In a cardiac emergency, YOU are the first responder until help arrives. Every minute counts. Be ready. Learn CPR and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers. heart.org/nation
#WHeRiseTogether: From Long Island to Albany — #WHe're Just Getting Started
For the first time in school history, West Hempstead Secondary School was invited to participate in the prestigious Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute — and #WHe showed up in a BIG way. 🖤💛
This year's theme, "Democracy in the Age of A.I.," challenged students to explore the intersection of technology and civic responsibility. Two of our finest scholars, Edin Morales Gomez (Senior) and Wilder Castro-Fuentes (Junior), represented our district as part of the Long Island Delegation — studying NYS legislation, the democratic process, and the impact of AI alongside 70 students from Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Through four full-day trainings, they sharpened their advocacy and public speaking skills, celebrated their multilingual identities, and connected with peers and high-level mentors in government across New York State.
Out of 70 Long Island delegates competing for just 45 spots at the Statewide Institute… WHe are proud to announce that Wilder Castro-Fuentes has been selected. 🖤💛
Wilder will travel to Albany, April 18–20, 2026, to represent West Hempstead at the NYS Capitol — and not just as a delegate. Wilder was also selected for a Specialty Role during the Mock Assembly, where he will debate live legislation on the floor of the actual State Assembly Chamber.
This is what leadership looks like. This is what West Hempstead looks like. #WHeRiseTogether
@WH_ENL | @wh_secondary
For the first time in school history, West Hempstead Secondary School was invited to participate in the prestigious Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute — and #WHe showed up in a BIG way. 🖤💛
This year's theme, "Democracy in the Age of A.I.," challenged students to explore the intersection of technology and civic responsibility. Two of our finest scholars, Edin Morales Gomez (Senior) and Wilder Castro-Fuentes (Junior), represented our district as part of the Long Island Delegation — studying NYS legislation, the democratic process, and the impact of AI alongside 70 students from Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Through four full-day trainings, they sharpened their advocacy and public speaking skills, celebrated their multilingual identities, and connected with peers and high-level mentors in government across New York State.
Out of 70 Long Island delegates competing for just 45 spots at the Statewide Institute… WHe are proud to announce that Wilder Castro-Fuentes has been selected. 🖤💛
Wilder will travel to Albany, April 18–20, 2026, to represent West Hempstead at the NYS Capitol — and not just as a delegate. Wilder was also selected for a Specialty Role during the Mock Assembly, where he will debate live legislation on the floor of the actual State Assembly Chamber.
This is what leadership looks like. This is what West Hempstead looks like. #WHeRiseTogether
@WH_ENL | @wh_secondary
🎶 Congrats to Benjamin Mora & Tzenul Jaramillo for being selected for the 2026 Tilles Festival Band! Chosen from nearly 300 nominations across 50+ Long Island high schools, these 128 students will perform at the 18th Annual LIU Post Band Festival! 🎺 #WHeRiseTogether
A huge THANK YOU to our incredible grounds and facilities crew for going above and beyond to ensure a safe return for our students and staff! 💪❄️
Busted hoses, faulty snow blowers, and transmissions on the fritz? Not even close to enough to stop them from getting the job done! Their dedication and hard work across all of our buildings —
🐏 @WHChestnut
🐏 @CornwellAveES
🐏 @WHGWashington
🐏 @wh_secondary
— is a true testament to what we're all about. #WHe are so grateful for everything you do behind the scenes to keep our school community safe!
#RamPride #WheRiseTogether #ThankYou #Unsung 🦸
Dear School Community,
Due to the weather conditions, all schools in our district will be closed on Tuesday, February 24.
This closure includes:
All regular school instruction
Before-school programs
After-school activities and programs
Evening events
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
WHe will now have school on Wednesday, April 1.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
The West Hempstead UFSD
You don't need medical training to save a life. What's required is knowledge, courage, and the willingness to act. Learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers today. heart.org/nation
Dear School Community,
Due to the weather conditions, all schools in our district will be closed on Monday, February 23.
This closure includes:
All regular school instruction
Before-school programs
After-school activities and programs
Evening events
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
WHe will now have school on Friday, April 10.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
The West Hempstead UFSD
Due to the weather conditions, all schools in our district will be closed on Monday, February 23.
This closure includes:
All regular school instruction
Before-school programs
After-school activities and programs
Evening events
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
WHe will now have school on Friday, April 10.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
The West Hempstead UFSD
Tough loss. Congratulations to Seaford and congratulations to our team on a terrific year.
After three...
At the half...
After one...
"I think it’s about recognizing that when we support one another, we can grow stronger together. This community believes in building trust and unity, and we’re also building a sense of belonging for all the people who attend our schools."
🏀 PLAYOFF TIME, RAMS NATION! 🐏
The West Hempstead Boys Basketball team is heading into the playoffs, and they need YOUR support! Come out to WHSS this Saturday, February 21st, at NOON as the Rams take on Seaford in what's sure to be an electric game.
Let's pack the gym and show Seaford what Rams Nation is all about! 🖤🏆
📍 West Hempstead High School
📅 Saturday, February 21
⏰ 12:00 PM
See you there! GO RAMS! 🐏🔥
#GoRams #RamsNation #WestHempstead #Playoffs #BoysBasketball #WHSS #WHeRiseTogether
The West Hempstead Boys Basketball team is heading into the playoffs, and they need YOUR support! Come out to WHSS this Saturday, February 21st, at NOON as the Rams take on Seaford in what's sure to be an electric game.
Let's pack the gym and show Seaford what Rams Nation is all about! 🖤🏆
📍 West Hempstead High School
📅 Saturday, February 21
⏰ 12:00 PM
See you there! GO RAMS! 🐏🔥
#GoRams #RamsNation #WestHempstead #Playoffs #BoysBasketball #WHSS #WHeRiseTogether
🏀 PLAYOFFS BEGIN! Come support our boys basketball team this Saturday, Feb 21 at noon at WHSS as they compete for glory! Let's pack the gym and show our #RamPride! 🐏 #WHeRiseTogether
Thank you to the parents for joining us at the @WHGWashington 6th-grade writing celebration! It is WHonderful to watch our students grow as writers! 📝✨
From listening to our students share their work to celebrating their progress together, today was a beautiful reminder of the power of community support in education. Thank you to our incredible staff for their dedication and efforts in nurturing our young writers.
#WHeRiseTogether 🎓💙
From listening to our students share their work to celebrating their progress together, today was a beautiful reminder of the power of community support in education. Thank you to our incredible staff for their dedication and efforts in nurturing our young writers.
#WHeRiseTogether 🎓💙
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
#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
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
2026 - 2027 District Calendar
#WHeRiseTogether
#WHeRiseTogether
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.
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.
Our @WHChestnut kindergarteners @CornwellAveES primary students are shining bright! 🖤💛 From interactive learning to creative projects, WHe love seeing our students engaged and happy. #WHeRiseTogether
