Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/02/25 (10:00 AM)

Dr. Manning's 5-Minute Weekly Update | November 2, 2025

Superintendent's Message

I had the pleasure of attending Safe Halloween at HHS this week. A special thanks to our Interact Club, specifically advisor Ms. Ritter, and club Co-Presidents, Mark Cavallo and Jackson Dunham. Thank you to all our student clubs and advisors for making the event so fun for the kids!

Click on any of the pictures in this newsletter for more information.

Appreciating Our Time Together!

This weekend, we turn the clocks back as daylight savings time ends. While the days may feel short, the energy in our buildings will remain strong, fueled by the creativity, learning, and connections that happen every day.

Halloween in Harborfields

The Halloween spirit was on full display at our buildings throughout the week. The fun kicked off at OMS, where sixth graders enjoyed a creative Trunk-or-Treat. A little rain couldn’t dampen our annual Safe Halloween event at the high school. More than 20 student clubs set up an indoor evening of trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and even a spooky walk for our entire community! Meanwhile, students at Washington Drive enjoyed festive costume parades, and the PTA at TJL transformed the MPR into a spooky walk for all to enjoy. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the week such a treat for all!

Click on the pictures below to see more of the Halloween fun at our schools!

HHS Safe Halloween!

OMS Trunk or Treat!

TJL Halloween Fun!

WDPS Halloween Parade!

Postseason Pride!

It gives me great pride to share that Ava Vandor won the Section XI League Diving Championship for the third consecutive year! We will all be rooting for her as she competes in the County Championship at Stonybrook University on November 6!

The fall season has been a lot of fun to watch, but it isn’t over yet. We hope to see you cheering on our incredible teams and athletes as they continue in playoff games and competitions!

11/6 1:00 PM - Boys & Girls Cross Country – State Qualifier at Sunken Meadow State Park
11/6 5:30 PM - Girls Varsity Diving – County Championships at Stony Brook University
11/9 9:30 AM - Girls Varsity Swim – County Championships at Stony Brook University
11/14 4:30 PM - Varsity Gymnastics – Individual Championships at Babylon High School

Tickets for the playoff games and competitions must be purchased online using this link. No cash will be accepted at the door.

Mental Health Resources

The Harborfields PPS Department and the PTA Health & Wellness Committee have partnered to create a brief Mental Health Resource designed to help families find the right support when a child may be struggling emotionally- whether it’s a mental health crisis, a serious concern, or a situation that may need extra care and guidance. Our counseling staff and administrators are here for you in your time of need!

SEPTA Lunch & Learn - Spectrum of Independence

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your lunch hour? Join SEPTA on November 6th for a special Lunch and Learn featuring Kristin Lombardi, author of Spectrum of Independence!

Kristin will share about the power of perception and knowledge, and the importance of proper goal setting, all while weaving in stories that will help you feel heard and empower you in your next steps. Whether your child is learning basic routines or preparing for adulthood, this session will leave you feeling inspired, equipped, and hopeful.

Date: Thursday, November 6

Time: 12:15-1:15

Location: On-site at OMS or virtually from home, work, or anywhere in between!

Click Here to RSVP!

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

Harborfields High School

Mr. McInnes’ AP Physics class explored Archimedes’ Principle in action! Students put their problem-solving skills to the test by investigating buoyancy and determining the maximum mass a “boat” could hold without sinking. Through hands-on experimentation and critical thinking, they discovered more ways science helps us solve real-world challenges!

Oldfield Middle School

The Garden Club visited Kubecka Garden to help the Harborfields Library with their Giving Garden. The students planted garlic, helped harvest Mason bee cocoons, and were even interviewed about their experience!

Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

Fifth-grade band and orchestra students partnered with Tri-M music honor society students as part of an ongoing mentoring program. The first visit was both fun and productive, and the students are already looking forward to their next visit!

Washington Drive Primary School

Library time is the best time! Students love spending time in their beautiful school library, listening to new stories, finding great books to borrow, and practicing important new skills.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SHOUTOUTS

Congratulations - Corners 4 Cancer!

Shoutout to the Harborfields field hockey teams who raised nearly $6,000 for local cancer charities! An impressive 90 individuals and families made pledges in the girls' field hockey “Corners 4 Cancer” campaign. After earning 42 corners during October home games, they raised an incredible $5,000 for Ribbons Rising! Ribbons Rising is a local foundation that has ties to our HFFH community and provides counseling services, financial assistance, and practical support to families facing cancer. If that wasn’t enough, through their “Boo My Yard” fundraiser, they collected $800 to donate to Corey’s Promise, another foundation very dear to the HF community that is dedicated to supporting families affected by pediatric cancer.

Field hockey is one of many Harborfields teams that have been raising awareness and funds for important causes, and their work is already making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. We are so proud of you all – keep up the amazing work!

Each Child. Each Day. One Harborfields Family