Since 2017, Jr.-Sr. High School research students have  collaborated with the Brookhaven National Laboratory Laboratory’s SPARK program, which provides students access to advanced research facilities such as the NSLS-II. This collaboration has produced several publications to BNL’s protein database. 

Over the weekend of Dec. 5-7, Rachel Neville’s spectroscopy research students collected data on microplastic samples from mussels, clams and oysters. The students worked at the IR microscope, using infrared spectroscopy to successfully analyze the types of microplastics in each sample. 

Robert Bolen’s protein crystallography research students also collected data from the protein dihydroorotaseat the NYX beamline.The students cryogenically prepared protein samples and then collected data using X-ray diffraction to determine the overall structure of the proteins.These proteinshave unknownstructures that students are working to determine using diffraction and crystallography techniques. 

Mr. Bolen and Ms. Neville said the students received valuable hands-on research experience in the laboratory and would like to thank BNL for its generosity in providing invaluable research opportunities for Eastport-South Manor students.

 

Date Added: 12/11/2025

 

Jr.-Sr. High School students enrolled in Megan Murray’s and Katherine Dodenhoff’s Life Science classes have been exploring sustainability through an unexpected lens – alternate protein sources. As part of their learning, students researched the environmental benefits of insect-based proteins and wrote persuasive letters to companies requesting samples of cricket snacks. 

Why crickets, someone might ask. The students learned that crickets are packed with protein, require minimal resources to raise and represent a highly sustainable food option for the future. 

A company called 3 Cricketeers generously provided the students with an exciting assortment of their cricket-based products, which were enthusiastically taste-tested by the classes. Through their support, 3 Cricketeers helped to bring real-world science learning to life. 

 

Date Added: 12/8/2025

The Jr.-Sr. High School Natural Helpers Club members recently attended a three-day retreat at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island where they learned how to become a trusted friend, allowing them to create a helpful network of peers throughout the school.  

The Natural Helpers program trains and empowers students to support peers, recognizing that young people will often confide in friends first when something is wrong in their lives. The members learned listening and helping skills, as well as when to refer a peer to a professional.  

During the month of November, the club also collected candy donations, which are being sent to the troops through Operation Shoebox, boosting the morale of the brave military service men and women.    

 
Date Added: 12/5/2025
 

Jr.-Sr. High School students learned that archeology is a much wider field than merely digging for artifacts at an historical site. During an assembly with Brookhaven National Laboratory archeologist Dr. Allison McGovern, the students not only received an introduction to the field but learned about various components, methods, legalities and tools utilized by professional archeologists and some of the local sites that were examined and preserved. 

Dr. McGovern specializes in uncovering and preserving the stories buried in Long Island's past. She combines archaeology, history, and community engagement to protect important cultural sites and bring overlooked narratives to light.  

Dr. McGovern cautioned that the practice of archeology can be a “destructive and expensive process,” and that preservation is often cheaper and more sustainable. She also examined local sites, such as Spy Coast Farm in Setauket, the Crippen House in Huntington and the Betsy Prince site in Rocky Point where valuable artifacts shed light on former communities on Long Island. Dr. McGovern also spoke about archeological digs that revealed information about ancient civilizations and the cultural exchanges that resulted from such findings. 

During her presentation, students gained a deeper understanding of how social scientists study the past, use evidence to reconstruct historical events, and explore the lives of communities. 

 

Date Added: 12/2/2025

District students have greeted the holiday season with various food drives and donations for families in need.

The Jr.-Sr. High School’s National Honor Society and Junior Honor Society donated to Long Island Cares through the Lion’s Heart service group. The members also collected food outside the Manorville, Eastport and Center Moriches King Kullen grocery stores on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8.

Dayton Avenue School’s community also showed what it truly means to warm hearts while filling shopping carts. The students, staff and faculty participated in the school’s annual Turkey Trot Food Drive, bringing in cans, boxes and pantry items to support the local Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. Sixth grade volunteers helped to deliver the donations.

With grateful hearts and generous hands, the district’s students made a meaningful difference for families in need this Thanksgiving season.

Click here to view the Demonstrating Gratitude Through Food Collections slideshow.