Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 9/28/25 (10:00 AM)

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update | September 28, 2025

Superintendent's Message

This is Kyleigh Connors, who earned Semifinalist Status in the prestigious National Merit Scholar Program by scoring in the top 1% in the nation on the PSAT. Way to go, Kyleigh!

Click on any of the pictures in this newsletter for more information.

Building on a Great Beginning - Welcome October!

It is difficult to believe we already have to turn the calendar page to October this week! Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of watching our students settle into routines, dive into clubs and extracurriculars, and make new connections across grade levels. The energy and enthusiasm around our schools are reminders of what makes Harborfields such a special place, and we owe a debt of gratitude to our staff who ensure that learning isn’t just confined to classrooms, it’s alive in every hallway, every performance, every game, and every shared moment. As we move into October, I’m excited to see this momentum continue and to partner with all of you, students, staff, and families, as we carry this school year forward with purpose and take every opportunity to find joy in our journey together.

PTA Welcomes Back Parents

I joined all our PTA units at their Welcome Back Breakfast at TJL earlier this month. It was wonderful to see and chat with so many of our parents. Our PTAs do so much for our students and our schools. I encourage all staff and families to join the PTA if you haven’t done so already. They are always looking for volunteers to contribute to the many events and activities they run each year. All membership dues and funds raised go directly back to our students in the form of programs, grants, and scholarships.

Staff Spotlight - St. John’s University

We are proud to share that St. John’s University has highlighted our very own Dr. Alison Matthews, who has served as a dedicated business teacher and leader in the Harborfields Central School District since 2001. In her current roles as Work-Based Learning Coordinator and Business Department Coordinator at Harborfields High School, and as the K–12 CTE Coordinator district-wide, Dr. Matthews has expanded real-world learning opportunities through internships and four state-recognized CTE pathways: Business & Entrepreneurship, Education & Child Development, Media Production, and Marketing. Her professional journey reflects her deep commitment to student success and instructional leadership, a journey enhanced by her doctoral studies at St. John’s University, which she credits with opening doors to new opportunities and strengthening her impact in our district. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Alison Matthews!

Check This Out - From TJL to Team USA!

For his birthday, TJL fourth grader Jordan Sprague had just one wish, an autograph from pro golfer Scottie Scheffler. When school was closed last week, Jordan headed to a Ryder Cup practice round, and Team USA made it happen! Click the picture below to see the video of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Reminder - Schools Closed on Thursday, October 2

This is a gentle reminder that all schools will be closed on Thursday, October 2, in observance of Yom Kippur, as indicated on the school calendar.

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

Harborfields High School

Global History students took a journey back to Ancient Egypt! Thanks to Mrs. Cal and our partnership with Huntington Arts Council, students were able to explore a Discovery Chest filled with fascinating artifacts that brought history to life right before students’ eyes.

Oldfield Middle School

Students in Mrs. Benchimol's class learned about the geography of the United States and how to read maps!

Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

Good morning, music! Early morning rehearsals for the fifth-grade chorus kicked off at TJL last week.

Washington Drive Primary School

Ms. Sacks' kindergarten class learned all about Frida Kahlo by reading "Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos" and discovering her love for animals. Inspired by her story, students created colorful artwork and wrote about what they learned. The creations were as bright and bold as Frida herself!

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SHOUTOUTS

Congratulations - Outstanding Recognition in Music!

We are thrilled that Harborfields High School music students have once again earned prestigious recognition. Ten students have been selected for the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) All-County ensembles! These instrumental and vocal groups, composed of top-scoring upperclassmen NYSSMA musicians from across Suffolk, present the best of the best in music from our very competitive County. Congratulations to Mark Carillion, Kyleigh Connors, Harry Diner, Michelle Diner, Meghan Duff, Jackson Dunham, Alex Gerde, Brynn Gerde, Rhys Walter, and Phoebe Xidas.

Additionally, six of the above students have earned the highest music recognition in New York - a NYSSMA All-State designation. Kyleigh Connors, Harry Diner, Jackson Dunham, Alex Gerde, Brynn Gerde, and Rhys Walter will join a prestigious group of high school musicians who will rehearse and perform in December at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester.

A huge thank you to our incredible music educators, Mr. Antonelli, Ms. Scilla, Ms. Sullivan, and Mr. Bilawsky, for guiding and inspiring these students to reach their musical best! Congratulations to all!

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family