#RamFam Spotlight: A Week of Excellence Across All Grade Levels

This week perfectly captured what it means to be part of the West Hempstead UFSD family.
Our elementary students kicked off the celebration by marking 100 days of school with creativity and joy, dressing up as 100-year-olds and reminding us that learning is an adventure at any age. Over at Washington Avenue, our NextGen Med students from the high school took on the role of teachers, leading engaging, hands-on lessons that gave middle schoolers a glimpse into the medical field and the power of peer mentorship. Meanwhile, our high school students took their voices to the next level, participating in the 2026 Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Long Island delegation, where they advocated for legislation that will impact their communities and demonstrate the kind of civic engagement we hope to inspire in all our students.

From our youngest learners to our soon-to-be graduates, the #RamFam continues to rise together—supporting one another, learning from one another, and proving that when we invest in our students, they invest in themselves and their communities.
We are #RamProud of every single one of them.

#WHeRiseTogether | #WestHempsteadUFSD | #StudentLeadership
about 10 hours ago, WHUFSD Rams
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2026 - 2027 District Calendar
#WHeRiseTogether
about 11 hours ago, WHUFSD Rams
Calendar 2026-2027 FINAL 2-10-26
Energy Performance Contract Approved: $12.86M Facilities Upgrade with Zero Tax Impact

The West Hempstead Union Free School District is pleased to announce the approval of a comprehensive Energy Performance Contract (EPC)—a transformative facilities modernization project that will upgrade aging infrastructure, improve student and staff comfort, and dramatically reduce energy costs without any new capital funding or tax increase.

Project Overview
The EPC represents a $12.86 million investment in our schools, addressing critical mechanical systems, energy efficiency, and sustainability goals. Through guaranteed energy savings and rebates totaling $1.57 million, the District will fund these essential upgrades over an 18-year term while realizing $556,000 in average annual savings and reducing energy consumption by 54%.

Scope of Work

This district-wide project includes:

Mechanical & Heating System Improvements: Replacement of aging boilers and domestic hot water systems, fuel switching for improved efficiency, new rooftop units and ventilators, and system optimizations
Building Controls & Energy Management: Upgraded automation systems for better temperature, ventilation, and humidity control, plus enhanced monitoring to reduce waste
Building Envelope & Infrastructure: Targeted improvements to insulation, system efficiency, and correction of deferred maintenance items
Renewable Energy & Lighting: Over $4.39 million in rooftop solar installations across district buildings and new energy-efficient LED exterior lighting

Benefits to Our Community
This budget-neutral project delivers multiple benefits:

Improved comfort and learning environments for students and staff
Increased reliability of mechanical systems
Reduced operating costs and energy consumption
Lower environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions
Long-term infrastructure improvements without new capital debt

Timeline
Installation is expected to take approximately 18 months. Energy Systems Group (ESG) will deliver this as a turnkey solution, coordinating design, construction, incentives, and verification while guaranteeing performance throughout the project term.

West Hempstead's Energy Performance Contract represents our commitment to fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and providing safe, comfortable learning environments for our students—today and for years to come.
about 11 hours ago, WHUFSD Rams
West Hempstead School District - EPC Overview - February 2026_Page_1
West Hempstead School District - EPC Overview - February 2026_Page_2
Our @WHChestnut kindergarteners @CornwellAveES primary students are shining bright! 🖤💛 From interactive learning to creative projects, WHe love seeing our students engaged and happy. #WHeRiseTogether
about 13 hours ago, WHUFSD Rams
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“We get to learn lots of things together like reading and science. My favorite activity was tasting yummy apples that were sweet and sour.”
1 day ago, WHUFSD Rams
Photo of Joseph Suazo, Chestnut Street School kindergartner
Smiles, Growth & Learning Across Every Classroom

What WHe see here at Washington School is students thriving! From strengthening their reading and writing skills in ELA to applying literacy in Science as they solve real-world problems, our learners are engaged, collaborative, and confident.

These smiles? They're proof that when students feel supported and challenged, amazing things happen. WHe rise together—and every day, WHe see our students shine a little brighter.

#WHeRiseTogether
1 day ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Each year, more than 9,200 children experience cardiac arrest related to sports. Be ready when it matters most. Learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers today. heart.org/nation
3 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Learning in Every Moment: Kindergarten Excellence at Chestnut Street

At @WHChestnut, our kindergarten classrooms are vibrant centers of discovery where learning happens in countless ways throughout the day. This week, WHe witnessed our youngest Rams embracing diverse learning opportunities with enthusiasm, curiosity, and the kind of joy that reminds us why WHe do this work.

Literacy Development: Building Confidence and Skills
In our kindergarten classrooms, literacy instruction goes far beyond phonics worksheets. Students are becoming confident writers and communicators, proudly presenting their writing pieces to classmates. These presentations serve multiple purposes: they build writing skills, develop public speaking abilities, foster confidence, and create a classroom culture where student voice is valued and celebrated.

Spelling practice is happening daily, with students developing the foundational skills that will support their reading and writing for years to come. These early literacy experiences are carefully designed to be engaging, meaningful, and appropriately challenging—setting students up for long-term academic success.

Social Studies: Understanding Our World
Kindergarten is also where WHe begin building informed, thoughtful citizens. This week, our students engaged with important social studies concepts, learning about the significance of veterans in America. These lessons introduce young learners to the concepts of service, sacrifice, and community, helping them understand their place in a larger story and develop an appreciation for those who serve.

Age-appropriate social studies instruction helps kindergarteners begin to make sense of the world around them, building knowledge and values that will grow more sophisticated as they progress through their education.

Social-Emotional Learning: The Skills That Matter
Learning doesn't stop when formal instruction ends. During indoor recess—a necessity given our winter weather—our kindergarteners are developing essential social skills that are as important as academic content. They're practicing cooperation, learning to solve problems with peers, navigating the complexities of friendship, and developing the emotional intelligence that will serve them throughout their careers.

These moments of play and social interaction are carefully supervised and thoughtfully guided by our skilled educators, who understand that social-emotional development is foundational to all other learning.

The Chestnut Street Approach
What makes kindergarten at Chestnut Street exceptional is the holistic understanding that learning takes many forms and happens in every moment. Our educators create environments where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally—where presenting writing builds confidence, spelling practice builds skills, social studies builds understanding, and indoor recess builds relationships.

Every interaction, every activity, every moment is an intentional learning opportunity designed to help our youngest Rams develop into capable, confident, compassionate learners.
Thank you to our dedicated Chestnut Street staff for the care, creativity, and expertise you bring to kindergarten education every single day. You're building foundations that will last a lifetime.

This is where confident learners begin. This is where WHe Rise Together. 🖤💛

#WHeRiseTogether
6 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Engaged Learning Across Our District

This week, our classrooms were filled with the kind of engaged learning that makes our district special. From focused problem-solving to hands-on STEM challenges and collaborative work, students across our schools demonstrated dedication, creativity, and teamwork.

In one classroom, students worked diligently on problem-solving, showcasing the preparation and effort they've invested throughout the year. Meanwhile, in our STEM spaces, learners gathered around robotics challenges and scientific experiments,
collaborating with peers and teachers to explore solutions and test hypotheses. These moments of discovery—whether students were huddled over lab equipment, programming robots, or working through complex problems together—remind us why hands-on learning is so powerful.

What stood out most was the level of student engagement and the supportive learning environments our educators continue to foster. Whether students were independently focused on their work or actively collaborating in small groups, the commitment to excellence was evident in every classroom.

These are the moments that build the foundation for future success. #WHeRiseTogether
6 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Your child is your whole heart. Cardiac arrest causes 10-15% of unexpected infant deaths. Learn CPR today so you can be ready and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers. heart.org/nation
7 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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🍕 Support West Hempstead seniors! Dine at Gino's Pizzeria on the 1st Wednesday of each month (Jan 7-May 6) & 10% of proceeds go to WHCSF scholarships. Present this flyer—excludes delivery/coupons. 619 Woodfield Rd | (516) 292-0062 #CommunityFirst
8 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Small Group Learning: Where Every Student Shines

This week, WHe celebrated one of the most powerful instructional strategies in education—small-group learning—and observed it in action at @CornwellAveES.

When you walk into our classrooms, you'll see students gathered around tables with their teachers, diving deep into texts during guided reading. You'll notice collaborative work sessions in which peers support one another's learning. You'll find cozy corners where focused instruction happens at eye level, with teachers and students building genuine connections.

Why Small Groups Matter:

Personalized Attention: Every student receives instruction tailored to their specific needs and learning level

Meaningful Engagement: Students are active participants in their learning, not passive observers

Relationship Building: Teachers connect with students on a deeper level, fostering trust and confidence

Differentiated Support: Educators can provide targeted interventions and enrichment simultaneously

What stands out most in these learning moments is the genuine connection between our educators and students. Whether working at tables, sitting on classroom rugs, or huddled in learning centers, our teachers are creating spaces where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to take risks.

Small group instruction is more than a teaching strategy—it's a commitment to seeing each child as an individual and meeting them exactly where they are on their learning journey.

Thank you to our incredible staff at @CornwellAveES and across the district for your dedication to personalized learning. These moments matter. These connections last. This is how WHe Rise Together. 🖤💛

#WHeRiseTogether
8 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Mental Sweat: The Commitment Behind Excellence at George Washington

Success doesn't happen by chance—it's cultivated through dedication, effort, and what WHe call "mental sweat." This week at @WHGWashington, that commitment was visible in every corner of our building, from classrooms buzzing with discovery to collaborative planning sessions where educators refine their practice.

Student Engagement and Growth
Walk into any classroom at George Washington, and you'll see students fully immersed in meaningful learning experiences:

Science Simulations: Students are exploring complex concepts through hands-on technology, actively discovering rather than passively absorbing information

Math Mastery: Collaborative problem-solving sessions where students develop critical thinking skills and build mathematical confidence

Physical Wellness: Recognition that an active body supports an active mind, with students engaging in movement that energizes their learning

Educator Collaboration and Excellence
Behind every successful classroom is a team of dedicated professionals producing their own mental sweat:

Data-Driven Planning: Teachers and administrators gathering in preparation meetings to analyze student performance and strategize targeted support

Professional Learning Communities: Educators collaborating to develop their craft, share innovative practices, and hold one another accountable to the highest standards

Continuous Improvement: A culture where every educator is both a teacher and a learner, constantly refining their approach to meet student needs

Community and Connection
Perhaps most importantly, WHe're celebrating the return of valued colleagues to our George Washington family. These moments remind us that behind all the strategies, data, and lesson plans are real people who care deeply about our students and one another. The continuity and experience they bring back to our classrooms enriches the entire community.

The Mental Sweat Mindset
Mental sweat is more than effort—it's purposeful, focused work directed toward meaningful goals. It's the understanding that excellence requires commitment from everyone: students willing to tackle challenges, educators dedicated to continuous growth, and a community that supports both.

This week at George Washington, WHe witnessed this mindset in action. Whether students are grappling with new concepts or teachers are collaborating to refine their practice, everyone is producing the mental sweat necessary to fulfill their potential.

This is what it means to Rise Together. This is the foundation of
excellence. 🖤💛

#WHeRiseTogether
8 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Join us TONIGHT at 8PM for "The Empowered Child" with Shimmy Trencher, LCSW! Learn about nurturing self-esteem & positive discipline. HANC Reinstein Campus, 240 Hempstead Ave. RSVP: dloike@hanc.org #WestHempstead #Parenting

9 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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This American Heart Month, join the Nation of Lifesavers. CPR can save lives—especially for infants and children. Be ready when it matters most. Learn CPR today: https://www.whufsd.com/page/american-heart-association
10 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
2025 HM - YouTube cover banner
Snowed in at @WHChestnut Street! ❄️ Students, teachers & administrators had a blast turning learning into play with sight word snowballs. When winter keeps us inside, we make it educational AND fun! 📚⛄ #SnowDay #LearningThroughPlay #WHeRiseTogether @jeannine_scully
10 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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⚽ FREE West Hempstead Soccer Clinic! 📅 Sunday, Feb 1 📍 West Hempstead Secondary School South Gym ⏰ K-3rd: 10-11am | 4th-8th: 11am-12pm Bring sneakers & a ball! Sign up now! 🔥
11 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Soccer Clinic
A Night Under the Stars Shines Bright!

The West Hempstead Union Free School District community came together Thursday evening for an unforgettable celebration of student talent at "A Night Under the Stars," our districtwide talent show held at the WHSS Auditorium.

Our students delivered phenomenal performances that showcased the depth and breadth of talent across our district. From beautiful vocal performances and impressive piano solos to dynamic dance numbers and captivating cultural presentations, each act demonstrated the incredible dedication, creativity, and confidence of our Rams.

The evening was a testament to the power of the arts in education and the importance of providing platforms for students to express themselves and share their gifts with the community. The energy in the auditorium was electric as families, staff, and community members filled the seats to support our young performers.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Fine, Performing, and Culinary Arts (FPCA) Department and the PTSA Parents Supporting the Arts for organizing this wonderful event. Their commitment to celebrating and nurturing student talent creates opportunities that inspire and empower our students.

Thank you to all the families who attended and showed such enthusiastic support for our performers. Your presence made the evening even more special and meaningful.

Congratulations to all our talented students who participated in "A Night Under the Stars." You truly shined and made our entire West Hempstead community RamProud.

Keep reaching for the stars, Rams!
12 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Talent Show
Talent Show
6th Grade Digital Citizenship Success: Students Lead the Way in Online Safety Education

George Washington School's library was filled with pride and innovation today as 6th-grade students presented their self-created digital safety videos during our Digital Citizenship Safety Video Publishing Party.

Throughout the day, students from six different homerooms showcased their independent projects designed to teach 4th graders how to stay safe online. The presentations covered essential topics, including scam identification, personal information protection, and responsible digital behavior.

What makes this initiative particularly powerful is the peer-to-peer learning model. By positioning 6th graders as educators and role models, WHe are fostering leadership skills while reinforcing critical digital literacy lessons that will serve students throughout their lives.
The creativity, confidence, and knowledge demonstrated by our young digital citizens reflect our district's ongoing commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly connected world. This project exemplifies how West Hempstead UFSD integrates real-world skills into meaningful learning experiences.

Congratulations to all our 6th-grade students and their teachers on this stellar achievement!
13 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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📚✨ Our students brought "Dreamers" to life today during an interactive read aloud! They courageously shared their own experiences and connected deeply with the story. RamProud of these amazing young voices! 💙 #DreamersBook #InteractiveReading #StudentVoices #WHeRiseTogether
13 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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