Dear Harborfields Families,

I hope this message finds all of you well.  There are several updates in this message; please scroll all the way through to view each update.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools.  I hope you enjoy the remaining summer weeks ahead.

Rory J. Manning, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Smartphone & Smart-Device Policy Starting This September

As you are aware, the Governor and the NY State Legislature approved legislation effectively prohibiting the use of smartphones and internet-enabled devices in all schools across New York State that will take effect this September.  In accordance with the law, the Harborfields Board of Education adopted a new Students and Internet-Enabled Devices Policy, which you can read here.

What does this mean for our students?

There will be no change to our policies and practices at Washington Drive Primary School, Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School, and Oldfield Middle School. Students at WDPS and TJL are strongly discouraged from bringing internet-enabled devices to school, and any devices brought to school must remain powered off and in the student’s backpack. Students at OMS must keep any internet-enabled devices powered off and in their lockers throughout the school day.  

Starting in September, students at Harborfields High School may not use smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, or any internet-enabled personal devices at any time during the school day, including lunch and hallway passing time, unless expressly permitted by the school’s administration.  All devices must be powered off and out of sight from arrival until dismissal. Devices should be safely stored in lockers and not carried on their person during the day. 

Families who wish to contact their child during the school day should call the main office of their child’s school.

While this change will represent a significant shift for our high school students, we remain optimistic that the new smartphone and wearable technology prohibition will foster a more positive and focused school climate at Harborfields High School. Our staff remains committed to supporting our students and families through this transition.  

If a student is found using a device in violation of this policy:

• The device will be confiscated.

• A parent or guardian may be required to pick the device up from school. 

• Repeated violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.

Questions regarding the implementation of this policy should be directed to your child’s school principal. 

Free Summer Lunch Program

Long Island Cares is hosting a Free Summer Lunch program open to anyone under 18 years old.  This program is available Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Huntington Station Branch Library located at 1335 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY. More information can be found on the library website or by calling 631-421-5053. 

Harborfields Highlights - Summer Edition

I am pleased to share the summer edition of the Harborfields Highlights, which is now available on our website and should be arriving at all homes later this month.

2025 - 2026 Full Calendar

I am also pleased to share that the 2025 - 2026 Full Calendar is now available on ourwebsite.  This calendar is currently being printed and should arrive at all homes at the beginning of August.