West Hempstead Weekly Update

WHe would like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who took the time to come out and vote in this year's budget vote and trustee election. We are pleased to share that the West Hempstead community has approved the proposed 2026–27 school budget, and we are equally pleased to announce that the West Hempstead Public Library budget was approved as well.

WHe also offer our congratulations to our re-elected and newly elected Board of Education trustees, Joseph Magaraci and George Damanis. We look forward to the experience, dedication, and fresh perspective they will bring to our Board.

These results show the strong partnership between our schools and the community we serve. Your continued support for our students, staff, and educational programs means the world to us. Thank you for investing in the future of West Hempstead.

🎬✈️ 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

Our District Art Show was nothing short of WHonderful! Walking through the exhibit, it was impossible not to be moved by the incredible creativity and talent on display from students across our district. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our talented FPCA art teachers — Joanna Karp, Christy Spinaris, Chrissy Ferrante, Francine Romeo, and Cassie Ross-Dinin — whose dedication and vision brought this beautiful show to life. The care and artistry they put into curating and displaying each piece made the event truly special. We are so proud of our student artists and grateful for the educators who inspire them every day!

This week, Chestnut Street hosted a "Bright Spots" event that truly embodied what teaching and learning look like at their best. In a powerful reversal of the traditional observation model, students took center stage leading administrators through the foundational literacy skills and center-based learning approaches they have been developing all year long. Through a structured observation and debriefing process rooted in our commitment to intentional, evidence-based literacy instruction, our administrative team had the privilege of learning directly from students. Their reflections offered an authentic learner perspective on what makes classroom practice meaningful and effective. Events like this remind us that when we invest in high-quality instruction, students don't just absorb learning they own it. Congratulations to the students and staff at Chestnut Street for shining a light on excellence! Hat tip to Ms. Scully, Ms. Hoffman, Ella,

This is Designing Learning.

This is student agency.

This is #WheRiseTogether.

What an incredible day at Cornwell Avenue! The concert was a WHonderful celebration of our students' musical talents, and the atmosphere was simply magical. A huge thank you to Ms. Byrnes for creating such a warm and inviting experience — her dedication to our students and to the performing arts truly shone through in every moment of the evening. The concert was musically inspiring. Congratulations to all of the students who performed — WHe couldn't be more RamProud!

At George Washington, learning takes many forms — and every one of them matters. This week, our classrooms were buzzing with energy and purpose. Students tackled real-world challenges, from exploring the engineering criteria behind climate-smart rooftop design to debating what laws ought to be in 2026. In small groups, our teachers worked side-by-side with students, providing the targeted support that helps every learner grow. Whole-class discussions sparked curiosity and collaboration, while hands-on skill work — including students marking up writing projected on the board together — reminded us that learning is an active, joyful process.

At George Washington, we believe growth doesn’t happen in just one way. Our students are growing academically through rigorous, meaningful work; socially through teamwork and shared discovery; and emotionally through the trust and relationships built every day between teachers and students. It is a privilege to witness the incredible things happening in our school community each and every week.

Congratulations to our student broadcasters on an outstanding showing at this year’s BASH Awards at Hofstra University! In just their second year of competition, our West Hempstead students brought home two honors — 2nd Place for Best PSA and 3rd Place for Best Anchors. These achievements are a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of our students and the staff who support them. We are incredibly proud and can’t wait to see what year three has in store!

The secondary school concerts were an absolute showstopper! Our secondary school students delivered truly memorable performances that left the audience in awe. None of it would have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our talented music educators — Mr. Coleman, Mr. DiPasquale, and Mr. Kane — who poured their hearts into preparing our students for these outstanding performances. Their passion for music and commitment to excellence is evident every time our students take the stage. Evenings like these remind us of the incredible things our young musicians are capable of, and we couldn't be more RamProud of each and every one of them. Bravo to all!

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.