✨ Mark your calendars! Join us for West Hempstead Community Wellness Day on Sunday, November 16 from 12-3 PM. A day of health, wellness & community connection. See you there! 🌟 #WHeRiseTogether #WellnessDay
Learning, Leadership, and Community at West Hempstead Secondary School
October 24, 2025
This week, WHe had the privilege of visiting West Hempstead Secondary School, and WHe were truly inspired by the dynamic learning environment and strong sense of community our students and staff have created together.
Student Leadership & Innovation in Action
From the moment WHe walked through the doors, WHe witnessed incredible examples of student leadership and innovation. Our entrepreneurial students are running the Ram Café, gaining real-world business experience while serving their peers. This hands-on learning opportunity is preparing them not just for academic success, but for real-world challenges and opportunities.
Collaborative Learning & Meaningful Support
Throughout our visit, WHe observed meaningful one-on-one student support, collaborative learning happening in hallways and classrooms, and engaging professional learning sessions where our educators continue to refine their craft. The commitment to continuous improvement—from both students and staff—was evident everywhere.
Culture of Connection & Care
What stood out most was the personal connection between students and staff. Whether it was students working independently on Chromebooks, engaging in deep conversations with teachers, or simply supporting one another in the hallways, the culture of respect and care was evident everywhere. Our students are building the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to succeed—not just academically, but in life.
Student Voice & Agency
WHe were also moved to see our commitment to student voice and agency in action, including moments where students were taking ownership of their learning and their school community. The pride our Rams have in their school is palpable, and it's a testament to the incredible work happening every day.
A Community Rising Together
Thank you to our SS administration, our dedicated faculty and staff, and our amazing students for embodying what it means to rise together. West Hempstead Secondary School continues to be a place where students are prepared, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
View photos from our Secondary School visit in the gallery below.
#WHeRiseTogether
October 24, 2025
This week, WHe had the privilege of visiting West Hempstead Secondary School, and WHe were truly inspired by the dynamic learning environment and strong sense of community our students and staff have created together.
Student Leadership & Innovation in Action
From the moment WHe walked through the doors, WHe witnessed incredible examples of student leadership and innovation. Our entrepreneurial students are running the Ram Café, gaining real-world business experience while serving their peers. This hands-on learning opportunity is preparing them not just for academic success, but for real-world challenges and opportunities.
Collaborative Learning & Meaningful Support
Throughout our visit, WHe observed meaningful one-on-one student support, collaborative learning happening in hallways and classrooms, and engaging professional learning sessions where our educators continue to refine their craft. The commitment to continuous improvement—from both students and staff—was evident everywhere.
Culture of Connection & Care
What stood out most was the personal connection between students and staff. Whether it was students working independently on Chromebooks, engaging in deep conversations with teachers, or simply supporting one another in the hallways, the culture of respect and care was evident everywhere. Our students are building the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to succeed—not just academically, but in life.
Student Voice & Agency
WHe were also moved to see our commitment to student voice and agency in action, including moments where students were taking ownership of their learning and their school community. The pride our Rams have in their school is palpable, and it's a testament to the incredible work happening every day.
A Community Rising Together
Thank you to our SS administration, our dedicated faculty and staff, and our amazing students for embodying what it means to rise together. West Hempstead Secondary School continues to be a place where students are prepared, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
View photos from our Secondary School visit in the gallery below.
#WHeRiseTogether
Building Bright Futures: A Visit to Our Early Childhood Classrooms
October 24, 2025
This week, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit our early childhood classrooms at Chestnut Street Elementary and witness firsthand the incredible learning that takes place every day. What we saw reminded us exactly why West Hempstead's early childhood program is such a vital part of our district.
Learning Through Exploration
From hands-on exploration with colorful manipulatives and pattern blocks to focused literacy work and collaborative activities, our youngest Rams are thriving in environments specifically designed to nurture their natural curiosity and support their developmental needs.
Engagement at Every Turn
We were particularly impressed by the engaging, interactive lessons taking place across our classrooms. Students were deeply immersed in their work—practicing letter recognition, working together at learning centers, and building critical foundational skills through play-based learning. The level of focus and enthusiasm was truly inspiring.
Dedicated Educators Making a Difference
The dedication of our teachers and support staff shines through in every interaction. They create warm, structured environments where each child feels supported, challenged, and valued. Their commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them grow is what makes our early childhood program exceptional.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
It's moments like these that remind us of the incredible work happening throughout our district. Our early childhood program continues to provide the strong foundation our students need to become confident, capable learners—not just for kindergarten, but for life.
Thank you to our educators for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for fostering a love of learning from the very start.
View photos from our classroom visit in the gallery below.
#WHeRiseTogether
October 24, 2025
This week, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit our early childhood classrooms at Chestnut Street Elementary and witness firsthand the incredible learning that takes place every day. What we saw reminded us exactly why West Hempstead's early childhood program is such a vital part of our district.
Learning Through Exploration
From hands-on exploration with colorful manipulatives and pattern blocks to focused literacy work and collaborative activities, our youngest Rams are thriving in environments specifically designed to nurture their natural curiosity and support their developmental needs.
Engagement at Every Turn
We were particularly impressed by the engaging, interactive lessons taking place across our classrooms. Students were deeply immersed in their work—practicing letter recognition, working together at learning centers, and building critical foundational skills through play-based learning. The level of focus and enthusiasm was truly inspiring.
Dedicated Educators Making a Difference
The dedication of our teachers and support staff shines through in every interaction. They create warm, structured environments where each child feels supported, challenged, and valued. Their commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them grow is what makes our early childhood program exceptional.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
It's moments like these that remind us of the incredible work happening throughout our district. Our early childhood program continues to provide the strong foundation our students need to become confident, capable learners—not just for kindergarten, but for life.
Thank you to our educators for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for fostering a love of learning from the very start.
View photos from our classroom visit in the gallery below.
#WHeRiseTogether
📚✨ Amazing Family Literacy Night! Families explored activities, celebrated reading, and connected with our community. From crafts to music, every corner buzzed with learning and joy. Thank you to everyone who made this special! 💙 #WHeRiseTogether @WHHumanities
Hearts & Minds: Empathy, Innovation, and Joy at Cornwell Avenue
This week, WHe visited Cornwell Avenue School and witnessed education at its finest—where academic excellence meets character development in powerful ways.
In one particularly moving classroom visit, students gathered on the floor for an engaging lesson about empathy, exploring what it means to understand and care for others' feelings. "Watching these young learners dive into such important character-building work showed me that our educators aren't just teaching content—they're building compassion that will last a lifetime," shared Ms. Reilly.
Throughout the building, technology integration was seamlessly woven into the learning experience. Students collaborated on laptops, engaged in interactive literacy activities, and participated in digital learning experiences while teachers expertly blended traditional and modern approaches through small group instruction and whole-class discussions.
What stood out most during the visit was the focus and determination visible on students' faces—whether they were working independently at their desks, collaborating with peers, or participating in engaging read-aloud sessions. The school's pajama day added an extra layer of comfort and joy to the learning environment, reinforcing that school should be a place where students feel safe, valued, and excited to grow.
"Thank you to the entire Cornwell community for creating such a nurturing, dynamic learning environment," said Ms. Sinito. "Your dedication to developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—is the foundation of everything we do."
#WHeRiseTogether
This week, WHe visited Cornwell Avenue School and witnessed education at its finest—where academic excellence meets character development in powerful ways.
In one particularly moving classroom visit, students gathered on the floor for an engaging lesson about empathy, exploring what it means to understand and care for others' feelings. "Watching these young learners dive into such important character-building work showed me that our educators aren't just teaching content—they're building compassion that will last a lifetime," shared Ms. Reilly.
Throughout the building, technology integration was seamlessly woven into the learning experience. Students collaborated on laptops, engaged in interactive literacy activities, and participated in digital learning experiences while teachers expertly blended traditional and modern approaches through small group instruction and whole-class discussions.
What stood out most during the visit was the focus and determination visible on students' faces—whether they were working independently at their desks, collaborating with peers, or participating in engaging read-aloud sessions. The school's pajama day added an extra layer of comfort and joy to the learning environment, reinforcing that school should be a place where students feel safe, valued, and excited to grow.
"Thank you to the entire Cornwell community for creating such a nurturing, dynamic learning environment," said Ms. Sinito. "Your dedication to developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—is the foundation of everything we do."
#WHeRiseTogether
LITERACY SPOTLIGHT: Building a Community of Readers
West Hempstead UFSD is committed to developing strong readers at every grade level. This year, literacy is our focus, and we invite everyone in our community to join us in this important work.
The Power of Reading:
• Improves academic performance across all subjects
• Builds vocabulary and language skills
• Develops empathy and understanding
• Sparks imagination and creativity
• Prepares students for college and career success
District-Wide Literacy Goals:
✓ Every student reading at or above grade level
✓ Increased access to diverse literature
✓ Strong home-school literacy partnerships
✓ Cultivating a love of reading that lasts a lifetime
Get Involved:
• Attend our upcoming literacy events
• Volunteer in our libraries
• Donate books to our schools
• Share what you're reading with the hashtag #WHeRiseAbove
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." - Kofi Annan
Let's build that bridge together for every child in West Hempstead.
#WHeRiseTogether #CommunityReading #LiteracyGoals #EducationExcellence
West Hempstead UFSD is committed to developing strong readers at every grade level. This year, literacy is our focus, and we invite everyone in our community to join us in this important work.
The Power of Reading:
• Improves academic performance across all subjects
• Builds vocabulary and language skills
• Develops empathy and understanding
• Sparks imagination and creativity
• Prepares students for college and career success
District-Wide Literacy Goals:
✓ Every student reading at or above grade level
✓ Increased access to diverse literature
✓ Strong home-school literacy partnerships
✓ Cultivating a love of reading that lasts a lifetime
Get Involved:
• Attend our upcoming literacy events
• Volunteer in our libraries
• Donate books to our schools
• Share what you're reading with the hashtag #WHeRiseAbove
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." - Kofi Annan
Let's build that bridge together for every child in West Hempstead.
#WHeRiseTogether #CommunityReading #LiteracyGoals #EducationExcellence
"I am proud to be part of the West Hempstead School District community. At Chestnut Street School, I enjoy being surrounded by a nurturing environment dedicated to early childhood education. It is inspiring to watch our youngest learners grow each day as they build the foundational skills that set them up for future success. The district’s commitment to helping every child thrive makes this a truly special place to learn, grow, and work!"
Tonight's the night! 🌍📚
Rams Around the World Literacy Night starts at 6:30 pm. Bring your family. See your student light up. Experience the magic when a community rises together around reading.
#WHe can't wait to see you.
#WHeRiseTogether #RamsAroundTheWorld
Rams Around the World Literacy Night starts at 6:30 pm. Bring your family. See your student light up. Experience the magic when a community rises together around reading.
#WHe can't wait to see you.
#WHeRiseTogether #RamsAroundTheWorld
Creativity & Commitment: A Week Inside George Washington School
This week, Superintendent [Name] visited classrooms at George Washington School and witnessed the incredible learning taking place throughout our building. From engaging collaborative work sessions where teachers and students connect around shared goals, to dedicated educators bringing superhero and Disney magic to their learning spaces, GW is alive with creativity and commitment.
Students were observed deeply engaged in research and presentations, exploring topics like early humans and prehistory with curiosity and focus. In another classroom, young learners worked together on geography projects, demonstrating the power of teamwork and hands-on learning.
These moments remind me why we do what we do—to inspire, challenge, and support every student in reaching their full potential.
The dedication of GW staff continues to shine through in everything they do. Whether it's creating welcoming, inspiring classroom environments or fostering collaboration among colleagues, our educators go above and beyond every day to ensure our students thrive.
Thank you to our entire George Washington community for your continued partnership in making it a place where students love to learn and staff are empowered to do their best work. Together, we are building bright futures.
#WHeRiseTogether
This week, Superintendent [Name] visited classrooms at George Washington School and witnessed the incredible learning taking place throughout our building. From engaging collaborative work sessions where teachers and students connect around shared goals, to dedicated educators bringing superhero and Disney magic to their learning spaces, GW is alive with creativity and commitment.
Students were observed deeply engaged in research and presentations, exploring topics like early humans and prehistory with curiosity and focus. In another classroom, young learners worked together on geography projects, demonstrating the power of teamwork and hands-on learning.
These moments remind me why we do what we do—to inspire, challenge, and support every student in reaching their full potential.
The dedication of GW staff continues to shine through in everything they do. Whether it's creating welcoming, inspiring classroom environments or fostering collaboration among colleagues, our educators go above and beyond every day to ensure our students thrive.
Thank you to our entire George Washington community for your continued partnership in making it a place where students love to learn and staff are empowered to do their best work. Together, we are building bright futures.
#WHeRiseTogether
See You Tomorrow! 🌍
Rams Around the World Literacy Night is just around the corner. Bring your family, bring your curiosity, and be part of something special.
One day to go. One night to inspire. One community rising together.
Oct 23 | 6:30-8:00 pm | West Hempstead Secondary School
Rams Around the World Literacy Night is just around the corner. Bring your family, bring your curiosity, and be part of something special.
One day to go. One night to inspire. One community rising together.
Oct 23 | 6:30-8:00 pm | West Hempstead Secondary School
Board of Education Appreciation WHe are RamProud to honor the extraordinary contributions of our Board members. These devoted public servants donate personal time to advance educational excellence in our district, wrestling with complex challenges that shape our students' educational journey. Beyond board meetings, our Board members remain deeply engaged—attending school events, pursuing professional growth opportunities, and championing our district's mission with unwavering advocacy. Their leadership is woven into the fabric of our schools, influencing every lesson taught, every program offered, and every student we serve. Tonight, we celebrate not just their official roles, but their genuine commitment to our students, educators, and entire community. The ripple effects of their service—their principled decision-making, their vision, and their steadfast support—strengthen our district daily. WHe are grateful to offer our collective thanks to each Board member. On behalf of our teachers, administrators, staff, students, and families, we recognize and deeply appreciate your remarkable service and your enduring commitment to educational excellence. #WHeRiseTogether
WHUFSD & That's My Brick created a legacy walk at the @wh_secondary athletic complex gateway. Show your #RamPride by purchasing a personalized brick! Info: https://www.whufsd.com/article/2471164 #WHeRiseTogether
Rams Around the World: Literacy Night | October 23rd
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating reading, imagination, and global citizenship!
Explore. Imagine. Read your way around the globe with West Hempstead Secondary School.
📅 Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
⏰ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 West Hempstead Secondary School
🌟 Special Guests: J. Coles Hip Hop Kids
This is more than an event—it's a celebration of what's possible when students see reading as an adventure, when imagination has no limits, and when a whole community gathers around literacy.
Free admission | Bilingual | Family-Friendly
#WHeRiseTogether #LiteracyNight #RamsAroundTheWorld
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating reading, imagination, and global citizenship!
Explore. Imagine. Read your way around the globe with West Hempstead Secondary School.
📅 Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
⏰ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 West Hempstead Secondary School
🌟 Special Guests: J. Coles Hip Hop Kids
This is more than an event—it's a celebration of what's possible when students see reading as an adventure, when imagination has no limits, and when a whole community gathers around literacy.
Free admission | Bilingual | Family-Friendly
#WHeRiseTogether #LiteracyNight #RamsAroundTheWorld
🎙️ A huge thank you to Mr. Bob Vecchio (@bobvecchio21), Executive Director of N-SSBA (https://www.facebook.com/NSSBA22/), for hosting members of our #RamFam on the latest edition of Spotlight On Schools!
We're grateful to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Ms. Dina Reilly, Executive Director of PPS Ms. Bridget Karis, and Director of ENL & Instructional Technology Dr. Katie DiGregorio for sharing their insights and expertise.
🔗 Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/spotlight-on-schools-10-18-25-west-hempstead
#SpotlightOnSchools #NSSBA #EducationLeadership #ProudRams
We're grateful to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Ms. Dina Reilly, Executive Director of PPS Ms. Bridget Karis, and Director of ENL & Instructional Technology Dr. Katie DiGregorio for sharing their insights and expertise.
🔗 Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/spotlight-on-schools-10-18-25-west-hempstead
#SpotlightOnSchools #NSSBA #EducationLeadership #ProudRams
🪔 Happy Diwali to all who celebrate! Today we honor the Festival of Lights and its beautiful themes of hope, new beginnings, and the triumph of light over darkness. Wishing our students, families, and staff joy and prosperity. ✨
The West Hempstead Community Support Association, in conjunction with the Town of Hempstead’s Quality of Life Task Force, will be hosting a Community Clean-Up Project in West Hempstead on Sunday, October 19th at 9:00 AM.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Sunday, October 19th
🕣 Meeting Time: 8:45 AM
📍 Meeting Location: Parking lot between the Auxiliary Police Booth and the PAL Building
🧤 Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and cleanup tools (rakes, pickers, etc.)
Event Details:
📅 Date: Sunday, October 19th
🕣 Meeting Time: 8:45 AM
📍 Meeting Location: Parking lot between the Auxiliary Police Booth and the PAL Building
🧤 Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and cleanup tools (rakes, pickers, etc.)
WHe are RamProud to let you know that literacy continues to be a central focus across our district. Strong literacy skills are the foundation for success in every academic area and in life beyond school.
Why Literacy Matters: Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of graduation and career success. Students who read well have better opportunities, stronger critical thinking skills, and greater confidence.
Our Commitment:
· Enhanced literacy instruction across all grade levels
· Professional learning opportunities for our teachers in evidence-based reading strategies
· Increased access to diverse, high-quality books
· Family engagement to support reading at home
How You Can Help: Whether you're a parent, staff member, or community member, you can support our literacy initiative:
· Encourage daily reading (15 minutes makes a difference!)
· Model reading behavior
· Discuss books and stories
· Support our school libraries and literacy programs
"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." - Margaret Fuller
Together, we can ensure every student in West Hempstead UFSD becomes a confident, capable reader ready to rise above.
Why Literacy Matters: Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of graduation and career success. Students who read well have better opportunities, stronger critical thinking skills, and greater confidence.
Our Commitment:
· Enhanced literacy instruction across all grade levels
· Professional learning opportunities for our teachers in evidence-based reading strategies
· Increased access to diverse, high-quality books
· Family engagement to support reading at home
How You Can Help: Whether you're a parent, staff member, or community member, you can support our literacy initiative:
· Encourage daily reading (15 minutes makes a difference!)
· Model reading behavior
· Discuss books and stories
· Support our school libraries and literacy programs
"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." - Margaret Fuller
Together, we can ensure every student in West Hempstead UFSD becomes a confident, capable reader ready to rise above.
Rams Around the World: Literacy Night | October 23rd
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating reading, imagination, and global citizenship!
Explore. Imagine. Read your way around the globe with West Hempstead Secondary School.
📅 Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
⏰ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 West Hempstead Secondary School
🌟 Special Guests: J. Coles Hip Hop Kids
This is more than an event—it's a celebration of what's possible when students see reading as an adventure, when imagination has no limits, and when a whole community gathers around literacy.
Free admission | Bilingual | Family-Friendly
#WHeRiseTogether #LiteracyNight #RamsAroundTheWorld
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating reading, imagination, and global citizenship!
Explore. Imagine. Read your way around the globe with West Hempstead Secondary School.
📅 Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
⏰ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 West Hempstead Secondary School
🌟 Special Guests: J. Coles Hip Hop Kids
This is more than an event—it's a celebration of what's possible when students see reading as an adventure, when imagination has no limits, and when a whole community gathers around literacy.
Free admission | Bilingual | Family-Friendly
#WHeRiseTogether #LiteracyNight #RamsAroundTheWorld
"Some of the things that I have read about before working here or have seen and like about the West Hempstead School District are that it stands out for its commitment to strong academics, social-emotional growth, and a welcoming, safe environment that benefits staff, students, families, and the wider community. The district offers a robust literacy and academic programs, diverse courses and extracurriculars across STEM, Business, Arts, and Humanities, and provides exceptional special education and multilingual support. The students can also enjoy extensive enrichment opportunities, from athletics and clubs to nature activities, performing and visual arts, leadership roles, and life-skills programs, along with events that bring the community together. Through its focus on kindness, inclusivity, and mental-health awareness, West Hempstead makes a positive impact both in and beyond the classroom."
Real Learning Requires Real Challenge: Inside Chestnut Street's Classrooms
Where intentionality meets growth and teachers meet students exactly where they are.
This week, step inside @WHChestnut Street and you'll immediately feel the difference. From small-group instruction circles to individualized reading conferences, our educators are creating something remarkable: the conditions where real thinking happens.
What makes it work? Intentionality. Teachers aren't just teaching to the middle. They're meeting each student where they are, differentiating in real time, and providing the precise support to help them reach higher. Guided reading groups. One-on-one coaching. Learning stations where collaboration and challenge coexist.
This is what engaged learning looks like. This is what "mental sweat" actually means—students working hard, asking authentic questions, making connections, and tackling challenges that push their capabilities.
Here's what parents should know: Real growth isn't always comfortable. But our incredible team at Chestnut Street understands that discomfort is often the doorway to breakthrough. By combining challenge with the right support, we're building not just stronger readers and thinkers, but confident learners who embrace difficulty as part of the process.
The culture at Chestnut Street says: You're capable of more than you think. We believe in you. And we're here to help you get there.
That's the Chestnut Street difference.
Ready to learn more about what's happening in our classrooms? Connect with @WHChestnut Street or reach out directly. We'd love to share your student's story.
#WHeRiseTogether #ChestnutStreet #IntentionalTeaching #MentalSweat #RealLearning
Where intentionality meets growth and teachers meet students exactly where they are.
This week, step inside @WHChestnut Street and you'll immediately feel the difference. From small-group instruction circles to individualized reading conferences, our educators are creating something remarkable: the conditions where real thinking happens.
What makes it work? Intentionality. Teachers aren't just teaching to the middle. They're meeting each student where they are, differentiating in real time, and providing the precise support to help them reach higher. Guided reading groups. One-on-one coaching. Learning stations where collaboration and challenge coexist.
This is what engaged learning looks like. This is what "mental sweat" actually means—students working hard, asking authentic questions, making connections, and tackling challenges that push their capabilities.
Here's what parents should know: Real growth isn't always comfortable. But our incredible team at Chestnut Street understands that discomfort is often the doorway to breakthrough. By combining challenge with the right support, we're building not just stronger readers and thinkers, but confident learners who embrace difficulty as part of the process.
The culture at Chestnut Street says: You're capable of more than you think. We believe in you. And we're here to help you get there.
That's the Chestnut Street difference.
Ready to learn more about what's happening in our classrooms? Connect with @WHChestnut Street or reach out directly. We'd love to share your student's story.
#WHeRiseTogether #ChestnutStreet #IntentionalTeaching #MentalSweat #RealLearning
