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