West Hempstead Weekly Update

Dear Community Members, Families, and Staff,

As WHe approach the winter break, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued dedication to our schools and students.

This season offers us an opportunity to pause from our daily routines and embrace what matters most. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply welcome the turning of the year, I hope you find time to reflect on the achievements and growth we've witnessed together, rejoice in the connections we've strengthened, and renew your spirit for the possibilities that lie ahead.

To our extraordinary staff: thank you for the countless ways you support, inspire, and nurture our students every single day. Your commitment to excellence and compassion does not go unnoticed. To our families and community members: your partnership and trust in our schools make all the difference in creating an environment where every child can thrive.

As we close out 2025 and welcome 2026, my wish for you is simple: may you experience the warmth of cherished moments with loved ones, the peace that comes from rest and reflection, and the joy that this special season brings. May the new year ahead bring you health, happiness, and hope.

Thank you for being part of our school community. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the coming year.

With warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year,

Central Office

Dina Reilly, Brian Phillips, and Dan Rehman

This marks our 13th year partnering with NYU Langone - Winthrop to bring holiday joy to families in our community. Through this cherished tradition, various departments "adopt" families to provide them with gifts and create magical holiday memories. Our dedicated staff members volunteer their time to personally deliver these gifts, making the experience even more special. This partnership represents one of our favorite times of the year—a reminder of the compassion and generosity that define our school community. We're grateful to NYU Langone - Winthrop for their continued collaboration and to our staff for their heartfelt commitment to making the holidays brighter for our families.

From the Fall Educator...The district is proud to announce that West Hempstead Secondary School senior Tzenul Jaramillo has been recognized by the New York State School Music Association for his outstanding musical talents and chosen to perform in the All-State Festival at NYSSMA’s annual Winter Conference, to be held Dec. 4-7 in Rochester, New York.

Jaramillo has been selected to perform in the Symphonic Band on clarinet. To qualify, students had to receive a score between 98 and 100 on their solo performance, judged by a NYSSMA All-State adjudicator. The All-State experience provides him with the opportunity to work with renowned conductors and perform alongside the most talented young musicians in New York.

The district congratulates Jaramillo on this outstanding accomplishment and recognizes the dedication of the secondary school’s music faculty in preparing students for success at the highest levels

This week, our talented Debate Team, under the leadership of Ms. Shannon, brought their love of learning to our youngest students at Chestnut Street. Team members visited Ms. Wagner's class for a special reading session, sharing two beloved stories: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! and Dragons Love Tacos. The students were captivated by the storytelling, and our debate team members even helped create custom bookmarks to commemorate the visit. This wonderful cross-grade collaboration exemplifies the spirit of community and mentorship that makes our district special. Thank you to Ms. Shannon, Ms. Wagner, and our dedicated Debate Team members for creating such a meaningful experience for our young learners!

WHe are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of our girls' volleyball program under the leadership of Coach Ms. Jillian Sarro. This season, our student-athletes have demonstrated the values WHe hold dear: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Congratulations to Valerie Schreck and Elizabeth Poirot, who have been honored with Nassau County Sportsmanship Awards—a testament to their character and integrity both on and off the court. Valerie has also earned All-Conference recognition and scholar-athlete honors, exemplifying the balance of athletic skill and academic dedication we encourage in all our students. Additionally, Elizabeth has been named All-County Honorable Mention, a well-deserved acknowledgment of her contributions to the team's success.

These achievements reflect the hard work, commitment, and positive spirit that define our volleyball program. Please join me in congratulating these remarkable young women and Coach Sarro for fostering an environment where students can thrive athletically, academically, and personally.

On Thursday, December 11th, I had the privilege of attending the Winning Futures (Formerly Winning Women) Leadership Conference with seniors Zoe Balogh and Elizabeth Poirot. Both are CEOs of our two Virtual Enterprise firms, At Your Service and Activ8, respectively. The conference was held in New York City at the Deloitte corporate offices and co-sponsored by Osaic, both powerhouse global wealth management companies.

The Winning Futures Leadership Conference is an early-career development program for student leaders enrolled in the VE program. Students had the opportunity to engage with and learn from inspiring business professionals about the skills needed to build successful careers.

The morning session began with a leadership coaching presentation by Lara Abrash, Chair of Deloitte’s U.S. Board. She emphasized the importance of taking responsible risks, communicating directly, and building a strong résumé. The next speaker, Carol Anne Riddell—host of Arts in the City on CUNY TV and a former NBC journalist and newscaster—shared her experience and offered practical guidance on building a personal brand, establishing a professional presence, and developing effective communication skills. The morning concluded with a financial empowerment workshop led by Amy Demchak of East Hampton UFSD.

After a networking lunch, attendees participated in small breakout sessions featuring themed activities focused on leadership, teamwork, and presentation skills. These sessions were led by business mentors from a wide range of fields at Deloitte and Oasic, including accounting and human resources, providing students with a broad professional perspective.

2026/2027 UPK General Interest/School Choice Survey

If you are a resident of the West Hempstead School District, and you have a child who will be four years of age by December 1, 2026, please scan the QR code in the flyer below and complete the survey to indicate your interest in the UPK program for September 2026.

• 26-27 UPK Survey Flyer

• 26-27 UPK Information Page

The Power of 15 Minutes

Just 15 minutes of reading together each day can transform your child's entire educational journey. Research shows that children who are read to for just 15 minutes daily are exposed to over 1 million words per year, compared to only 282,000 words for children who aren't read to regularly.

For more, see the PDF below or visit: https://www.whufsd.com/page/district-literacy

Dear West Hempstead Families,

As we enter this special season of celebration and togetherness, WHe filled with gratitude for the incredible literacy work happening across our district. This month's newsletter captures the heart of what makes our schools thrive: dedicated educators, engaged students, and supportive families working together to nurture a love of reading and writing in every child.

From our youngest learners in kindergarten stretching out sounds and labeling their first drawings, to our upper elementary students setting personalized literacy goals and transitioning between classrooms for targeted instruction, growth is happening at every level. Our teachers are collaborating, refining their practice, and ensuring that each student receives the individualized support they need to succeed.

What strikes me most about the work you'll read about in these pages is how literacy extends far beyond our classroom walls. Whether it's labeling items at home, creating holiday cards, cooking together with a recipe, or curling up with a seasonal story, families play an irreplaceable role in helping children see themselves as readers, writers, and storytellers.

This holiday season, WHe encourage you to embrace the simple, joyful literacy moments that bring families together across all traditions and celebrations. Read aloud by candlelight or under twinkling tree lights. Write notes to loved ones. Share stories from your own childhood. Ask your child about their learning goals. These small acts create lasting memories while building the skills and confidence our students need to thrive.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making West Hempstead a district where every child's literacy journey is supported with consistency, compassion, and community.

We believe that strong communication between home and school is essential for student success. The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a powerful tool that helps bridge this gap, providing real-time access to your child's academic progress.

Access Your Account

Visit the Parent Portal Link below. If you haven't set up your account, please contact the school office for your Access ID code.

Why It's Important

• Monitor grades and attendance
• View teacher comments and feedback
• Track assignments and due dates
• Communicate directly with teachers
• Stay informed about school events and announcements

By regularly checking the Parent Portal, you can play an active role in your child's education, addressing any concerns promptly and celebrating their achievements together.

We encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this valuable resource. If you need assistance with the Parent Portal, please don't hesitate to contact your child's main office.

Together, we can ensure every student reaches their full potential!

Parent Portal Link

https://powerschool.whufsd.com/public/

How to Video

https://youtu.be/eNZs_AloU-c

Main Office Phone Numbers

Chestnut Street - 390-3150

Cornwell Avenue - 390-3140

George Washington - 390-3130

Secondary School - 390-3218

We’ve teamed up with MySchoolBucks, an online service where you can easily and securely pay for school meals using a credit/debit card or electronic check.

Using MySchoolBucks you can:

● Add funds to your student’s meal account

● View meal balances & cafeteria purchases

● Receive low balance alerts

Get started in 4 easy steps:

1. Download the mobile app or visit myschoolbucks.com

2. Create your free account

3. Add your student

4. Add funds to your student’s meal account

If you have any questions about getting started with MySchoolBucks call (855) 832-5226. For any general questions please contact your child’s school.

ONEPAY from MySchoolBucks offers a one-time annual fee option to SAVE YOU MONEY!

• Annual savings plan offers reduced program fees when using MySchoolBucks for meal and school payments

  
  

• Allows user to pay program fees upfront from their bank account (e-checks), with unlimited payments for 12 months

• Offers a choice of two program fee payment packages:

• Single Student for $12.95 per year
• Family Plan for $26.95 per year (2 or more kids)

*Both plans cover 12 months from initial signup to ONEPAY

If you have any questions, please call the Food Service Office.

Nasrin Urmye, Food Service Director
(516) 390-3275
urmyen@whitsons.com

The Graduation Measures Initiative demonstrates the New York State Education Department’s commitment to transforming education in New York State to meet the expectations voiced by stakeholders and the challenges of the 21st century. While this is a monumental task that will take years to implement, it is essential to ensure New York State P-12 education meets the needs of all students, is culturally and linguistically responsive, and prepares our students for success in 21st century life, college, careers, service, and citizenry.

The Board of Regents has officially adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. This development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.

The Portrait of a Graduate is the result of extensive collaboration, incorporating feedback from educators, families, students, and community members across the state. It's grounded in research and evidence-based practices, drawing from successful models implemented by school districts nationwide.

This framework envisions education where rigorous academics meet the real-world skills students need to thrive in our rapidly changing society. Our goal extends beyond college and career readiness – we're preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

What This Means for Our District:

• Current graduation requirements remain unchanged
• The state will provide implementation guidance by summer 2027 through their NY Inspires plan
• Full statewide alignment begins with students entering 9th grade in the 2029-2030 school year
• Our district may begin reviewing our current practices against the Portrait framework as we prepare for implementation

This adoption aligns perfectly with our district's mission to provide every student with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need for lifelong success. We look forward to working with our school community as we explore how the Portrait of a Graduate will enhance our already strong educational programs.

More information about implementation will be shared as guidance becomes available from the state.

Recently, the Board of Regents approved the Portrait of a Graduate as a component of the state's new graduation measures. This portrait defines the six core attributes that students will possess upon graduating high schools in NYS. NYSED had created resources for educators and students to help them become familiar with the POG and how it will be integrated and rated by educators in the upcoming years. The statewide requirement for instruction to be aligned to the POG begins with students in the 2029 cohort (students entering grade 9 during the 2029-2030 school year). Below you will find a summary regarding the POG, along with some graphics:

Overall Vision

The NYSED Portrait of a Graduate presents a comprehensive, student-centered vision for success beyond high school. It emphasizes:

• Holistic development (academic, social, emotional, and cultural)
• Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE)
• Future readiness for college, careers, and civic life

Six Interconnected Attributes of a NYS Graduate

Every graduate is envisioned to be:

1. Critical Thinker
2. Creative Innovator
3. Effective Communicator
4. Reflective and Future-Focused
5. Culturally Responsive
6. Global Citizen

For Students

• Students are the center of the Portrait. Their voice, identity, and aspirations matter.

• Skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking will be developed through real-world applications.
• Growth is supported across academic, social, emotional, and cultural dimensions.
• Schools will assess student progress using performance tasks, portfolios, and presentations.

For Educators

• Educators play a critical role in implementing the Portrait through instruction, relationships, and assessment.

• Use local relevance—connect learning to community issues and student interests.
• Embed Portrait attributes into interdisciplinary and project-based learning.
• Align instruction with NYS Learning Standards, SEL Benchmarks, and the CR-SE Framework.

• Collaborate with families, administrators, and community partners to support student success.

• Rate student proficiency/progress on these attributes

For Administrators

• Lead by setting the vision, aligning systems, and fostering a culture that celebrates Portrait attributes.
• Ensure inclusive and evidence-based instruction across the district.
• Support educators in embedding Portrait skills and assessing student growth.
• Promote shared responsibility among educators, families, students, and community partners.
• Align district practices with state standards and frameworks.

Background

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is proposing amendments to Section 100.2 of the Commissioner’s Regulations based on recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures and the NY Inspires Plan. The goal is to ensure students graduate with essential life skills and knowledge for a changing world.

Key Changes

New Instructional Requirements:

· Personal Finance Education and Climate Education

· All public school students (K–12).

· Instruction must be completed by the end of each grade band:

o Elementary: Grade 4

o Middle: Grade 8

o High School: Grade 12

Phase-In Timeline

Requirement Middle & High School Elementary

Personal Finance 2026–2027 SY 2027–2028 SY

Climate Education 2027–2028 SY 2028–2029 SY

· Districts may implement earlier than required.

· Annual verification to the Commissioner during phase-in years.

Instructional Topics

Personal Finance: Budgeting, Credit/Debt Management, Earning Income, Risk Management, Savings & Investing.

Climate Education: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions for Climate Change.

NYSED will provide guidance to ensure culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate progression across grade bands.

Implementation Timeline

· Public Comment: Begins November 19, 2025 (60 days).

· Permanent Adoption: Anticipated March 2026.

· Effective Date: March 25, 2026.

What Administrators Need to Know

· Begin planning for integration of these topics into curricula.

· Prepare for annual verification requirements.

· Watch for NYSED guidance and resources to support implementation.

For more details, visit https://www.nysed.gov/

I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome as we embark on our 2025-2026 journey together. This year promises to be transformational as we unite under our powerful theme:

#WHeRiseTogether. This simple yet profound concept captures the essence of who we are and what we aspire to become as a unified educational community.

As we gather to begin this new chapter, I invite you to consider two fundamental questions that will guide our work together:

• Who is it you stand for?
• What is it you stand for?

These are not just philosophical prompts—they are the foundation of our collective mission to create schools where every student thrives.

#WHeRiseTogether embodies our commitment to the power of collective effort over individual achievement. In a world that often celebrates individual accomplishments, we choose to embrace the transformative potential of "We over me." When we prioritize our shared vision and work together as a cohesive team, we create a synergy that benefits everyone involved. Each educator, each staff member, and each student becomes a vital part of our collective success story.

This mindset requires a daily commitment to improvement, recognizing that small, consistent steps lead to significant progress over time. It requires the courage to step out of our comfort zones—individually and as a team—pushing boundaries and facing challenges head-on. This deliberate growth builds resilience and sharpens our collective awareness, preparing us to tackle even greater opportunities in the future.

Our Focus: At Least One Year's Worth of Progress

This year, we're committing to work that truly matters through three key results that will transform our learning environment:

Simplify Our Systems: We will eliminate redundant processes and reduce administrative burden, allowing you to focus on what matters most—teaching and learning. Our Burden Reduction Task Force will conduct monthly reviews to ensure we're streamlining rather than complicating your important work. Please see the email sent earlier in August for more information.

Strengthen Our Core Teaching Practices: We will provide protected collaborative planning time for grade-level and subject teams, renewed focus on the Plan-Implement-Evaluate cycle, and meaningful peer observation opportunities that honor your expertise and foster professional growth.

Support Innovation through Technology: We will integrate AI and technology tools that reduce administrative burden rather than increase it, providing professional learning that enhances your agency as educators and amplifies human connection rather than replacing it.

Navigating Change Together

As we implement these initiatives, I commit to leading with empathy, explaining the "why" behind our decisions, honoring the dedication that built our current systems, communicating early and often, and inviting ongoing dialogue. Your voice matters in this process—we need your wisdom and experience to succeed.

Creating Schools Where We All Rise

Together, we will create schools where:

• Work becomes great because curiosity drives it beyond obligation
• Students are seen, heard, and challenged to reach their full potential
• WHe have the time and support to focus on what matters most
• Collective triumph takes center stage over individual achievement

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe uses to engage students and close the aspiration gap. The framework encompasses several key principles aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students and staff:

The Designing Learning framework consists of: Connection Before Content, Acceleration not Remediation, Rethinking Success Criteria, Higher-Level Thinking, Student Agency, Authentic Work, and Technology Infusion.

1. Connection Before Content: This principle emphasizes building strong relationships and belonging in the classroom. It recognizes that when students feel connected to their teachers and peers, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn.

2. Acceleration, not Remediation: Rather than focusing solely on addressing deficits in students' knowledge or skills, this framework aspect promotes challenging students with content and tasks that allow them to excel and progress rapidly. It recognizes that students can achieve more when they are appropriately challenged.

3. Rethinking Success Criteria: This principle encourages educators to reconsider traditional notions of success and assessment. It involves clearly defining success in a given context and allowing for varied ways for students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery.

4. Higher-Level Thinking: The framework promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. It encourages educators to design learning experiences that push students to engage in deeper levels of thinking and analysis.

5. Student Agency: Empowering students to actively participate in their learning is a fundamental aspect of the framework. It encourages students to set goals, make choices, and take ownership of their educational journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility.

6. Authentic Work: This principle advocates real-world relevance in educational activities. It suggests that students should work on tasks and projects that have meaning and application beyond the classroom, making learning more engaging and practical.

7. Technology Infusion: Recognizing the role of technology in the modern world, this aspect of the framework encourages the thoughtful integration of technology into the learning process. It aims to leverage technology to enhance and expand educational opportunities.

By Art Costa, Bena Kallick, and Allison Zmuda

There is a growing recognition that mastering subject-area knowledge alone will not be sufficient to prepare your children for their futures. They will need deliberate practice and focused attention to grow their capacity as efficacious thinkers to navigate and thrive in the face of unprecedented change. Habits of Mind are a universal framework for thinking and are as essential now as when we first introduced them 30 years ago. Habits of Mind are dispositions people use when confronted with problems and situations to which answers are not immediately apparent. When we draw upon these intellectual resources, the results that are produced are more powerful, of higher quality and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those intellectual behaviors.

Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000

Articles and blurbs may be enhanced/written with various AI tools.