club adviser Nicole Rau told the students she was extremely proud of their efforts and encouraged them to stop and think about the children they are helping. It is the students teamwork and caring that will make this holiday season special for so many children, Ms. Rau said.

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Date Added: 12/5/2023

Under the direction of Alexandra Cuomo, junior high school thespians delivered comedic and powerful performances of “Seussical Jr,.” held in the high school auditorium on Dec. 1-2. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss and conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle, “Seussical Jr.” is ultimately about friendship, family, loyalty and community, and incorporates all of the favorite characters within a fantastical musical extravaganza.

The production’s success was also due to the amazing and dedicated crew, choreographer and light and sound designer Carissa Navarra, costume designer Joseph Papamichail and set designer Christine Stella.

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Date Added: 12/5/2023

Members of the National Honor Society gave the gift of life, collecting 52 pints of blood during a blood drive in the gymnasium on Nov. 15. This was one of three blood drives held during the school year as the society’s main community service obligation.

Setting a donation goal of 50 pints per blood drive qualifies Eastport-South Manor seniors for scholarships from the New York Blood Center. Any student or staff member 16 years or older was eligible to donate.

NHS advisers Katerina Aiello and Rachel Andersen said, “We are thrilled with the enthusiasm the members displayed. They publicized the blood drive, recruited donors and volunteered the day of the drive.”

Date Added: 12/1/2023

Kindergarten students at Tuttle Avenue celebrated the end of the fall semester reading and writing units with a literary parade and museum walk.

The students first participated in a parade, holding up their “old favorites” over their heads as they walked through the rotunda. The activity culminated with a museum walk where all four classes perused the writing of their peers, which were displayed on desks in the various classrooms.

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Date Added: 11/29/2023

Three Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students were selected to represent the district at the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County Jazz Concert, held on Nov. 4 at East Islip High School.

Junior John Schroeder (bass) was one of 18 students in Suffolk County selected for the SCMEA High School All-County InstrumentalJazz Ensemble for Grades 10-12. Freshmen Kyler Albert (trombone) and Jack Gallagher (percussion) were two of 20 students in Suffolk County selected for the SCMEA Middle School All-County Instrumental Jazz Ensemble.

The district congratulates the students on this outstanding accomplishment.

Date Added: 11/29/2023