Message from the Superintendent

September 4, 2026

Dear Malverne School District Community,

It is hard to believe that we have already begun the 2026-2027 school year! The opening of a new school year is always a special time in our school community—our buildings are once again filled with the excitement of students, the energy of teachers and staff and the anticipation of all that the year ahead will bring.

I am pleased to report that we have had a successful start to the school year. Across the District, our staff have worked diligently to prepare welcoming, engaging and supportive learning environments for our students. While the first days of school naturally bring a few challenges and adjustments, it has been wonderful to see our students reconnect with friends, establish new relationships and settle into the routines of another exciting school year.

A Special Welcome to Our Nottingham Preschoolers

This year brings an especially meaningful milestone for the Malverne School District as we proudly welcome our Nottingham preschool students to Maurice W. Downing Primary School for the first time.

This is a moment that represents much more than a change in location. It represents the realization of a vision for bringing our youngest learners into the heart of our school community and creating opportunities for them to become part of the Malverne family from the very beginning of their educational journey.

The opportunity to welcome our Nottingham preschoolers to Downing was a hope shared by our Board of Education, but it was also a dream held deeply by former Downing Elementary School Principal Margaret McDade. Margaret believed strongly in our youngest students and in the importance of creating a strong foundation for their educational experience.  As we prepared for this transition, many teachers and staff members reflected on Margaret's vision and shared the same sentiment: she would be incredibly proud to see this dream become a reality.

There is something particularly special about knowing that an idea once envisioned by a member of our school community has now become part of the daily experience of our children. We are grateful to the Board of Education, our administrators, teachers, staff, preschool providers and families who worked together to make this transition possible. Most importantly, we are excited for our preschoolers and look forward to watching them learn, grow, and become an important part of the Downing community.

Stay Connected to What Is Happening in Malverne

The beginning of the school year also brings a full calendar of opportunities for families and community members to connect with our schools. I encourage everyone to regularly visit the District's Main Calendar, which provides the most current information regarding school events, meetings, performances, athletic events, parent programs and other activities throughout the year.

Among the many events taking place in the coming weeks are our Meet the Teacher evenings, the September Board of Education meeting, MWD Family Fun Night, MHS Meet the Teacher Night, athletic events, Parent Academy programs, PTA meetings and other opportunities for families to become involved in our schools.

The District's calendar is available on our website and can be accessed through the homepage or through this link: Malverne School District – Main Calendar. I encourage you to check the calendar regularly, as dates and additional events are added throughout the school year.

A New Way to Learn About Our Work

As part of our ongoing commitment to communication and transparency, I am also pleased to introduce a new resource for our parents and community members: the Board of Education Presentation Calendar, which can be accessed by clicking here.

At each of our regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings, we will provide presentations highlighting new District initiatives, important programs, student opportunities, and other work taking place throughout our schools. The goal is to give our community a better understanding of the many initiatives underway and the ways in which they support our students and our District's goals.

The Presentation Calendar will allow families and community members to see in advance what topics will be presented at upcoming Board meetings. We hope this advance notice will provide an opportunity for those who are interested in a particular topic to plan to attend the meeting in person or participate virtually.

Our Board of Education meetings are an important opportunity for the community to learn more about our schools, ask questions, and remain connected to the work of the District. We hope this new resource will make those opportunities even more accessible.

Looking Ahead

As we begin this new school year, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead. The successful opening of our schools, the arrival of our Nottingham preschoolers at Downing, and the many academic, extracurricular, artistic, athletic, and community opportunities planned for our students are all reminders of what makes the Malverne School District such a special place.

I want to thank our teachers, administrators, support staff, families, Board of Education members and community partners for the important role each of you plays in making our schools successful. Most importantly, I want to thank our students for bringing their enthusiasm, curiosity and spirit to our classrooms and school buildings each day.

I look forward to a wonderful 2026-2027 school year and to continuing to share the accomplishments, initiatives and celebrations of our students and staff with the entire Malverne community.
 

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria L. Rianna
Superintendent of Schools
Malverne Union Free School District