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Harborfields High School

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 03/15/26 (10:00 AM)



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

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Superintendent's Message 

I had the opportunity to visit with the OMS Robotics Teams before they competed in the Long Island Championship last week. Our two championship teams worked so hard this year, and we are so proud of them.  Way to go, Tornadoes! 

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

A New Season With New Opportunities! 

The first day of spring is just days away, and with that will come longer days, warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a time to recharge after a long, snowy winter. In Harborfields, spring marks a new sports season, an exciting calendar full of events, and countless opportunities to learn and grow. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at all of our school events!


Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced! 

Last week, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Harborfields High School Class of 2026 were announced. Please join me in congratulating Leo Lin, Valedictorian, and Michelle Diner, Salutatorian, on their well-deserved honors! These remarkable students exemplify academic excellence, integrity, and a positive impact on their school community. We can't wait to see what they will accomplish next! 



ENL Celebration

The Districtwide ENL Recognition Night was a truly memorable evening centered around all the ways our students have grown with gratitude throughout their journeys. Students received certificates of achievement, shared their talents through video and in-person performances, and three graduating seniors imparted wisdom through inspiring speeches. Special thanks to all of the ENL teachers and staff who made it such a special night!


Jazz Cabaret - A Salute to Veterans 

Students from the Harborfields High School Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Band joined together to put on a concert and dessert reception for local veterans. Students from our high school Leadership Class played a special role, serving as table companions, and our two musical groups delighted audiences with their talent. The veterans were also treated to messages of appreciation and support through hand-written cards created by TJL students. This annual event is one of my favorites as it allows a meaningful way for our community to express our deep gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our local veterans. Thank you to all who were involved! 


Art Accomplishments 

The last month has been filled with many accolades, especially within our high school art department. Student artwork has been selected to be on display in exhibits across Long Island, including the Art League, Huntington Arts Council, Babylon Town Hall, Five Towns College, and the Hecksher Museum. We are so proud of these student artists and their outstanding achievements! Click the photo below to learn more about how to view the art for yourself! 


Harborfields Got Talent 
On February 28, the PTA Council hosted its 52nd annual talent show, Harborfields’ Got Talent, filling the stage with student performers who wowed the audience with their talent, creativity, and confidence. Congratulations to all of the performers and their families for making the evening so memorable! Events like this are made possible by the dedication of many members of our school community, including the PTA Council, our music teachers, and numerous volunteers who worked behind the scenes. This beloved Harborfields tradition would not be possible without all of you. In addition to being a fantastic night of entertainment, the show also helps support scholarships for graduating seniors. If you missed the show live, thanks to the Tornado News Team, you can still enjoy it by clicking the photo below! 




AP Seminar Exams Begin

High school students presented team multimedia presentations (TMP) as part of the AP Seminar Exam process. The groups had to complete individual research reports and then synthesize all of their research and information together to create group research questions and present their arguments with potential solutions. These have to be currently debated topics that require thoughtful analysis of the problem and different ways that they could potentially be solved. The students did a phenomenal job researching, collaborating, and presenting! 


Save the Date - Healthy Tornado HF Stronger Together Night – April 17

The Harborfields Council of PTAs Health & Wellness Committee invites families to join us for Healthy Tornado HF Stronger Together Night on Friday, April 17, at the high school athletic complex. The evening will feature interactive wellness booths, student-led activities, community organizations, and hands-on experiences focused on fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and overall well-being.


The event will take place under the lights during the Girls Varsity Lacrosse game, creating a fun Friday night atmosphere for the entire Harborfields community. Elementary students participating in the Healthy Tornado Challenge will also be recognized on the field during halftime.


We hope to see you there as we celebrate wellness together as One Harborfields Family.


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

Harborfields High School 

Last week, the newest members of the Spanish and Italian Honor Societies were inducted! The ceremonies were a true testament to the students’ hard work, dedication, and incredible linguistic milestones they’ve reached. 

Way to go! 


 

Oldfield Middle School

It was an incredible World Language week at OMS! Cultural music played during passing time, students and staff participated in Spirit Days, competed in trivia games for prizes, and students enrolled in Italian/Spanish learned to dance the Tarantella and Flamenco! Thank you to the amazing World Language teachers for organizing such fun and engaging activities that highlighted the importance of learning new languages and cultures!

 

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Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

Students had the opportunity to learn how to crochet with Ms. Katie as part of the Recess Connections program! It’s wonderful to see students learning new skills, growing their creativity, and connecting with one another during the school day. What a fun way to spend recess!

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Washington Drive Primary School

Student plant partners helped with the second hydroponic garden planting session of the school year! I am so excited to watch everything grow and can’t wait for the next harvest. 

 

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Board of Education Meeting Preview

The Harborfields Board of Education will hold its next Regular Meeting on Wednesday, March 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. 
  • My Superintendent's Report will include a spotlight on our elementary music program in recognition of Music in Our Schools Month.
  • The third presentation in the development of the 2026-2027 School Budget 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!

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.