August 20, 2025

Dear Garden City School Community,
Welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year! The start of a new year always brings great energy and the joy of seeing our students and families return to our schools. I hope your summer was filled with time to relax, laugh, and enjoy family and friends.
 
Welcoming New Faculty & Staff
This year, we are excited to welcome close to 30 new faculty and staff members across the district. Each brings unique strengths and experiences that will make our team even stronger and enrich the learning of our students.
 
Lunch for Every Learner
We are thrilled to share that all students in Garden City will receive free lunch this year through the Lunch for Every Learner program. Thanks to new state funding, every child, regardless of income, will have access to meals at no cost. More information and Q&A can be found on our website. This is a wonderful step forward in ensuring that every student is supported.
 
Staying Connected
Strong communication is an important part of our partnership with families.  

• ParentSquare will continue to be our main communication tool. Please make sure your contact information is up to date, so you don’t miss announcements, reminders, and celebrations. Please be sure to download the app.
• New Website: We are also launching a new district website this fall, designed to make it easier for families to find information and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and staff.

Distraction Free Schools
This year, we will be implementing NYSED’s new Distraction Free Schools requirement. The goal is simple: to help students stay focused, engaged, and fully present during the school day.   

• Elementary (K–5): Internet-enabled devices are not permitted. If brought, they must be picked up by a parent.
• Middle School (6–8): Devices must be silenced, stored in lockers, and not used during classes, lunch, recess, or passing time.
• High School (9–12): Devices must be silenced, stored in lockers or backpacks, and not used during classes, study halls, lunch, or passing time.
• Exceptions: Students with documented healthcare needs or accommodations in an IEP or 504 Plan.

We know this change will take some adjustment, and I thank you for your partnership as we work together to create more focused and balanced school days for our children. Please take some time to speak with your children about this new requirement.

Universal Pre-K
Our Universal Pre-K program continues to grow, with 146 students enrolled this year. It is wonderful to see more of our youngest learners begin their educational journey right here in Garden City Schools.
 
Summer Construction Highlights
Our buildings have been busy all summer with projects designed to improve the spaces where our students learn and grow. Some highlights include:  

• Air conditioning in every primary classroom.
• Cafeteria cooling upgrades at both elementary schools and the middle school cafeterias.
• A new parking lot at Stewart School.
• High school improvements include:
  • New bleachers and curtains in the gymnasium.
  • Softball and baseball fields will be ready in September.
  • Multipurpose turf field anticipated by late October.
  • Fitness center construction underway.
  • Parking will be limited this fall. We ask HS students to please take the bus or carpool.
• District-wide painting, lighting, and beautification.

I am looking forward to welcoming our children back and to the many opportunities the year will bring. Thank you for all you do to make Garden City such a special place. 
 
Enjoy the last days of summer!
 
Sincerely,
 
Kusum
 
Kusum Sinha, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools