West Hempstead Weekly Update

Thursday, April 23rd, West Hempstead had the privilege of honoring the Top 25 students in our district at the Annual Achievement Dinner, and what an evening it was.

These remarkable young scholars have exemplified curiosity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence throughout their academic journeys. Their accomplishments are a testament not only to their own hard work but to the families who supported them and the teachers, counselors, coaches, and staff who served as architects of their success every step of the way.

A highlight of the evening was the tradition of our Top 25 honorees recognizing educators who made a lasting impact on their lives. There is no greater professional tribute than to be celebrated by the students you have helped shape, and this year's honored educators more than earned that distinction.

To our honorees: you have set a high standard for yourselves, and tonight was just the launching pad. The habits, grit, and integrity you have built here will carry you far beyond any award.

West Hempstead is #RamProud of each and every one of you. Congratulations!

To Our Community and Staff,

West Hempstead is at a defining moment. As we present the 2026-27 budget, we are confronting a $2 million gap created by a "perfect storm" of declining state aid and rising operational costs.

This budget is not just about numbers; it is about how we respond to reality while protecting the programs that make our district a model for the state. While the New York State budget remains under negotiation in Albany, we are moving forward now with a responsible plan to ensure West Hempstead remains "Ram Proud" and future-ready.

The Fiscal Reality

Our $2 million shortfall is the result of several converging pressures:

• Declining NYS Foundation Aid and expiring grants.

• Rising Costs: Increased transportation, special education mandates, and contractual obligations.

• The Human Impact: To close this gap, we must unfortunately "excess" 21 staff members. This is a formal process dictated by NYS Education Law §2510, driven entirely by budget needs—not performance. We are deeply grateful for the retirements and incentives that prevented this number from being even higher.

What We Are Protecting

Despite these cuts, our educational "non-negotiables" remain intact:

• Early Literacy: Protecting the structures that led to a 16% increase in reading skills.

• Elite Programs: AP courses, Culinary Arts, VEX Robotics, and Science Research are safe.

• Class Sizes: We remain committed to developmentally appropriate class sizes K–12.

• Mandated Services: All IEP and ENL services will be delivered in full.

Strategic Shifts

We are evolving how we support students through two purposeful changes:

1. Consultant Teacher Model: Shifting from ICT to a research-backed CT model to provide more targeted, intensive small-group instruction.

2. District Behavioral Coordinator: A new K–12 role to streamline behavioral assessments and family communication while creating long-term savings.

"We close this gap not with shortcuts, but with strategy. We reduce not for convenience, but with purpose. And we move forward not in spite of our community, but because of it. RamProud of our past. Ready for our future. Rising — together."

Like the season itself, the reading and writing of our youngest Rams at Chestnut Street are in full bloom this spring! Our early learners are blossoming into confident readers and writers, sharing their work with pride and enthusiasm. From lively library discussions where students showcase their drawings and written responses, to a beaming young reader proudly displaying her latest book selection, to a budding author crafting her very own story complete with illustrations — our Chestnut Street students are growing in remarkable ways. It is a joy to witness the love of literacy taking root in our community's youngest learners. WHe are so RamProud of the incredible work happening each and every day in our classrooms and STELLAR spaces!

This week, Cornwell Avenue School was buzzing with energy as learning took on many exciting forms. Students were treated to engaging PTA- and school-sponsored programs on recycling, bringing environmental awareness to life in a fun, interactive way. Meanwhile, classrooms were alive with purposeful instruction, from test preparation and character analysis to building background knowledge and more. No matter where you looked, the learning was truly oozing from every corner of the building. It was a WHonderful reminder of our teachers' dedication and our students' curiosity. We are RamProud of the vibrant, joyful learning community at Cornwell Avenue!

If you're looking for a place where young minds are being stretched, challenged, and inspired, look no further than George Washington School this week. Students tackled some of the most thought-provoking topics in education — from deep discussions on World War II and the Holocaust to the complexities of pre-algebra. They flexed their mathematical muscles by creating their own math problems, and unleashed their imaginations as they explored and developed their creative sides. From history to math to the arts, George Washington students are growing into the kind of well-rounded, critical thinkers our community can be RamProud of. The learning happening inside those walls is nothing short of inspiring, and it is a true testament to the outstanding educators who make it possible every single day.

The National Spanish Exam (NSE) is an online, motivational competition that recognizes, stimulates, and promotes students’ linguistic competence and proficiency in Spanish. In addition to the contest, the NSE is a standardized online assessment for grades 6-12, that measures both content standards (vocabulary and grammar) and performance standards (reading and listening comprehension). This tool provides valuable feedback on the students’ proficiency, monitoring and tracking their progress and development each year.

8th grade

Gold Winners

Allison Privado

Isabella Ramos

Mike Morocho (all highlighted students received a perfect test score)

Mia Giesen

Sophia Guevara

Lourdes Palomo

Sophia Cruz

Lilliana Macchia

Silver Winners

Matthew Alberto

Joy Ruiz Lopez

Amalia Jimenez Delgado

Erick Cruz

Grace Shanley

Honors Winners (top 50th percentile)

Chelsea St Cyre

Huda Syed

Audine Jean Francis

Elijah Woods

Ava Aklu

Ethan Chavez

Matthew Umana Reyes

Anggie Duran

Justin Asencio

Keyli Milagros Bermeo Banegas

7th Grade

Silver Winners

Olga Orozco Perez

Honors Winners

Jocelyn Santos Zavala

Ronal Duque

Camila Rivera

Isabela Garcia

Belinda Orozco Castro

Last weekend, Edin Morales (Grade 12) and Wilder Castro-Fuentes (Grade 11) represented West Hempstead at the statewide Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) Conference. Edin and Wilder were among only 250 students selected from across New York State to participate in this prestigious three-day event.

Throughout the weekend, students engaged in intensive workshops, a mock assembly, and direct advocacy with local legislators. Saturday’s sessions focused on " Democracy in the Age of AI," where Edin and Wilder explored topics such as Art in the Age of AI and Hispanic Legacies. These sessions, along with a vibrant cultural celebration, allowed our students to network and build community with peers from every corner of the state.

The weekend’s centerpiece took place on Sunday, as students took over the New York State Assembly chambers for a mock legislative session. Wilder Castro-Fuentes earned a distinguished specialty role—one of only two Long Island students to do so. He delivered the Remembrance Speech honoring the institute's founders, Angelo Del Toro and Carmen Perez-Hogan, in both Spanish and English.

Wilder spoke to an audience of esteemed leaders and students, including:

• Carl Heastie, NYS Assembly Speaker

• Karine Reyes, NYS Assemblywoman

• Dr. Betty Rosa, NYS Commissioner of Education

• Dr. John B. King Jr., SUNY Chancellor

• Paul Tonko, U.S. Congressman

During his speech, Wilder captured the essence of our West Hempstead Ram Vision, stating:

“He [Angelo Del Toro] understood something: powerful leadership doesn't begin someday. It begins now, in the minds and actions of the young people.”

Wilder and Edin demonstrated the power of “now” by researching, writing, and debating critical bills throughout their preparation workshops and the conference weekend.

These young leaders participated in the mock assembly with poise, debating four major bills using evidence-based arguments they had researched for months. Dr. DiGregorio attended the session to witness our students embodying what it means to be #RamProud. They demonstrated remarkable civic responsibility, speaking with the clarity and precision that defines young leaders.

To conclude the institute on Monday, the Long Island Delegation received a private tour of the Capitol with Assemblyman Phil Ramos. The students engaged in a candid discussion with him regarding the issues facing our local communities and the vital role young leaders play in shaping the future. #WHe are so proud of Wilder and Edin!

For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections Program has invited students of all grades and abilities to explore the arts, and this year our West Hempstead students rose to the occasion beautifully. Centered around the theme "I Belong," this year's program once again gave our young people the opportunity to express their hopes, feelings, and unique perspectives through original works in Photography, Visual Arts, Writing, and more.

We are incredibly proud to recognize the following West Hempstead students whose outstanding submissions were celebrated at this year's PTSA/WHEPTA Reflections event on April 22, 2026:

• Rohan Mathai, 10th Grade – Photography
• Evelyn Brancato, 7th Grade – Writing & Art
• Ameer Odeh, 6th Grade – Art
• Harsidak Kaur, 5th Grade – Writing
• Amari Lawe, 5th Grade – Writing
• Jayden Liu, 5th Grade – Writing
• Londyn McCants, 5th Grade – Writing
• Chloe Peets, 5th Grade – Writing
• Marco Russo, 5th Grade – Writing
• Caleb Cordero, 4th Grade – Art
• Miriam Odeh, 4th Grade – Art
• Emily Tambini, Kindergarten – Art

The Reflections Program reminds us that every student has a voice and a story worth sharing. Congratulations to each of these talented young artists, and sincere thanks to our PTSA/WHEPTA for their continued commitment to celebrating creativity in our schools. We are West Hempstead proud!

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 Community,

As April arrives and spring finally takes hold, there is a renewed energy in the air and in our schools. After a long winter, it is heartening to see our students stepping into this season with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of learning.

Spring is a time of growth, and nowhere is that more evident than in the progress our students make in the classroom each and every day. Our teachers and literacy specialists continue to create meaningful, joyful learning experiences, and the results speak for themselves. Whether through a well-loved book discovered earlier this year, a new author found during Read Across America last month, or a story stumbled upon over spring break, reading remains at the heart of everything we do.

As the days grow longer and the pace of the school year quickens, I encourage every family to keep the momentum going. A few minutes of reading each day at the breakfast table, on a quiet evening, or tucked into a weekend afternoon makes an extraordinary difference over time. The habits we nurture now lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery.

This month's newsletter is filled with highlights, achievements, and stories that reflect the very best of our West Hempstead community. I invite you to take a few moments to explore all that is happening across our district.

Here's to April, to growth, and to all that is still ahead for our students this spring.

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.