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