Putting on a play usually takes months of preparation and hard work, but the Eastport-South Manor Theatre Department’s recent production only took a fraction of the time. 

On Nov. 7-9, the Jr.-Sr. High School thespians participated in The Five Day Play Challenge, under the direction of Toni Borkowski and Clint Raynor. Held in the school’s Black Box Theatre, the production showcased the work of more than 50 students who presented four separate, student-written plays. The catch was that students had only five days to produce the dramas, which included memorization, acting, set building, painting and lighting. 

Ms. Bortowski admitted that The Five Day Challenge was indeed a “challenge” but well worth the intensity of getting these productions ready for the audience. The students performed for packed houses. The price of admission was a nonperishable food item collected for the ESM food pantry. 

 Students performed Abigail White’s “A Hand of Fate,” Julianna Terry’s “Ghost Stories,” Lee Pacello’s “Family Vacation,” and “The Incredible Three” by Jack Gallagher and Emily Tracy. Each play included a cast of between four to seven actors. Although the executive directors were faculty, the production was run solely by students who served as stage mangers, costume manager, prop mistress, running crew, crew, carpenters and light board and sound board operators and technicians. 

“Creating a play in five days is a monumental task, yet the students embraced the task with enthusiasm and professionalism,” Ms. Bortowski said. “Their performance in the Black Box Theatre is a testament to their remarkable creativity and collaboration.”   

 
Click here to view the The Theatre Department Takes on The Five Day Play Challenge slideshow.

Date Added: 11/17/2025

Science Honor Society members volunteered with eelgrass remediation in the Great South Bay with SAVE Environmental, an environmental organization that has developed a successful restoration method for eelgrass, known as Zostera marina. Eelgrass is at the foundation of coastal waters across the United States and has been drastically reduced to a fraction of what it was several decades ago in New York State waters.

The students were taught a method created by Robert Vasiluth of SAVE Environmental in which they attached eelgrass seeds to clams using biodegradable and nontoxic reef glue. The clams then burrow into the soil and reestablish the eelgrass population naturally. The students prepared more than 2,000 clams for distribution for the coming weeks.

Mr. Vasiluth also gave the students background on the work he is doing and explained how their participation is helping to improve water quality along the South Shore of Long Island. The students will also be continuing their volunteer work this coming spring.

District Director of K-12 Science Dr. Jessica Mintz congratulated science honor society co-advisors Robert Bolen and Kelly Spadafora and the students for their volunteer efforts. She noted that this is an example of how the district exposes students to great science opportunities.

Click here to view the Improving the Environment One Clam at a Time slideshow.

It was an afternoon of honor and respect for those who served during the Jr.-Sr. High School’s annual Veterans March and assembly.

Local veterans lined up behind the Jr.-Sr. High School marching band and paraded through from the building’s rotunda through the academic wing as students lined the hallways and cheered and clapped for the men and women who served, including social studies teacher Thomas Hayes and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. John Christie.

During two assemblies, students also received the opportunity to hear from these heroes firsthand. During his opening remarks, student Brendan Fabian’s said, “Veterans remind us that freedom is not guaranteed. It is safeguarded by those who answer the call to defend it. Their stories, experiences, and sacrifices are the foundation of the liberties we enjoy each day.

After each veteran made their introductions, they answered questions about their motivations for joining the armed force and how the military has impacted their civilian careers. They also gave advice to those students looking for a career in the military.

Dr. Christie said his time in the military taught him lessons he’s taken with him throughout his life. “Who I am today is a direct impact from the lessons I learned in the military,” he said.

Click here to view the A Day of Honor and Respect: District Holds Veteran Tribute slideshow.

Our District Social Workers are here to assist families in need at the Holidays. Please reach out to the social worker in any building for community outreach referrals.
 
JHS
Lori Franchi, LCSW 631-801-3282
Pamela Camacho, LMSW 631-801-3294
Alyssa Marinelli, LMSW 631-801-3275
 
DAS
Corey Briggs, LCSW 631-801-3111
 
EES
Nina Leonard, LCSW 631-801-3183
 
SSS
Helen Gardella, LMSW 631-801-3101

TAS
Alyson Heimann, LMSW 631-801-3072

Date Added: 11/7/2025

Jr.-Sr. High School students studying government and criminal justice recently had an insightful lesson about the court system thanks to a visit from New York State Supreme Court Justice Deanna Panico.  

Justice Panico, who was elected to serve in November 2024 and took the bench in Suffolk County this January, hears civil cases related to negligence and breach of contract cases.     

She explained what her job entails, but also spoke about the importance of studying the U.S. Constitution. “This document impacts our lives on a day to day basis, and it is important to know its history,” she said.  

Justice Panico also delved into the history of the Declaration of Independence, Continental Congress, Bill of Rights and the government’s checks and balances. 

The district would like to thank Justice Panico for taking time to discuss how these important historical documents affect the lives of citizens and the country’s legal processes 

Date Added: 11/6/2025