Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update | January 11,2026
Superintendent's Message
TJL Students enjoyed their annual favorite, the Holiday Sing-Along, just before the winter recess. Thank you to the staff and alumni who put on an outstanding performance! Click on any of the pictures in this newsletter for more information.
Happy New Year!
It was a joy to welcome back our students this week after a long winter recess! After some adjusting to get back into our normal routines, it was business as usual across our schools. There is nothing quite like spending time in our schools, especially after a break. When I walk the halls, talk with students, and see their smiles, I am reminded of the incredible work of our staff, who thoughtfully balance strong academics with engaging opportunities that make our schools places where students truly enjoy learning and growing. I am looking forward to everything that 2026 has to offer!
We Are Hiring!
The Harborfields Central School District has an immediate need for Food Service Workers and Paraprofessionals. If you or anyone you know is interested, please click on the image below to learn how to apply. You can also visit the Human Resources page of our website to download our application packet.
We are also seeking passionate educators to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. Information about current teaching and administrative openings, as well as application details, can be found through OLAS - Online Application System. We invite you to watch the video below to learn more about why Harborfields is a great place to work, and to share it with anyone who may be considering a future with our district. Spread the word!
A Night to Remember - SEPTA Silver Linings
We are so grateful to our Harborfields SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) for hosting their annual Silver Linings event at TJL this week. Each year, this event features Harborfields Alumni who come back to speak about their journey and experiences. The meaningful conversations and moving reflections made this night one I will always remember. Thank you to our alumni panel and to our wonderful SEPTA volunteers!
Are you looking to support SEPTA? Become a member by clicking here today!
Girls' State Program - American Legion
We are proud to share that two Harborfields High School students were selected to participate in the prestigious 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State Program! Congratulations to this year's citizen delegate, Christiana Ebe, and alternate, Ava Fauvell.
We are so proud of these students for being selected and excited for the educational experience. Thank you to American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244 for making this opportunity possible!
Save the Date - Names Not Numbers Documentary
I encourage you all to reserve Thursday, January 22, 2026, on your calendar to attend a screening of a student-produced Holocaust film documentary, Names, Not Numbers. This one-hour film was created by local teens who met over the course of a year at the Suffolk YJCC to study the Holocaust and learn journalism and film techniques in order to document the lives of three local Holocaust survivors.
This special evening will feature a screening of this powerful documentary, followed by a Q&A with the program director, Janie Pashman, the participating Harborfields students, and Holocaust survivor Edith Gross. Please consider joining us on January 22nd in the Auditorium at Harborfields High School! Please click here to view the flyer for more information.
Here are some of my favorite moments from this past week:
Harborfields High School
High school students were hard at work during a hands-on learning experience, courtesy of Mr. Pinto and the EMS program. The students practiced how to safely transport patients based on different medical needs. They learned patient positions like supine, prone, semi Fowler’s, recovery, and Trendelenburg, and trained with real EMS equipment, including stair chairs, scoop stretchers, and Reeves stretchers to move patients safely in tight spaces and down stairs.
Oldfield Middle School
Students enrolled in Spanish I took a trip to Pancho Villa's in Huntington Village, where they had the opportunity to use the language they have been studying for the past two years, as well as enjoy authentic Mexican food! Thank you to the World Language Department for their work organizing this fantastic (and tasty) trip!
Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School
Fifth graders began their Genius Hour journey with Mrs. Scarth, exploring their own interests through self-directed projects. We can’t wait to see the creativity, curiosity, and thoughtful ideas that will grow from this work.
Washington Drive Primary School
To kick off PARP (Pick A Reading Partner), teachers, parents, and WDPS PTA members enthusiastically performed an original play entitled, Books Are A Treasure. Beloved storybook characters brought the message to life, inspiring students to pick a reading partner and dive into the joy of reading!
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SHOUTOUTS
Congratulations - Newsday Top 50 Athlete!
Please join me in congratulating Willow Anderson (Cheerleading), who has landed on Newsday’s Top 50 Cheerleaders list. Way to go, Willow!
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