Volume 1

Dear Harrison Families,

Curiosity is the foundation of learning. In Harrison, our schools are designed to nurture it and to give students the space, challenge, and trust to explore what genuinely interests them. When curiosity drives learning, achievement follows naturally. Every classroom, every program, and every club reflects our belief that education should expand the possibilities within each child.

This edition of HCSD Highlights shares how that belief is realized across our schools:

• Ten Harrison High School seniors earned academic recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program, a testament to their years of sustained effort and intellectual growth.
• Mary Grace Crozier and Sophia Campos were selected to perform with the New York All-State Chorus, a reflection of their disciplined creativity and the excellence of our performing arts program.
•  The HHS Playhouse will premiere We Could Be Heroes, an original production and imaginative exploration of resilience, collaboration, and courage.
• Our summer reading programs, Reading with the Huskies, Booked for Summer, and Create Your Own Book Club, continued to tap into curiosity and a love of discovery, extending joyful learning beyond the school year.
• Transition programs for sixth and ninth graders, as well as our  New Teacher Institute for incoming faculty, reflect our commitment to preparing individuals thoughtfully for new environments, helping students and educators feel supported, connected, and ready to do their best.

Professional learning also remained a cornerstone of our summer work. More than forty programs engaged teachers and staff in deepening instructional practices, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that every educator is equipped to differentiate instruction to challenge all students. These sessions reflect our enduring belief that excellent teaching begins with great learning.

Our in-house maintenance, custodial, and technology team played a critical role in preparing our schools for the year ahead. Their expertise ensured that classrooms, shared spaces, and security upgrades were completed during the summer months. Construction projects funded through the 2023 bond were completed or advanced steadily this summer, resulting in the creation of new classrooms, secure entrances, and improved spaces for athletics and the arts.

As the year unfolds, I look forward to sharing the many ways curiosity and creativity continue to thrive in our schools. None of this progress would be possible without the trust and partnership of our families and community. Your ongoing support enables us to create schools where young people become thoughtful, capable, and principled learners.