West Hempstead Weekly Update

This week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day — and WHe want to take a moment to speak directly to each and every educator in our district: thank you.

What you do every day goes far beyond delivering lessons. You build relationships, nurture confidence, and spark a love of learning that stays with students long after they leave your classroom. You show up not just when it's easy, but when it's hard, when resources are stretched, and when the demands feel endless.

On behalf of our Central Office and the entire district community, please know that your work is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. You are the heart of our schools — and we are proud to stand alongside you.

To our teachers: happy Teacher Appreciation Day. Every day, you make a difference.

Julia Carpio, an Adelphi University Teacher Resident placed within our district, has been selected as a recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award to Greece for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a remarkable and highly competitive honor, awarded through the Fulbright Program—the United States government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative.

Selection for a Fulbright Award is a testament to Julia’s exceptional professionalism, leadership, and commitment to education. Fulbright recipients are chosen for their ability to represent the very best of American education while fostering cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration. As a Fulbright recipient, Julia joins a distinguished global network of educators and leaders who contribute meaningfully to international partnership and educational excellence.

We are incredibly proud of Julia’s achievement and grateful for the impact she has made within our schools during her residency. This honor reflects not only her individual dedication but also the strength of our partnership with Adelphi University and our shared commitment to developing outstanding educators.

WHe are beyond RamProud to share that this week, our George Washington Elementary and the Secondary School Northside Mock Trial teams competed — and both came away as winners.

From the moment they walked into that courtroom, our students represented West Hempstead in every sense of the word. They looked the part, carried themselves with professionalism and poise, and embraced the experience with open minds and open hearts — forming new friendships along the way. Most importantly, they handled every moment exactly as we would hope and expect: with grace, composure, and the Habits of Mind that define who we are as a community of learners.

Watching our students step into the roles of lawyers and witnesses before real judges in Nassau County Supreme Court was nothing short of remarkable. They did not just compete — they excelled.

To our Mock Trial students, coaches, and the families who support them: we could not be more proud. You have shown our entire community what West Hempstead students are made of.

🎨 Celebrating Art With Heart: A Community Event You Won't Want to Miss

West Hempstead UFSD is proud to invite our entire community to Art With Heart — a joyful, free celebration of creativity, performance, and togetherness taking place on Sunday, May 17.

The afternoon will feature the grand opening of our District Art Gallery, live performances, and a one-of-a-kind collaborative community art project. Whether you're coming to create, watch, or simply soak it all in, there's a place for you here. Children are warmly encouraged to participate.

Following Art With Heart, we invite families and community members to experience the District Art Show Exhibition:

📅 Monday, May 18 & Tuesday, May 19
🕓 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This two-day showcase highlights the remarkable artistic work of our West Hempstead students — a powerful reminder of what our young people are capable of when given the space to create and express.

Are you a performer? We are looking for musicians, singers, dancers, and artists to share their talents on this special day. Contact Laila Sales, Director of Fine, Performing & Culinary Arts, at 516-390-3173.

This event is FREE and open to all. We hope to see you there.

🎬✈️ FREE Movie Night at Cradle of Aviation Museum! Join Ram Pathways 21st Century Program on Mon, June 1st, 6–8:30 PM. Enjoy a movie, museum galleries, activity stations & a scavenger hunt! Registration required—scan the QR code to sign up! 🌟

🌟 FREE Health & Wellness Fair! Join us Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 from 4–6 PM at West Hempstead Secondary School. Fitness, nutrition, gardening & health resources await! 💪🥗 Hosted by Ram Pathways 21st Century Program. Questions? Email cwhite@whufsd.com

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."

That time between class and lunch is always full of smiles at Chestnut Street! Our students bring so much energy, joy, and enthusiasm to every part of the school day — and these moments in between are no exception. Whether gathering on the classroom rug, connecting with classmates, or simply taking a breath before the next part of the day, our youngest Ram learners remind us every week why WHe love what WHe do. It's the little moments that make the biggest difference, and we are so RamProud of the warm, welcoming community our students and staff create together each and every day.

During a visit to Cornwell Avenue Elementary this week, it was clear that our students had their mathematician hats on! Classrooms were buzzing with mathematical thinking as students tackled problem solving, explored area, and worked through equivalent fractions. From every angle, literally, our young learners were engaged, curious, and rising to the challenge. It is always inspiring to see the depth of thinking happening in our classrooms, and Cornwell Avenue did not disappoint. RamProud of our students and the dedicated educators who bring mathematics to life every day!

Walk through the halls of George Washington School any day of the week, and you're bound to find one thing in every corner: students with their noses to books. From whole-class read-alouds gathered cozily on the carpet to small-group sessions at the table to independent reading woven into the daily routine, our students are embracing the joy of reading in every space and in every way. The excitement around literacy has even made its way into our science classrooms, proving that reading isn't just a subject — it's a habit of mind that cuts across every discipline. It is WHonderful to see our students and teachers making reading a living, breathing part of the school day at George Washington.

WHe are incredibly proud of our Ram Bytes team, who represented West Hempstead with excellence at last week's Hackathon held at Hauppauge Middle School! Competing against talented student coders from across the region, our Ram Bytes members showcased their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise — earning a well-deserved third-place finish. Watching our students collaborate under pressure and rise to the challenge is a true testament to the outstanding computer science culture we are building here in West Hempstead. A heartfelt thank you to the coaches, advisors, and families who support this remarkable group of young innovators. Ram Bytes, we are proud of you — keep coding! 💻🐏

This week, 7th grade math students tackled an exciting performance-based assessment task (PBAT) that brought mathematics to life through a real-world collaboration with Dario's Pizza. Students were challenged to investigate a bold marketing claim: does increasing a pizza size from 18 inches to 20 inches really give customers 25% more pizza at the same $21 price?

Using proportional reasoning, area models, and critical thinking skills, students analyzed data, built mathematical models, and evaluated whether the pizzeria's claim held up to scrutiny. The engaging task pushed students beyond textbook math — asking them to think like consumers, mathematicians, and communicators. As a culminating challenge, students chose to either design an accurate advertisement for the new pizza size or develop a fair pricing proposal supported by mathematical evidence.

The energy in the classroom was contagious, with students collaborating in groups, debating their findings, and discovering that math is not just something you learn in school — it's a tool for navigating the real world. This kind of meaningful, authentic learning is exactly what we strive to provide for every student in our district every day.

Congratulations to our Virtual Enterprise students, who represented our school with excellence at the Youth Business Summit (YBS) Trade Show at the Javits Center — an event that drew over 160 firms from across the region!

Our At Your Service team had a standout performance, earning Gold for Best Booth Design out of 25 competing firms, with only 10 receiving Gold in that category. They also earned recognition as a Top 25% finisher in the New York State E-Commerce Competition, a distinction based on work submitted earlier in the year.

Not to be outdone, our junior varsity firm Zip.It Up delivered an equally impressive showing, also capturing Gold for Best Booth Design — an honor awarded to just 3 of the 9 firms that placed in their category.

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 May arrives and spring settles in around us, a WHonderful energy fills our schools and neighborhoods. The end of the year is drawing near, and with it comes a sense of pride in all that our students have accomplished.

Spring is a season of growth, and nowhere is that more visible than in the remarkable progress our students continue to make every day. Our teachers and literacy specialists have worked tirelessly to create meaningful, joyful learning experiences, and the results are truly something to celebrate. Whether through a beloved book discovered at the start of the year, a new author found during Read Across America in March, or a story picked up over spring break, reading remains at the heart of everything we do.

As the school year enters its final stretch, I encourage every family to keep the momentum going strong. 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 and stories that reflect the very best of the RamFam. With so much still ahead before the close of the school year, I invite you to take a few moments to explore all that is happening across our district.

Here's to May, to growth, and to the bright futures ahead for each and every one of our students.

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 Office of Teacher and Leader Development (OTLD) has released a new series of crosswalks connecting the New York State Portrait of a Graduate to the New York State Teaching Standards, the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSELs – NYS Version), and the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE) Framework, alongside TeachingWorks High-Leverage Practices. These resources are designed to support coherence across educator preparation, teaching, and leadership practice.
• These resources help to illustrate how instruction, leadership, and culturally responsive practices support the development of Portrait of a Graduate attributes, provide a shared framework for aligning preparation, professional learning, and instructional practice, and support educator preparation programs (EPPs), school leaders, and educators in strengthening connections between teaching and student outcomes.

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.