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Oldfield Middle School

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 01/25/26 (10:00 AM)


Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update | January 25, 2026
 

Superintendent's Message
 
I had the pleasure of visiting the Mobile Museum of Tolerance alongside our Board President, Ms. Broderick, Vice President, Dr. Eve Meltzer-Krief, and many school administrators. The lessons are extremely important and meaningful, but hearing about how prepared, curious, and respectful our students were was the true highlight! 
  
Click on any of the pictures in this newsletter for more information. 

Thank You - HF’s Custodial and Maintenance Teams!

I join with our entire community in expressing our gratitude for the hard work of the Harborfields Custodial and Maintenance crews who have done an excellent job of ensuring that our grounds and facilities have been safe throughout the recent winter weather.  With the impending winter storm, we are comforted knowing that our teams will be there for us yet again.  Their tireless efforts throughout the school year are essential to the success of our students, staff, and families. It is reassuring to know that our team always comes through for us.  Please be sure to thank our team members if you happen to see them at our schools or around town!  


So Proud - Shine-A-Light Week Reflection!
Last week, the entire district proudly participated in Shine a Light Week to promote empathy, inclusion, and personal responsibility. Each school highlighted a core value aligned to this mission, engaging students in daily themed activities such as Acts of Kindness, Compliment Day, a HACO food drive, and a districtwide Wear Pink Day.

One of the most impactful events of the week was the screening of Names, Not Numbers, a Holocaust documentary created by local teens. Student artwork welcomed attendees in the lobby, and following the screening, guests had the meaningful opportunity to hear from and engage with Edith Gross, a local Holocaust survivor. I am incredibly proud of our students and staff for their thoughtful participation and for reinforcing these important messages throughout our school community.



I would also like to thank NYS Senator Mario Mattera and Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo for stopping by the Mobile Museum of Tolerance.  Needless to say, they were extremely impressed.



HHS Robotics - Long Island Championship Bound! 

Harborfields High School’s “Hydrofluoric Robotics” team competed at the First Tech Challenge Qualifier at Sewanhaka High School, where they won the Sustain Award as well as being named the "winning alliance." The team finished second overall and qualified for the Long Island Championship! We are so proud of the team and their accomplishments! Great work!



Superintendent’s Spotlight - TJL Theatre Club

This month’s Superintendent’s Spotlight featured the fifth-grade theatre club at TJL. In its second year, the club embraces students’ creativity and brings so much excitement to TJL. The students performed four songs from their upcoming show, Willy Wonka Jr., which hits the stage on January 30 & 31. 



You're Invited - Deskside Chat

All families are invited to join me on Wednesday, January 28th, at 7:00 p.m., for a deskside chat in the auditorium at Harborfields High School, in collaboration with the OMS and HHS PTAs. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation. I look forward to seeing you there! 


Here are some of my favorite moments from this past week:

Harborfields High School

During Shine A Light week, high school students participated in a Compliment Day. The rules were simple: take a compliment and pass it on. They learned that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's day. Click the picture below to see Compliment Day in action!

 


Oldfield Middle School

Sixth graders in Mrs. Klein’s class curated their own museum that put Mesopotamian and Sumerian artifacts on display. The students described and discussed the cultural significance of the clay artifacts with many visitors who stopped by throughout the day. 

 


Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School
 

At this month’s student meetings, 3rd and 4th graders engaged in meaningful conversations about leadership, conflict resolution, and the difference between unkind behavior and bullying. Students also explored the important concept of the “invisible backpack,” reminding us that everyone carries experiences we may not see, and that empathy and kindness matter every day.


Washington Drive Primary School

Students collectively read 1,000 hours and met the Principal's Challenge! And for the reward? Mrs. McNally and Mrs. Neira dressed up for a ride on some inflatable dogs and completed a building-wide obstacle course!  Thank you to our students for their dedication to reading and the WDPS PTA for supporting another very successful PARP season! 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SHOUTOUTS


Congratulations - SCMEA All-County!


Congratulations to an incredible group comprised of 54 students spanning grades 5 – 12 who will represent Harborfields at the SCMEA All-County festival concerts! These musicians, recognized as some of the best in the area in their grade levels and divisions, will rehearse together and perform at concerts with their SCMEA ensembles in mid-March. 


 


Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family