Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Seaford Board of Education received a comprehensive overview of curriculum, instruction and student development at all four district schools at its meeting on Jan. 14, as administrators shared their goals, achievements and remaining challenges for the current school year.
Each school presented how it fosters Seaford Scholars, emphasizing resilience, reflection, innovation and principle as part of a districtwide student profile.
Elementary highlights included launching full-time Integrated Co-Teaching at Harbor and Manor elementary schools, placing two teachers in classrooms to better support students with disabilities and provide differentiated instruction.
“It reinforces our commitment to inclusive, high-quality instruction for all,” Manor Principal Joann Krudis said. She credited the model for boosting student confidence and independence, and for enabling proactive emotional and behavioral support.
Math and literacy instruction remain central focuses in elementary classes, and Harbor and Manor use the Illustrative Mathematics program, which focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving rather than just memorization. “We want students to know the ‘why’ behind the math, not just how to get the answer,” Krudis said.
In reading, students in kindergarten through second grade practice phonemic awareness with the Heggerty systems and phonics through Fundations. In grades three through five, the focus shifts to building vocabulary and reading comprehension with texts from science, social studies and other subjects.
The elementary schools expanded STEAM and coding. Students now have biweekly lessons on educational programs Code.org and KidOYO. Both schools have high-demand after-school STEAM clubs, often with waiting lists, in which students build and experiment together.
Art, music, and phys. ed. continue to be curriculum strengths. Harbor students create art for hospitals with Art to Hearts, while Manor’s Art Pal program connects students with neighboring districts.
“Our goal is to create core memories,” Harbor Principal Jennifer Bisulca explained. “From science to social studies, it’s about teaching from an interactive lens, so students see the concepts in practice.”
The LIFT lab, described as an “innovation hub” by Manor Assistant Principal Rich Schwartz, continues to offer students hands-on research, technology and wellness opportunities.
“Middle school takes not a village, but a large city block,” Seaford Middle School Principal Raphael Morey joked at the beginning of his presentation.
At the middle school, the Seaford Scholar profile is more than a concept; it’s prioritized in every aspect of student life. “The scholar traits are the guiding force for our curriculum,” Morey said. Students continually reflect on character traits such as resilience, innovation and leadership, reinforced throughout school events.
Assistant Principal Joseph Polite highlighted the school’s focus on instructional growth through programs such as the Instructional Cabinet and the Student Success Committee. The Data Wise framework helps teachers analyze student performance and improve lessons in real time. “Across multiple grade levels and subjects,” Polite said, “our students show growth that exceeds regional trends.”
The Student Success Committee includes 28 staff members and students. Disciplinary incidents and late arrivals are down, Polite said, since new policies were introduced.
The middle school is aligning its curriculum with the Next Generation Science Standards, and expanding math enrichment through Building Thinking Classrooms and the upcoming rollout of Illustrative Mathematics in sixth grade. High school-level courses like Algebra I and Living Environment remain available to eighth-graders, and exploratory classes such as Microbes Unmasked and Computer Magic continue to offer engaging learning experiences.
Seaford High School Principal Nicole Schnabel and her team focused their presentation on the school’s theme, All In. Schnabel emphasized developing well-rounded student scholars through advanced coursework, social-emotional learning, vocational training and student leadership.
Students at the high school can take 22 AP courses and 12 dual-enrollment or college-level courses through Long Island University. This year, 193 students earned AP Scholar awards, up from 147 last year, and Seaford maintained its Gold-level status on the College Board’s AP Honor Roll.
“Every positive choice, every act of kindness and every effort to grow academically, socially and personally,” Schnabel said, “ reflects being ‘all in’ on becoming our best selves.”
The school continues to invest in wellness and social-emotional learning. Initiatives include the annual Welcome Back Wellness Survey, peer mentorship groups and support from the Seaford Wellness Council. “Strong student leaders create strong student bodies,” Assistant Principal Melanie Judson said.
For 2026-27, new electives like Forensics 2, more vocational options and an outdoor courtyard for learning are planned. Technology integration, leadership opportunities and clear behavioral expectations are priorities. A revised smartphone policy has helped students focus and communicate better.
Viking Vision Day introduces students to college and career paths. Assistant Principal Alex Mantay said the school’s systems support its values, and that policies for attendance and behavior aim to help students become principled and prepared. “By aligning our structures with our values,” Mantay said, “we make it possible for our students to embody integrity every day.”
District officials praised the presentations. “These presentations show what we can accomplish together,” Superintendent Adele Pecora said. “We’re shaping a future where every Seaford Scholar is ready to lead, serve and thrive.”
