February 13, 2026
 
Dear Garden City School Community,
 
As we move further into the school year and approach midwinter recess, I would like to share several important updates with you. When we return on February 23, we will unofficially begin our busy spring season. I look forward to the renewed energy that always accompanies this time of year and the many meaningful moments that lie ahead for our students and staff.
 
Elementary Musicals and Primary Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night
Congratulations to the fifth grade students at Stewart on their wonderful performance of The Lion King Jr. and to Stratford’s fifth grade on their fantastic production of Frozen Jr. Both performances reflected tremendous preparation, creativity, and pride. It was inspiring to see our students shine on stage and support one another so beautifully.  Photos from both the Stewart and Stratford performances can be found on our Instagram page.
 
Our Primary Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night took place this week, and it was a beautiful celebration of learning and community. Our teachers led interactive literacy and math workshops that truly brought learning to life. Classrooms were filled with hands-on experiences, meaningful conversations, and children excited to learn alongside their families.  The night reflected the power of partnership and the heart of learning in our community. Please share in the joy of the evening by viewing the video HERE.
 
We are deeply grateful to our PTA, SEPTA, PARP, and our incredible parent and student volunteers for all that they do to make our musicals, Scholastic Book Fair, and the may events throughout the year so special and meaningful.

Literacy Review Update
As part of our ongoing literacy review, three focus groups centered on curriculum, MTSS and assessment, and professional learning and communication evaluated five literacy programs to ensure strong alignment with our district goals, the New York State Learning Standards, and the NY State Literacy Briefs. Following vendor presentations, follow up discussions, and detailed rubric scoring to identify trends in feedback, three programs were selected for pilot implementation.

Each pilot includes a launch meeting, a defined implementation window with ongoing professional learning, and a structured feedback process, with select classrooms across our elementary and primary schools participating. We began piloting one primary resource for our first cycle this week in K-2 classrooms. Additional information is available on our website, and we will continue to provide updates as this work moves forward.
 
Upcoming Budget Workshops
As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we have been thoughtfully developing next year’s operating budget to ensure it reflects our priorities, supports our students, and remains fiscally responsible. This work is well underway and guided by both careful planning and long range stewardship.
 
I encourage all residents to join the Board of Education budget workshops to learn more about what is being proposed and to engage in the process. Our first workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Garden City High School. Additional information, including all workshop dates and related materials, can be found on our website. 
 
Capital Improvement Update
Construction on the high school addition remains the district’s primary active capital project. Recent progress includes the completion of remaining footings and columns, the arrival of structural steel and continued groundwork, along with the construction of new hallways to support the next phase of work. As footings are poured, the project will move into steel erection, followed by the pouring of the second-floor deck, roof installation, masonry work and the final pouring of the first-floor slab. We are excited to share updates as this project progresses. All updates are posted on our website.
 
Retirement Recognition
This spring will also mark the retirement of two exceptional leaders.
 
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dana DiCapua concludes 13 years of dedicated service to Garden City. Her leadership has been steady, strategic, and thoughtful. Under her guidance, the district has maintained balanced budgets, strong long range planning, and transparent fiscal practices, earning and sustaining the highest bond rating. Her integrity and commitment to public service have strengthened our entire organization.
 
Dr. Suzanne Viscovich will retire after 32 years in the district, having served as a teacher from 1994 to 2002, Assistant Principal from 2002 to 2005, and Principal of Homestead School since 2005. Suzanne’s leadership has shaped generations of students and families. She has led with compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of our community. Homestead and Dr. Viscovich have truly gone hand in hand for the past two decades.
 
Both leaders have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our district. Please join me in wishing them continued joy and fulfillment in the next chapter of their lives. They will be deeply missed. 
 
Finally, thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. I hope your family enjoys a restful and restorative midwinter recess. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I am reminded how fortunate we are to be part of a school community built on care, connection, and a shared commitment to our children. 
 
Enjoy the week!
 
Sincerely,
 
Kusum
 
Kusum Sinha, Ed.D. 
Superintendent of Schools