Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Newsletter - April 19, 2026
Superintendent's Message
Students were so excited to receive their own copy of the 250th Anniversary Passbook this week. They are learning all about the many sites across Long Island that have played a historical role in our nation's independence.
Click on any of the pictures in this update for additional information.
Kicking Off The Home Stretch!
It was a pleasure to welcome our students and staff back from spring recess this week. This past week and the week leading up to the break were filled with so many student activities that you’ll see highlighted in this update. Looking ahead, there are many exciting events that fill almost every day going forward. Be sure to check the school calendar so you don’t miss out!
Revised Mission Statement
The Board of Education set as one of its goals for the 2025-2026 school year to initiate a formal review of the district’s mission statement through a collaborative and inclusive process that actively engages a broad range of stakeholders. This review will ensure that the mission statement accurately reflects the district’s dedication to academic excellence and the social-emotional well-being of our students, while also honoring the core values and long-standing traditions of the Harborfields learning community.
The Harborfields Mission Statement Committee has spent the past eight months working toward this goal. After careful review and analysis of surveys of students, staff, and families, the revised Mission Statement was developed and presented at Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting. Please take a moment to view the presentation, and be sure to watch the brief video below to hear the new Harborfields Mission Statement in the voice of our students and one surprise guest staff member! A special thank you to OMS teacher and committee member, Ms. Stark, for producing this video. Enjoy!
250th Anniversary - Passbook Distribution
In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, all Harborfields students received the Long Island 250th Passbook this week, made possible through the support of our PTA, HACEF, and Suffolk’s Edge Teacher Center. This exciting initiative encourages students to explore local history by visiting 15 designated sites throughout the Town of Huntington. Students who complete the passbook by collecting all required stamps will receive a special proclamation from the Town and be recognized at a Harborfields Board of Education meeting this fall. We encourage all of our students to take part in this meaningful opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate this historic milestone.
Click the image below to see our high school students distributing books at Washington Drive Primary School dressed as historical figures!
HF in the Special Olympics - Save the Date!
Did you know that the Harborfields Track and Field Team will compete in the Special Olympics for the first time this year? Please bring the entire family in your best HF Spirit Wear to come out in support of our athletes on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Berner Middle School, located at 50 Carman Mill Road, Massapequa. The opening ceremony will start at 9:30 am. We hope to see you there! Go Tornadoes!
Energy-Filled Battle of the Grades at OMS
Oldfield Middle School’s Battle of the Grades was an unforgettable evening filled with energy, school spirit, and record-setting moments. Congratulations to the 8th grade for achieving the first-ever “threepeat” in event history! The night also marked a new attendance record, with 416 tickets sold, reflecting the excitement and enthusiasm of the OMS school community. This successful event was made possible through the outstanding efforts of the OMS Student Government, led by Mrs. Russo and Mr. Havranek, as well as Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hopkins, who kept the crowd engaged as emcees. We also extend our appreciation to the OMS PTA for their support and concessions, and to our staff chaperones for ensuring a safe and spirited environment for all! Please take a moment to watch the video below.
Visiting Jazz Artist Concert - HHS Jazz Band Fundraiser
On April 24th at 6:00 p.m., Harborfields High School will host a special live performance by internationally acclaimed South African jazz saxophonist McCoy Mrubata in the high school auditorium. While no tickets are required, guests can make a donation at the door, with all proceeds benefiting the Harborfields High School Jazz Band. This is a unique opportunity for our community, as Mrubata is performing at only two venues in New York: Jazz at Lincoln Center and Harborfields High School. We encourage all members of our community to attend this exceptional event and support our student musicians!
Top Athletes Recognized
Our athletes continue to receive accolades, including being recognized by Newsday as some of the best in their respective sports! Congratulations to the following student athletes on their well-deserved recognition:
Sayla Fives, Top 50 Girls Track
Caelan Bues, Newsday First Team All-Island Girls Fencing
In addition, Varsity Lacrosse player Chris Prainito was featured in Newsday for an incredible showing during their game versus Westhampton. Check it out here.
Summer Camp Registration - Don't Miss Out! HACEF and the Harborfields Booster Club are offering an outstanding assortment of Summer Camps. Registration is open, and the camps are filling up quickly. Don't miss out!
The budget development process for the 2026-2027 school year is well underway. The Fourth Budget Presentation was provided during our April 15th Regular Board of Education meeting, where the budget was also adopted. As always, we encourage residents to stay engaged in this process by attending meetings, reviewing budget information posted on our website, and contacting the district with any questions or feedback. Thank you!
Here are some of my favorite moments from this past week:
Harborfields High School
The newest group of students were inducted into the Harborfields Business and Marketing Honor Society. The ceremony was a great reminder of the hard work and dedication our students put forth every day. In addition, 20 students were recognized for receiving a CTE Endorsement as part of their NYS Diploma, with many receiving more than one.
Oldfield Middle School
Eighth-grade students heard powerful Holocaust survival stories through 3GNY, an organization that brings descendants of survivors into schools to share their families’ experiences. Through these personal accounts, students gained a deeper understanding of the perseverance and strength they had previously encountered only in books. We are so grateful for our students to have this experience every year.
Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School
Students took on the challenge of Math 24, working through enrichment puzzles that required persistence, strategy, and some serious brain power. It was incredible to see their excitement and determination as they tackled each problem!A very special shoutout to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Math 24 Champions…what an amazing accomplishment!
Washington Drive Primary School
The halls were filled with a sea of purple as Washington Drive celebrated Purple Up! for Military Kids Day. It was a beautiful day of recognition and support for students with military connections. Several students with family members currently serving in the military joined in for morning announcements to share what this day is all about!
Announcements & Shoutouts
Award Winning Tornado News Team Does It Again!
Congratulations to Tornado News Team members Justin Hernandez-Guevara, Harry Diner, and Oliver Donnelly, who earned third place in the Music Video category at the Locust Valley Film Festival for their music video, “Mass Media Rap.”
