It has been a truly wonderful first week back to school across the district. Walking through our buildings, I am constantly reminded of what makes this district so special—the energy, the enthusiasm, and the sense of community that shines through our students and staff. 

At WDPS and TJL, the joy on our young students' faces was unmistakable as they explored the brand-new playgrounds. These spaces are already becoming gathering spots where friendships are forming and imaginations are coming to life. At OMS and HHS, it was wonderful to see students reconnecting with their teachers and friends, enjoying lunch together, and engaging in conversations in between classes without distraction. It makes me so excited for the year to come! 

Flipping The Switch - The Future of Harborfields Athletics! 

On Friday evening, the James T. Brennan Memorial Stadium played host to one of the most memorable celebrations in Harborfields' history with the unveiling of the new stadium lights. The Board of Education’s vision to create opportunities for our students while bringing our community together, as One Harborfields Family, made this possible.  

Our Director of Athletics, Mr. Franco, coordinated an awesome halftime ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the Harborfields Booster Club was a tremendous partner in making Friday’s celebration so special.  Beyond the difficult work of organizing the concession stand and merchandise sales, the volunteers of the Booster Club organized many fun family activities such as athletic challenges, face painting, tattoo stations, sack races, and so much more.  The newly installed patio, which was made possible by a significant donation from the Booster Club, was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. 

Thank you to our administrators, coaches, staff, students, and families who came out to celebrate this milestone in Harborfields' history! Let’s go Tornadoes! 

Safety and Security Protocol Reminders

Safety and security protocols are reviewed with students, staff, and families at the start of each school year. I want to thank our families for their support in following these protocols, even when they may cause some occasional inconvenience.

Students have already begun receiving age-appropriate training on our emergency preparedness procedures and drills. Once these trainings are complete, we will conduct safety drills throughout the year. Families will be notified a few days in advance of all lockdown drills; however, the exact dates and times will not be publicly shared for security reasons. When you receive these notifications, I encourage you to speak with your children about the importance of listening carefully to staff directions during drills and emergencies.

In recent years, the Board of Education has partnered with outside agencies to conduct thorough security audits. The recommendations from these reviews have led to many important enhancements, including secured vestibules in each building, expanded drills with local law enforcement, a strengthened visitor management system, surveillance cameras accessible to the Suffolk County Police Department, door access controls, an integrated phone system with e911 and rapid lockdown features, a mobile panic button app for staff, and an upgraded digital radio system. Thanks to the recent capital bond project, additional improvements are underway, such as new security fencing, parking lot gates, replacement exterior doors, and door-ajar sensors to alert administrators if a door is left open. Once this work is complete, we will repeat the audit process and continue to refine our practices—because ensuring the safety of our students will always be our top priority.

Equally important to physical security is supporting the social-emotional wellness of every student. Nearly four years ago, when our community worked together to develop the Strategic Plan, supporting student wellness and building a connected community of learners were identified as major goals. Since then, we have introduced numerous programs and activities that foster stronger connections among students, staff, and families. These relationships allow us to provide early intervention and support when needed. Our partnership with outside providers, including Northwell Health, offers families direct access to services while also providing staff with valuable training and resources.

To further strengthen safety, last year we launched the Say Anything Anonymous Reporting System program through the Sandy Hook Foundation. This 24/7 system allows anyone to report concerns confidentially. Reports are monitored in real time by a professional crisis center and immediately shared with school administrators and, when necessary, with law enforcement to determine next steps.

Thank you once again for your continued partnership in keeping Harborfields safe and strong. Together, we are building an environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.

HF Grad Cooking up Success!

Harborfields alumna Yeishalee Santana ‘24 is part of the culinary competition team at the Culinary Institute of New York and won the Global Young Chefs Challenge held at the AFC National Convention in Las Vegas! Her next stop will be representing the USA in the Global World Championship next spring in Wales. Congratulations and keep up the good work, Yeishalee! 

Parent Square - New 10-Digit Phone Number