Superintendent's Update

March 31, 2026   Dear Garden City School Community,   Yesterday, during the recording of the Spotlight on Long Island Schools radio show, I had the opportunity to sit with four of our senior student athletes as they reflected on the impact athletics has had on their lives. Their words were thoughtful and grounded in experience as they spoke about perseverance, time management, hard work, and the responsibility of contributing to something larger than themselves.   One student shared a story that has stayed with me. As a junior, he was cut from the basketball team. Rather than letting that disappointment define him, he used it as motivation. With the support of his family, who challenged him to grow both as a person and in his character, he fully committed himself, practiced more than ever before, and returned this year not only making the team, but earning All County and Senior All Star recognition. During the conversation, he said something simple, yet powerful – “real growth comes from struggle”.   This is just one of many ways our students inspire us here in Garden City. We see that inspiration every day in our classrooms, on our fields, and throughout our schools.   As we approach spring recess, his words serve as an important reminder for all of us. I would like to take a moment to share a few important updates with you:   Upcoming Budget Vote and Trustee Election – Tuesday, May 19 Thank you to those residents who have attended or listened to our Board of Education budget workshops over the past several weeks as we work together to develop a proposed spending plan for the 2026-27 school year. The proposed spending plan being considered continues to enhance offerings for students while remaining within the tax levy cap of 2.98%. Detailed information about the budget will be mailed home to all residents in late April/early May. Additionally, all budget information can be found on the  district’s website . Our next budget workshop is on April 14th, which will focus on technology, special education and athletics.      Literacy Update The Literacy Review Team continues to thoughtfully evaluate instructional programs for students in grades K through 5 as part of our ongoing literacy review.   The first pilot, Benchmark Advance, has been completed in grades K through 2. This phase included professional learning, classroom support, and ongoing feedback from teachers, students, administrators, and families. Through student work and stakeholder input, we saw meaningful growth across grade levels, including strong development of foundational skills in kindergarten and increased independence and writing complexity by grade 2. Feedback from both teachers and families has been positive and is helping to guide our next steps.   The second K-2 pilot, Amplify CKLA, is now underway, with training and coaching in progress. A third program, myView, will follow before the committee completes its full review of all three programs.   Additional information and presentations are available on the district website and can be found here -  Garden City Public Schools - Literacy Review .   Capital Improvement Bond Projects Construction continues across the campus as part of the capital improvement bond project approved by voters in 2024. With the arrival of warmer weather, progress is clearly visible on the new high school fitness center and athletic fields. We recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of the multipurpose field and look forward to opening the baseball and softball fields in the coming weeks. It has been wonderful to see our students already enjoying these new spaces.   Work is also moving forward on the Bloomberg Business Center. With more than 200 students expressing interest in the high school’s new College Bloomberg Fundamentals course for next year, there is great excitement about the opportunities this space will provide.   Update on Hiring of New Administrators The search process for new principals at Homestead and Hemlock, as well as for an assistant superintendent for business and finance, is progressing well. We received a strong pool of applicants for each position and are currently in the final stages with the goal to appoint them at our April 22nd Board of Education meeting.  We are pleased to share that Mr. Escobar will remain as our middle school principal next school year.   GC Celebrates America 250 Last week, Garden City High School hosted an AP Government author event as part of the district’s GC Celebrates America 250 initiative, marking the first major program in a series of planned experiences commemorating our nation’s semi-quincentennial. As part of this work, students explored “Born Equal” by Akhil Amar, which examines how key constitutional amendments helped advance the nation’s founding ideals. Dr. Amar, joined by podcast co-host Andy Lipka, visited the high school for an engaging discussion with students, which was recorded for their podcast “Amarica’s Constitution.” This experience will culminate later this year as students complete their Seal of Civic Readiness projects centered on the theme “America at 250: The Unfinished Revolution.”   Schools Open on Friday, May 22 As a reminder, due to used snow days, schools will now be open on Friday, May 22.   In closing, I am truly grateful for the partnership we share, whether through your presence at Board meetings, the thoughtful perspectives you bring, or the care and encouragement you provide your children each day. I wish our community a Happy Passover and Happy Easter to those who celebrate and hope our entire school community has a wonderful spring break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for a strong finish to the school year!     Sincerely,   Kusum   Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools  

Tuesday, Mar 31 2026

Update Regarding Tomorrow

February 23, 2026 Dear Garden City School Community, This storm has been one of the most significant we have experienced in many years. I hope you and your families are safe, warm, and supporting one another as you continue clearing snow and navigating these challenging conditions. Tomorrow will be a traditional snow day, and there will be no remote instruction. As we look ahead, if additional closures become necessary, we will shift to remote instruction on those days to preserve our instructional calendar. Should that occur, we will communicate clearly and promptly. I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Garden City Village for partnering with us and providing additional support with snow removal across our properties. Their assistance, along with the dedication of those working behind the scenes, is deeply valued. Thank you and please stay safe and warm. Sincerely, Kusum Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Feb 23 2026

Update Regarding Tomorrow’s Closure

February 22, 2026 Dear Garden City School Community, A short time ago, the New York State Education Department issued updated guidance stating that school districts are not required to provide remote instruction tomorrow due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor. As a result, tomorrow will be a traditional snow day. There will be no remote instruction, and our district calendar will remain unchanged. We will continue to monitor conditions and will provide additional updates regarding Tuesday. Please stay safe and warm. Sincerely, Kusum Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Sunday, Feb 22 2026

Remote Instructional Day – Monday

February 22, 2026 Dear Garden City School Community, I hope you and your children enjoyed a restful winter recess. Due to the forecasted snow, our school buildings will be closed tomorrow, and we will move to a remote instructional schedule. Our Remote Day Schedule is posted on the district website: Remote Instructional Day Schedule We will follow this schedule as closely as possible. Because our K–5 students did not bring school-issued devices home prior to the break, teachers will ensure that learning activities are accessible to all students. Some families may choose to use a home device to join mini-lessons or check-ins, while others may complete offline assignments. Students in grades 6–12 have their district devices and will follow the remote day schedule as outlined. Additional information regarding expectations will be shared directly by your child’s principal and teacher. We understand that weather-related closures can create challenges for families, and we appreciate your flexibility as we work to maintain continuity of learning. We will continue to monitor conditions and will keep you informed regarding plans for Tuesday. Please stay safe and warm. Sincerely, Kusum Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Sunday, Feb 22 2026

Superintendent's Update - February 13, 2026

February 13, 2026   Dear Garden City School Community,   As we move further into the school year and approach midwinter recess, I would like to share several important updates with you. When we return on February 23, we will unofficially begin our busy spring season. I look forward to the renewed energy that always accompanies this time of year and the many meaningful moments that lie ahead for our students and staff.   Elementary Musicals and  Primary Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night Congratulations to the fifth grade students at Stewart on their wonderful performance of The Lion King Jr. and to Stratford’s fifth grade on their fantastic production of Frozen Jr. Both performances reflected tremendous preparation, creativity, and pride. It was inspiring to see our students shine on stage and support one another so beautifully.  Photos from both the Stewart and  Stratford performances can be found on our Instagram page.   Our Primary Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night took place this week, and it was a beautiful celebration of learning and community. Our teachers led interactive literacy and math workshops that truly brought learning to life. Classrooms were filled with hands-on experiences, meaningful conversations, and children excited to learn alongside their families.  The night reflected the power of partnership and the heart of learning in our community. Please share in the joy of the evening by viewing the video  HERE .   We are deeply grateful to our PTA, SEPTA, PARP, and our incredible parent and student volunteers for all that they do to make our musicals, Scholastic Book Fair, and the may events throughout the year so special and meaningful. Literacy Review Update As part of our ongoing literacy review, three focus groups centered on curriculum, MTSS and assessment, and professional learning and communication evaluated five literacy programs to ensure strong alignment with our district goals, the New York State Learning Standards, and the NY State Literacy Briefs. Following vendor presentations, follow up discussions, and detailed rubric scoring to identify trends in feedback, three programs were selected for pilot implementation. Each pilot includes a launch meeting, a defined implementation window with ongoing professional learning, and a structured feedback process, with select classrooms across our elementary and primary schools participating. We began piloting one primary resource for our first cycle this week in K-2 classrooms. Additional  information is available on our website , and we will continue to provide updates as this work moves forward.   Upcoming Budget Workshops As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we have been thoughtfully developing next year’s operating budget to ensure it reflects our priorities, supports our students, and remains fiscally responsible. This work is well underway and guided by both careful planning and long range stewardship.   I encourage all residents to join the Board of Education budget workshops to learn more about what is being proposed and to engage in the process. Our first workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Garden City High School. Additional information, including all workshop dates and related materials, can be found on our website.    Capital Improvement Update Construction on the high school addition remains the district’s primary active capital project. Recent progress includes the completion of remaining footings and columns, the arrival of structural steel and continued groundwork, along with the construction of new hallways to support the next phase of work. As footings are poured, the project will move into steel erection, followed by the pouring of the second-floor deck, roof installation, masonry work and the final pouring of the first-floor slab. We are excited to share updates as this project progresses. All updates are posted on our website.   Retirement Recognition This spring will also mark the retirement of two exceptional leaders.   Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dana DiCapua concludes 13 years of dedicated service to Garden City. Her leadership has been steady, strategic, and thoughtful. Under her guidance, the district has maintained balanced budgets, strong long range planning, and transparent fiscal practices, earning and sustaining the highest bond rating. Her integrity and commitment to public service have strengthened our entire organization.   Dr. Suzanne Viscovich will retire after 32 years in the district, having served as a teacher from 1994 to 2002, Assistant Principal from 2002 to 2005, and Principal of Homestead School since 2005. Suzanne’s leadership has shaped generations of students and families. She has led with compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of our community. Homestead and Dr. Viscovich have truly gone hand in hand for the past two decades.   Both leaders have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our district. Please join me in wishing them continued joy and fulfillment in the next chapter of their lives. They will be deeply missed.    Finally, thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. I hope your family enjoys a restful and restorative midwinter recess. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I am reminded how fortunate we are to be part of a school community built on care, connection, and a shared commitment to our children.    Enjoy the week!   Sincerely,   Kusum   Kusum Sinha, Ed.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Friday, Feb 13 2026

School Opening Update for Tomorrow

January 26, 2026 Dear Garden City School Community, I hope your children enjoyed their snow day today, whether sledding, building snowmen, or simply enjoying a change in routine. We did receive a significant amount of snow, and our Buildings and Grounds and Transportation teams have been working throughout the day to clear the snow and ensure our campuses are ready for students and staff. I am writing to share that schools will open on a regular schedule tomorrow. Please note that there may be some delays with morning bus routes due to road conditions. We appreciate your patience as safety remains our top priority. Thank you. Sincerely, Kusum Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Jan 26 2026

Celebrating Our School Community and Happy Holidays!

December 22, 2025 Dear Garden City School Community,   As we approach the close of the year, I want to thank our families and community for your continued partnership and presence in our schools. Seeing so many of you at concerts, athletic events, and school activities throughout this season has been a meaningful reminder of the strong connections that define Garden City. I have been especially moved by the number of alumni who have returned to our schools during this time. There is something truly heartwarming about seeing former students come home to support our programs and reconnect with the school community. I enjoy hearing about their experiences beyond Garden City, some having graduated from college, and yet choosing to return, visit, and continue supporting our schools. Their presence speaks to the lasting sense of belonging fostered here. This time of year also invites reflection on the care that surrounds our students each day. In our classrooms, on our stages, and on our athletic fields, students are supported not only in their learning, but in their growth as individuals. That balance of high expectations and genuine care remains a hallmark of our district. Our winter concerts were a highlight of the season, showcasing the talent, confidence, and dedication of our students and the exceptional work of our teachers. I am also grateful for the continued community support of our student-athletes and proud of the way our teams represent Garden City. As we enter the holiday break, on behalf of the Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your family. I hope this time brings rest, reflection, and meaningful moments with those you hold close. Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to welcoming our students and staff back in the new year as we continue our work together. Sincerely, Kusum Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Dec 22 2025

Superintendent's Update and Happy Thanksgiving

November 25, 2025   Dear Garden City School Community,   As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone in our school community who plays a role in supporting our students. Thanksgiving invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and partnerships that strengthen our schools. Our faculty, staff, families, and community partners make a meaningful difference each day, creating a learning environment that challenges students, nurtures their growth, and reminds us of the power of working together. Health Commissioner's Message on Smartphones Here is a  message from State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald addressing how families might approach smartphone gifts for children during the holiday season. He offers thoughtful guidance on setting healthy expectations around technology use and highlights the importance of being fully present with one another. His message is a helpful reminder that the holidays provide a special opportunity to strengthen connections, spend quality time with friends and family, and create meaningful moments away from screens.    As a district, we are also examining screen time in our schools and continuing our work to support healthy, balanced technology use for students. For families who may be looking for additional guidance, here is a link to the Digital Citizenship Committee’s page, where you will find helpful resources and tools to support these conversations at home. Hemlock Interim Principal As I shared in my last community letter, we welcome back Mr. Jim Curran as interim principal of Hemlock School beginning Dec. 1. Mr. Curran has already been visiting classrooms and collaborating with Ms. Odone to ensure a smooth transition. While he is a familiar face to the Garden City community, we encourage our Hemlock parents to stop by and meet him. I know he is eager to connect with families and support our students.   Upcoming Board of Education Work Session The Board of Education’s next work session will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school library. The meeting will focus on our primary and elementary schools, with each principal highlighting programs, instructional initiatives, and the impactful work happening across our buildings.  Here is a link to our last work session presentation on the student achievement report.   Holiday Concerts We look forward to the upcoming holiday concert season, when our students will showcase their musical talents. Please check the district’s online calendar for the full schedule of performances. All community members are welcome to attend and celebrate our students’ hard work.   Athletics Trojan Nation had an exceptional fall season, and our football team continues its impressive run. We encourage everyone to come out and cheer on the team this Saturday at noon at Stony Brook University as they compete for the Long Island Championship.   As we head into the holiday, and on behalf of the Board of Education, administration and staff, I wish your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. May the long weekend bring peace, rest, and time with the people who matter most.    Sincerely,   Kusum   Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Tuesday, Nov 25 2025

Superintendent's Update - November 7, 2025

November 7, 2025   Dear Garden City School Community,   As we move further into the school year, I’d like to share several important district updates with you.    Hemlock School Leadership Principal Melanie Odone of Hemlock School has announced that she will be leaving Garden City at the end of the month to pursue a new position that offers her greater flexibility. We extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Odone for her leadership, commitment, and care for her students over the past several years, and we wish her continued success in this next chapter.   As we begin the search for a new principal, I will be recommending to the Board of Education at next week’s meeting the appointment of Jim Curran as interim principal, effective December 1. Mr. Curran is a familiar and trusted member of the Garden City school community, having served in several interim roles over the years. His deep understanding of our district’s programs and procedures will help ensure a smooth and seamless transition in leadership.   Upcoming Board of Education Work Session At the Board of Education Work Session on Wednesday, November 12, our administrative team will present the district’s Annual Student Achievement Report. This presentation will provide an overview of student performance on state assessments, Regents exams, and Advanced Placement tests.   The report serves as an important opportunity to reflect on our progress and identify areas for continued growth. I encourage community members to attend and hear directly from our administrators as they share the data, insights, and next steps that shape our ongoing efforts to strengthen teaching and learning across the district.   The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Library.   Capital Improvement Updates   Our district’s capital improvement projects continue to advance with steady progress. All athletic fields are now installed, and students are enjoying the new multi-purpose field for team practices. Work on field irrigation is underway, with sod installation and grass seeding to follow soon.    At the high school, the boiler replacement project has reached an important milestone.  The new boilers have been commissioned, and work on the control systems is progressing well. The foundation for the new fitness center has been poured, and underground utilities are being installed to support this addition.     We also recently completed the planting of trees in the Stewart School parking lot, further enhancing the campus environment. I look forward to keeping you updated as these exciting projects continue to take shape.   Veterans Day As a reminder, schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. I extend my sincere appreciation to all who have served our country and to their families, whose sacrifices have safeguarded our freedoms.   Throughout the week, our students participated in a variety of activities to honor veterans, including  Stewart School’s annual celebration recognizing veterans from our community. This event is always a deeply moving and meaningful tradition, one that stands out as a highlight of the year for both students and staff.   Athletic Update Trojan Nation is going strong! We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes and encourage the community to come out and cheer them on as they continue their impressive seasons: Football: The team earned its 63rd consecutive victory and will play on Friday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Hofstra University. Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving: The team will compete in the state qualifiers on Friday, November 7, at 5 p.m., with finals on Saturday, November 8, at 2 p.m. Both events will take place at the Nassau Aquatic Center. Boys Varsity Soccer: The team will face Northport in the Class AA Long Island Championship on Saturday, November 8, at 11:30 a.m. at Islip High School. Boys and Girls Cross Country: Both teams will compete in the state qualifier meet at LIU on Saturday, November 8. The girls will run at 11:25 a.m., followed by the boys at 1:05 p.m. Girls Varsity Field Hockey: The team will play in the Long Island Championship on Sunday, November 9, at 12 noon against Eastport-South Manor at Sachem High School East. Girls Varsity Volleyball: The team has advanced to the Nassau County Class AA Championship against Mepham on Monday, November 10, at 4:30 p.m. at Farmingdale High School. We commend all of our athletes and coaches for their dedication, teamwork, and Trojan spirit. Go Trojans!   Update on the Arts Congratulations to the high school marching band, who placed second at the state championship! They also took home the honors of Best Visual, Best Color Guard and Best Percussion. They are now headed to nationals to showcase their talent. We wish them the best of luck and know they will represent Garden City well.   Please also mark your calendars for the high school’s annual fall play, featuring our talented students in a performance of “Pride and Prejudice.” Shows will take place on Nov. 20 at 4 p.m., Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Information on purchasing tickets will be shared in the coming weeks.    Our students continue to shine and make us proud. Thank you to them, as well as to our entire community for your continued dedication and support. Enjoy the weekend!   Sincerely,   Kusum   Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Friday, Nov 07 2025

Superintendent's Update

September 13, 2025   Dear Garden City School Community, As we settle into the new school year together, I want to take a moment to share several updates.   Opening of School Year Overall, we’ve had a successful opening to the start of the school year. Students are already engaged in their learning, participating in after-school activities and athletics, and preparing for our upcoming homecoming festivities (see below).   We have encountered some challenges with our  Lunch for Every Learner program, specifically at the primary and elementary schools, as well as some issues with transportation routes. I thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve these matters and will keep you updated with any developments.   Universal PreK Our  Universal Prekindergarten program is also off to a great start, with placement offered to every child whose family applied this year. We still have space available for any new families who move into the area, or for parents who decide they would like to take advantage of this opportunity for their child.   Literacy Review The Literacy Review report was presented and discussed at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting by CASDA, the organization that conducted the review, and the  full report is available on our website. Building on this, the District will be establishing a Literacy Review Committee that will meet monthly beginning in October. The committee will review all information submitted by the District’s literacy consultants, as well as District data, and will make specific recommendations for initiatives that can be introduced in the near future, as well as some long-term action plans.   Flags at Half-Staff Several families raised a question regarding the district’s protocol for lowering flags to half-staff.  The district has historically relied on official notifications from New York State when lowering flags; in this instance, no formal state directives were issued. After reviewing our Board policy and regulations, we confirmed that flags are to be lowered in accordance with both state and federal directives. We thank the residents who brought this to our attention.   The flag at the district administration building is at half-staff. Please note that flags at school buildings are not raised or lowered on weekends, except at the administration building, which is the only site where the flag remains illuminated at night. We will continue to follow established government directives to ensure consistency, respect, and honor in how our flags are displayed.   In closing, thank you for your ongoing participation and partnership with our District. Next week will be an exciting one for our students, with Spirit Week and fun activities planned for each day leading up to our annual Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Sept. 20. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at Seventh Street and Franklin Avenue and end at our high school, with the football game kicking off at 3 p.m. I hope to see many of you then as we come together to cheer on our team and celebrate the pride we all share in our schools.   Have a wonderful weekend and wishing you a school year filled with joy, growth, and many proud moments!   Sincerely, Kusum   Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools    

Saturday, Sep 13 2025