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Harborfields Central School District

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 6/15/25 (2:00 PM)

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update | June 15, 2025
 

Superintendent's Message
 
I had the pleasure of honoring outgoing Board Trustee, Mr. Hansen Lee, with an honorary diploma at last week’s Board of Education meeting. Although she was not in attendance, Ms. Colleen Wolcott was also honored. Thank you, Ms. Wolcott and Mr. Lee, for your dedication to our schools! 
  
Click on any of the pictures in this newsletter for more information. 

Happy Father's Day!

This Father’s Day, we celebrate all the fathers and father figures whose guidance, support, and love make a lasting impact in the lives of our students. Your presence and encouragement help shape the strong foundation our children need to grow and thrive. We are grateful for all that you do and hope you enjoy a day filled with appreciation and joy.  I hope everyone takes time to enjoy the day with family and friends today!


NY State Track & Field Champion!
Congratulations to Harborfields High School senior, Tristan Blake, who was crowned NY State Champion just yesterday in the Boys Triple Jump!  Tristan jumped an incredible 46 feet, 5.25 inches to crush the competition and earn the first-ever individual State Championship for track in Harborfields history.  Way to go, Tristan! 


All-State Honors - NY State Track & Field Championship
Congratulations to Harborfields High School sophomore, Sayla Fives, on earning All-State Honors by finishing third in the girls' 1,500-meter race.  Sayla has had an incredible record-breaking season, and her future is nothing but bright!  Way to go, Sayla!


Senior Day of Service - Trading Classrooms for Community 

As part of her Capstone Project, Harborfields High School senior Bridget Hickey, with the support of her teacher, Mrs. Taylor, organized a community-wide Day of Service and inspired nearly the entire senior class to join her! Groups of students took part in various service projects from painting murals and stocking food pantries to helping out at local schools and senior centers. Bridget not only encouraged her peers to give back, but she did so in a way that directly reflects the values of the Harborfields Central School District. I was filled with immense pride as I visited the different volunteer sites and saw our students engaged in different service projects. I would also like to give kudos to all of our staff who supported our students in their activities throughout the community. 



Annie Jr. 

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Annie Jr.! This was the district’s first 5th-grade theater club production.  A big thank you to Ms. Suzie Lustig, who volunteered an extensive amount of her time over many months to put this show together.  Our 5th-grade students blew us away with their talent and professionalism. Personally, I will never forget what I witnessed this weekend.  Way to go! 




K-8 Art Show

It was great seeing the high school lobby transformed into a colorful gallery for the K-8 Student Art Exhibit and Reception. Lots of families stopped by to admire the works of art, and students were proudly presented with certificates from their art teachers, Mr. Maresco, Mrs. Hansen, Mr. Taveras, and Mrs. Diodato. Congratulations to all our young artists - your talent and creativity are truly amazing!



Recognition of our Retirees 

Our Retiree Recognitions have concluded in all of our buildings. These events give us the opportunity to celebrate the storied careers of incredible Harborfields staff members. The professionals listed in the chart below have served the Harborfields community for a combined 406 years! As the Superintendent of Schools, I am eternally grateful for their service to the students of the district. Please join me in congratulating the following individuals and wishing them well in retirement.
 

Retiree 

Position / Building 

Scott Wallace 

Science Teacher / HHS 

Paula Francis 

Senior Account Clerk & District Treasurer / OMS 

Mary Ann Gunn

Teaching Assistant / OMS

Joan Equale 

Elementary Teacher / TJL 

Brian Harris 

School Psychologist / HHS 

Patricio Lopez 

World Language Teacher / HHS 

Jules Rosen

Science Teacher / HHS 

Angela Bouchard

Office Assistant / OMS 

William Murphy

Custodial Worker I / HHS 

John Tampori

Special Education Teacher / HHS 

Mary-Ann Semione

Security Guard / HHS 

Judy Boshnack

School Media Specialist / OMS

Laura Jean Michta 

Custodial Worker  / OMS 

Donna Edel

Paraprofessional / WDPS 

Sheryl Hafers 

Social Worker / TJL 

Deborah Silverberg

Security Guard / WDPS 

JoAnne Gribbin

PT Office Assistant / OMS 

Pamela Vanek

Office Assistant / OMS

Patricia Haddock

School Nurse / WDPS 

Dennis Maher

Security Guard / HHS

Theresa Gallo Paraprofessional / WDPS

Superintendent’s Spotlight - HHS Music Electives

Each month, I have the pleasure of shining a spotlight on the amazing programs we are fortunate to have throughout the district. These programs are run by our very talented staff who go above and beyond for our students each day.  Our students continue to inspire all of us with their passion for learning.  This month, the Board of Education welcomed Ms. Courtney Kassinger, TJL Music teacher, to the podium with several students from Harborfields High School to talk about the music program.  Please take a few moments to watch the video below. Prepare to be entertained! 



Health & Welfare Committee Survey

The Harborfields Council of PTAs Health and Wellness Committee is committed to supporting the well-being of our students and families in the areas of nutrition, mental health, physical activity and fitness, and digital wellness.  To help guide future educational programming and resources, the committee is asking families to complete a brief survey focused on various health and wellness topics.  Your input is invaluable in helping the committee better understand the needs and interests of our school community.  We encourage all families to click here to take the survey, which will only take a few minutes to complete. Your voice will help shape the meaningful initiatives that promote health, safety, and overall wellness for everyone in our district.


Reminder - Schools Closed on Thursday, June 19th 
This is a gentle reminder that all schools will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth as indicated on the school calendar. 



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

Harborfields High School

This past week was filled with some of the most beloved end-of-high-school traditions, including the senior walk to TJL and the senior sunset. Dressed in their caps and gowns, the seniors excitedly walked from the high school to TJL. Parents lined the streets to greet them, and TJL students held signs and cheered for them. Later that day, the senior sunset gave students a chance to sit back, relax, sign yearbooks, and make a few more memories together. A huge thanks to our high school PTSA for hosting this meaningful and memorable event for our seniors. 

 

Oldfield Middle School

This week marked Student Government elections at OMS. The candidates created posters, campaigned to their peers, and delivered informative speeches detailing why they’d be the best fit for their desired positions. Student voices are so important to our school community, and I have great respect for any student who puts themselves out there to run for leadership positions. Congratulations to all who participated! 

 



Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School
 

History came to life at TJL's fifth-grade Wax Museum! Visitors were treated to live "exhibits" that spoke, moved, and impressed with knowledge about their chosen historical figure. It’s always wonderful to see the effort students put into researching and portraying famous historical figures, sports stars, and entertainment legends. Great work! 

 


Washington Drive Primary School

In honor of Flag Day, each class at Washington Drive placed an American flag to create one big, beautiful display. Students also sang songs, recited poems, and wore red, white, and blue to show off their patriotic spirit! 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SHOUTOUTS


We are thrilled that four Harborfields athletes were recognized with prestigious awards by the Town of Huntington and Suffolk County.

 

Congratulations - Butch Dellacave Award Winners


Congratulations to Jack Weiss and Sawyer Scarola, who were this year’s recipients of the Dellacave Award. For the past twenty-three years, The Butch Dellecave Foundation, in conjunction with Newsday, and the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc., gather the “best of the best” in Suffolk County high school sports to name the male and female High School Athlete of The Year in our County. The Award is named after the late Butch Dellecave, an individual who was a formative presence on Long Island’s education and sports scenes during his lifetime. Since his passing, the Butch Dellecave Award has grown to become the most prestigious amateur athletic award in Suffolk County.

 


Town Honors Scholar Athlete Award Winners!


At the 2025 Town of Huntington Scholar Athletes Awards presentation, Supervisor Smyth, the Town Board, and the Department of Parks and Recreation presented certificates of recognition to two exceptional students from each of the Town's ten high schools, celebrating their scholastic and athletic achievements. Sara Tovar-Guacaneme and Sam Brettschneider were the proud Harborfields recipients of this year’s Scholar Athlete awards. 

    


Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family