Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 10/11/26 (10:00 AM)

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Newsletter - October 11, 2026

Superintendent's Message

This is Gabriella and Lana, third graders at TJL. They were so proud to show me TJL’s No Place for Hate banner, signed by all students who took the pledge to promote kindness and inclusivity in their schools. Each school took the same pledge this past Wednesday. So proud!

Click on any of the pictures in this update for additional information.

It is a Wonderful Time of Year!

This time of year is marked by the changing (and falling) leaves, shortening daylight, and crisp fall weather. It is also a time of great excitement in our schools. At the high school, many of our future Class of 2027 graduates are putting the final touches on their college applications, and some will soon start to receive their acceptance letters. There is also a buzz about the athletic postseason, where many of our varsity teams are advancing into the playoffs. Go Tornadoes!

There is No Place for Hate in Harborfields

Each day we strive to build a more inclusive school community where students feel seen, supported, and valued. This week, our schools reaffirmed their commitment to those values by signing the No Place for Hate pledge. While each school shared the message in a unique way, the shared theme was kindness and ensuring our schools are welcoming, safe, and inclusive places for all. Thank you for all you do to continue making Harborfields a No Place for Hate district.

Board Tour & Recognition

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of accompanying the Board of Education on their annual Board tour. The Board, including ex-officio student board member Donovan Reyes-Thai, and members of the district administration, had the opportunity to see our latest upgrades and enhancements firsthand, hear directly from principals, teachers, and students, and observe learning in action across the district. We’re so proud of the exciting progress taking place in our schools and grateful to the Board for their continued dedication to our students and community. With School Board Recognition Week set to begin tomorrow, I am especially proud to celebrate our incredible Board of Education. They devote countless hours to ensuring the success of every student, providing thoughtful fiscal and policy oversight, and tirelessly advocating for all children. Their commitment to the Harborfields community is truly unmatched. Please join me in recognizing and thanking them this week!

You're Invited - MTSS Parent Information Night

Please join us for our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Parent Information Night on Tuesday, October 27, at 6:00 PM in the Oldfield Middle School Library. During this informative evening, families will learn more about how Harborfields supports the academic, social, and emotional success of all students. We will discuss what MTSS is, the three levels of support, how we identify students who may need additional support, and what parents can expect throughout the process.

Please click on the flyer below for additional information. We hope you can join us!

Reminder - Schools Closed on Monday, October 12

This is a gentle reminder that all schools will be closed tomorrow, October 12, as indicated on the school calendar.

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

Harborfields High School

The high school officially welcomed new students at their annual New Student Breakfast! Thank you to our teachers, new friends, and student government for stopping by and helping make everyone feel welcome.

Oldfield Middle School

During the recent Board of Education visits, Ms. Corr showcased a new student recognition program designed to promote understanding of New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative. The program will recognize students who display the core attributes, which are Academically Prepared, Culturally Responsible, Creative Innovator, Critical Thinker, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen, and Future Focused. The Board also enjoyed hearing from the OMS Principal’s Council and seeing all the new facility enhancements.

Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

The fifth grade theater club may have only had one rehearsal under their belt, but that didn’t stop them from performing for the Board of Education during their stop at TJL. The theater club will perform Disney’s Frozen (Kids) on January 29th at 7pm and January 30th at 1pm. You won’t want to miss it!

Washington Drive Primary School

Susan Verde is a former teacher turned New York Times bestselling children’s book author who has written more than 20 beloved children’s books, as well as a children’s yoga and mindfulness expert. She stopped by Washington Drive to share her newest book, The Water Princess Builds a Well, and the students loved hearing her bring the story to life and learning more about the inspiration behind her books. What a magical opportunity to meet an author, celebrate the power of storytelling, and see how books can inspire us to care about others and make a difference in the world.

Announcements and Shoutouts

Girls Tennis is Victorious in the Playoffs!

Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Tennis team on winning the first round of their postseason with an impressive win over a very competitive Ward Melville team! They continue into the playoffs next Thursday at Westhampton. Let’s Go Tornadoes!

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.