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Harborfields Central School District

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/15/26 (10:00 AM)


Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Newsletter - November 15, 2026

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Superintendent's Message 

It was an honor to visit Ms. Sheehan’s 4th-grade classroom, where Mr. Vogt shared his experience and service in the Marine Corps.  The students asked thoughtful questions and thanked him for his service to our nation. We thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice. 

  

Click on any of the pictures in this update for additional information. 
 

Grateful For Our School Community

It was a shortened week, but there’s no shortage of things to be grateful for. During this season of thanks, I want to express my appreciation for the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the inspiring efforts of our students. Whether I’m in Washington Drive, Thomas J. Lahey, Oldfield Middle School, or the high school, I’m reminded of the exceptional work happening here in Harborfields. The strong partnership with our PTA units is another thing I am truly grateful for. They work tirelessly to bring meaningful experiences to our students. As you scroll down and read about highlights of this past week, you’ll see incredible opportunities that wouldn’t be possible without our PTAs. Thank you for all you do! 


Honoring Our Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, our schools found meaningful ways to honor veterans and recognize the importance of service and sacrifice. At WDPS, veterans from the Harborfields community, including many parents and grandparents, were welcomed as special guests for a breakfast in their honor. The celebration continued with a schoolwide parade, as students dressed in red, white and blue proudly marched to show their appreciation and thank the veterans for their service. A special Hall of Heroes added to the tribute, making it a heartfelt celebration of those who have served our country. 

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At TJL, students recognized classmates who completed the 25 Acts of Service for 25 Years Challenge, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and joined together to place American flags around the Lahey Lion as a tribute to veterans. Students also had the opportunity to hear from a Marine veteran, who shared his experiences and spoke about the importance of service. 

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OMS students showed their appreciation by creating cards for local veterans, sharing messages of thanks for their service and sacrifice. 



At HHS, the library team created a special display inviting students to learn about the experiences of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and reflect on what it means to serve. 



We are grateful to the staff, PTAs, and special guests who helped make these tributes possible, and extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans in our Harborfields community and across the country.


Looking Ahead

Don’t miss your chance to be involved with our wonderful school community at these awesome events happening next weekend: 


Upcoming Fall Theatre Production 
The Harborfields Theatre Company cast and crew is preparing for their upcoming performances of Peter and the Starcatcher! The play reveals the imaginative origins of the boy who would one day never grow up: Peter Pan. Be sure to get your tickets and support our talented students on Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. 

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5th Annual Corey’s Promise Color Run

Join us for the 5th Annual Color Run at Harborfields High School! Every step you take helps honor Corey’s legacy and supports families facing childhood cancer. Expect a fun, family-friendly course, clouds of color, and a morning filled with memories! Whether you walk or run, everyone is welcome! Sign up, invite a friend, and show up in white ready to walk, run, and get covered in color! 


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

Harborfields High School 

The Homecoming Dance brought back a beloved tradition where high school students come together for an unforgettable celebration of school spirit and community! Thank you to the Harborfields High School PTSA for making this night one to remember! 

 

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Oldfield Middle School

Jared Campbell brought his beautiful music to OMS to teach students about overcoming adversity, kindness, support, and connection. His visit was one of the most profound and moving presentations the middle school has ever had! A HUGE thank you to the OMS PTA for their help in bringing Jared to OMS!

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Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

Third-grade students are putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test with Mrs. Scarth as they design and build hurricane-proof houses! Through the engineering design process, students are learning to plan, create, test, and improve their designs. We love seeing the collaboration, creativity, and teamwork among our young engineers as they work together to tackle real-world challenges! 



Washington Drive Primary School

A Novel Celebration!! The newest addition to WDPS is officially open for business… and it’s BOOK-TASTIC! Thanks to the PTA, WDPS students now have their very own book vending machine! A huge thank you to the incredible PTA for making this possible and for continuing to find creative ways to inspire a love of reading in our Little Tornadoes! 




Board of Education Meeting Preview


The Harborfields Board of Education will hold its next Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Oldfield Middle School.   The public portion of this meeting is expected to begin at approximately 7:45 p.m.   Doors will open to the public at 7:20 p.m.  The public does not need to register in advance to view the meeting remotely.  All meetings will be live-streamed on our student-run Tornado News website.  The link is also provided on the monthly Public Notice document posted on our website.  

 

The Board of Education welcomes and encourages the public to attend its meetings. The agenda for this meeting is posted on the Board of Education page of our website, along with a brochure describing Board of Education meetings and an informational letter describing the public comment process.  

 

Highlights of this month’s meeting are as follows:

 

  • Students and staff will also be recognized for their accomplishments during the Board recognition program. 

  • A Public Hearing will be held to review proposed tax exemptions.

  • My Superintendent's Report will include a spotlight on the Sources of Strength Program at Oldfield Middle School.

  • Presentations providing an update on Board of Education Goals and the NY Inspires initiative will be provided.  

Following the Superintendent’s Report, the Board will act on items included in the agenda.  We hope you will be able to join us at this upcoming meeting of the Board of Education.  

 

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools! 

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Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.