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Harborfields High School

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 05/03/26 (10:00 AM)



Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Newsletter - May 3, 2026

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Superintendent's Message 

It was a great pleasure of mine to join Ms. Armstrong’s March Madness Book Tournament this week, where the winner, Magic Ramen, was announced.  After the announcement, I had the opportunity to read the book to the class.  It was a great lesson on perseverance and helping others in need.  

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

Celebrating a Season of Milestones

Last week marked a time of meaningful transitions across our district, moments where students and families began preparing for what’s next. WDPS held a parent orientation for incoming kindergarten families, TJL 5th-grade students visited OMS in preparation for their transition to middle school, and high school seniors celebrated Commitment Day, coming together to reflect on their journey and look ahead to the future. It’s such an exciting time filled with lots of anticipation! For me, speaking with parents of future kindergarten students, the future Class of 2039, on the same night as celebrating with families of the graduating Class of 2026, was surreal. As parents, we know that time goes by in a blink, and it is important to enjoy every moment of the journey with our kids.  As I turned my calendar to May, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement for all that’s ahead! 


Spring concert season has begun! Make sure to check the district calendar for the many opportunities to hear our talented music students perform! There are also many athletic contests taking place as we are well into the spring sports season. Be sure to follow our athletics department Instagram (@Harborfields_Athletics) for highlights. 


Important Notice - Schools Open - May 26th

As indicated on the school calendar and shared in previous correspondence, schools will be open for students and staff on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, due to the use of two emergency closing days. Please mark your calendars accordingly.  




HHS Seniors Celebrate Commitment Day!

The Senior Class of 2026 celebrated Commitment Day this past Friday.  Students wore clothing depicting their future plans, whether it be college, career, or the military.  Click on the picture below to see more from this special day! 




Teacher & Nurse Appreciation 

This upcoming week, May 4-8, is nationally recognized as Teacher Appreciation Week! Please join me in recognizing and thanking our incredible teachers! I encourage our families to thank a teacher who has made a difference in the life of their child. A quick email or note will make a lasting impression on our teachers who work tirelessly throughout the year and are more than deserving of this week of appreciation. 



This week also marks School Nurse Day (May 6). Our nurses provide essential health services in schools and help to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. Please join me in thanking Ms. Hering (HHS), Ms. DePaolis (OMS), Ms. Mancuso (TJL), and Ms. Barracca (WDPS) for their vital role in the health and well-being of our students. 




Scholar Athlete Recognition

Harborfields High School senior Joseph Attonito was recognized as a Scholar Athlete by the Suffolk Chapter of the National Football Foundation. There is only one scholar athlete selected from each of the 50 high schools that participate in scholastic football in Suffolk County. Joseph and the other Scholar Athletes attended a brunch to commemorate this prestigious honor! Thank you for representing Harborfields with excellence in the classroom and on the field! 



250th Anniversary Student Videos, courtesy of the Tornado News Team

Mr. Ambrosio and the Tornado News Team created informative videos that are being shared in each building about the 15 historical sites in the Town of Huntington. Check out last week’s videos below: 

4/27 - Soldiers & Sailor Memorial Building

4/28 - Lefferts Tide Mill Preserve

4/29 - Joseph Lloyd Manor

4/30 - Town of Huntington

5/1 - Northport Historical Society Museum


Budget Vote & Board Election Reminder 
The Budget Vote and Board Election is a few weeks away. The district’s 
Budget Newsletter has been posted to our website and should be arriving at homes this week. Our website also includes the 26-27 School Budget Tax Calculator and all previous budget presentations. Additional budget and voter information can be found on the district website, https://www.harborfieldscsd.net/budget.


I encourage all residents to participate in the upcoming budget and board election events, including: 

  • May 6 - Council of PTAs Meet the Candidates Night @ OMS, 7:00 PM

  • May 12 - BOE Regular Meeting and Budget Hearing @ OMS, 7:45 PM 

  • May 19 - Annual District School Budget Vote and Board Election @ OMS, 2 - 9 PM 





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

Harborfields High School 

Our high school fashion students got a firsthand look at the industry during a field trip featuring special guest Penny Payne. With more than 30 years of fashion experience, Penny shared what it really takes to build a career in fashion. Students had the unique opportunity to see the full lifecycle of a pattern and connect with professionals in the field. Special thanks to Mrs. Rottkamp, who created such a meaningful experience for these students!

 

Oldfield Middle School

Our future sixth-grade students came to Oldfield Middle School this week for a visit.  Students were welcomed by teachers, administrators, and current OMS students.  They were provided guided tours, including a stop to see Fenway!  This was followed by an evening program where families were invited to hear all about the transition to OMS.  We are looking forward to welcoming our newest sixth-grade class next year! 


 



Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

The fifth-grade spring concert was truly incredible. The hard work, dedication, and talent truly shone on stage, and it was so special to see the confidence and joy of our students coming to life through music.

Washington Drive Primary School

Students in Ms. Aliperti, Ms. Fasolino, and Ms. May’s classes traveled all around the world without ever leaving Washington Drive! Thank you to the families who helped share their cultures and traditions with the students—what a special experience!  

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Announcements & Shoutouts

Amazing Achievement - 100 Goals!

Congratulations to sophomore Nora Ruddy, who reached 100 career goals in Lacrosse. Way to go, Nora! 



Students Honored for Building Bridges!

We are proud to share that Anderson Howe, Oliver Donnelly, Yoselin Benitez Almendares, and Eli Noah were selected as recipients of the Students Building Bridges Award, an honor recognizing students who exemplify leadership and a commitment to strengthening community connections.


I was honored to attend the ceremony where the students were recognized at the Suffolk County Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration. The award honors students for their efforts in fostering understanding and compassion across communities. As part of this recognition, they received citations from elected officials, along with a certificate of achievement from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 




Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family.