Welcome back to school

Eastport-South Manor

Sept. 1 marked the start of a new school year across Eastport-South Manor, with students excited and ready for the year ahead. From the moment students arrived, there was a sense of anticipation throughout the district. Students greeted classmates, connected with teachers and staff, and began settling into the routines of a new school year.

Center Moriches

Center Moriches School District welcomed students across all three schools for the first day of the 2026–2027 school year on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Students returned to Clayton Huey Elementary School, Center Moriches Middle School, and Center Moriches High School ready to reconnect with classmates and teachers and embark on a new year of learning.

“The beginning of a new school year is filled with excitement and possibility,” said Dr. Ricardo Soto, superintendent of schools. “We are thrilled to welcome our students back and look forward to all they will accomplish, the relationships they will build, and the experiences they will share throughout the year. Our entire school community is ready for a wonderful year of learning and growth.”

Homecoming, too!

The Eastport-South Manor Central School District celebrated their homecoming weekend on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19, while Center Moriches High School’s homecoming was on Thursday, Sept.  24.

The Eastport-South Manor Central School District was filled with Shark pride as students, staff, families and community members came together to celebrate homecoming on Sept. 19.

The excitement kicked off on Sept. 18, with a spirited pep rally in the high school gymnasium. Students gathered to cheer on the Sharks as the fall season sports teams were introduced. The celebration continued Friday evening with a community bonfire, bringing students, families and community members together ahead of Saturday’s big game.

On Sept. 19, the ESM Sharks faced off against the Rocky Point Eagles in front of packed stands filled with supporters cheering on the home team. The ESM Marching Band helped set the tone for the afternoon with a performance of the national anthem, while New York State Sen. Dean Murray joined the festivities and helped with the ceremonial coin toss.

The Shark spirit continued throughout halftime with performances by the ESM marching band and color guard, the Sharkette dance team and the cheerleading squad. Student performers brought energy and enthusiasm to the field, keeping the crowd engaged and celebrating the school community.

From the pep rally and community bonfire to the packed stands and halftime performances, ESM homecoming was a celebration of school spirit, community and Shark pride despite their lost to Rocky Point.