Sal Khan and West Hempstead: Building for New York's New Graduation Requirements
Live Conversation | September 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET

West Hempstead UFSD has spent eighteen months turning Khan Academy from an informal classroom tool into a districtwide practice, now used daily by classroom teachers, ENL staff, intervention specialists, speech therapists, and PE teachers, reaching approximately 1,660 students across the district.

On September 23, Sal Khan will join the teachers and leaders behind that work for a live conversation:

Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Katie DiGregorio, Director of Learning — ENL, Data, & Student Success
Ms. Brianna Monzert, Cornwell Avenue School
Ms. Kelly Lynch, George Washington Intermediate School
Ms. Catherine Klein, Secondary School
Ms. Erin Geiger, Secondary School

Topics will include:

Why West Hempstead built toward New York's new graduation requirements before the rules were finalized
What skill-level mastery data reveals that a report card cannot
Why teachers were asked to try AI tools a set number of times, not to master them, and why that approach succeeded where a mandate would not
How the district responded when students began prompting AI for answers instead of using it to learn

Districts navigating the same shift toward demonstrated proficiency are encouraged to attend.

Register now: khanacademy-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217811152917/WN_av6ySJpkSpOL6C4kUVtcjA
1 day ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Today, our UPK and Kindergarten students came together to honor Patriot's Day by placing American flags throughout our school grounds. A beautiful way for our youngest Rams to remember, reflect, and show respect for our country and community. #RamCulture
4 days ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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A Strong Start to Day 3, and a Happy Labor Day to Our RamFam

As we close out the third day of the 2026-27 school year, our hallways and classrooms are full of energy. Fifth graders spent time setting their goals for the year ahead, our youngest students are building new friendships, and our secondary orchestra students got their instruments and music organized as rehearsals begin.

WHe are grateful for the enthusiasm our students and staff have brought to these first few days, and we look forward to building on that momentum throughout the year.

As WHe head into the long weekend, we want to wish every member of our RamFam a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday.

WHe Rise Together.
11 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
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Hello and Happy First Week of School! Chestnut UPK and K students are exploring new spaces, concepts and making new friends!
12 days ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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Opening Day 2026: Off to a Wonderful Start

The West Hempstead Union Free School District is welcoming students back for the 2026–2027 school year today, with a WHonderful Opening Day underway across all four of our buildings. From first-day excitement among our youngest learners at Chestnut Street School to the confident return of our seniors at the Secondary School, the energy throughout the district reflects the strength of our RamFam community.

WHe are grateful to our faculty, staff, and administrators for their dedication in preparing warm, welcoming classrooms, and to our families for their continued partnership and trust. We look forward to a year of growth, connection, and achievement for every student in West Hempstead.

Welcome back, Rams!
13 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Opening Day 2026
🍭 Sweet start to the year! Families cooled off with popsicles and our principals at RamFam Unplugged. Great music, laughter, and community vibes all around. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate West Hempstead! #WHeRiseTogether #RamPride
14 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Popsicles with the principals
Popsicles with the principals
Popsicles with the principals

🎒✏️ It's almost here! First Day of School is Wednesday, September 2, for the RamFam! WHe can't wait to welcome our Rams back for an amazing 2026-2027 school year. Let's go, Rams! 🐏 #WHUFSD #FirstDayOfSchool

18 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
First Day of School
🍭 Popsicles with the Principals! 🍭

Join our Elementary Principals for an afternoon of popsicles, conversation, and community!

📅 Monday, August 31, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Cornwell Avenue School Playground (Rain location: Cafeteria)

No agenda. No presentation. Just popsicles and conversation with the CS/CA/GW community.

✅ Meet our Principals
✅ Connect with other families
✅ Kick off a great school year together!

Bring the kids, bring your smiles, and let's start the year together!

Together, we are West Hempstead. Go Rams! 🐏

#WHeRiseTogether #RamFam #RamProud
18 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
pops with the principals

Today's the Day!

Our Story, Unplugged

Mark your calendars, RamFam! 📖✨

Join us on Wednesday, August 26 from 1:00–3:00 PM for Our Story, Unplugged, a community celebration of literacy, connection, and West Hempstead pride.

What to expect: 📚 Word Literacy Games 📸 Storytelling Photo Booth 🏃 Pioneer Sports: Word Games 🎵 Sing the Story 🎨 Community Story Wall 🎤 Tell Us Your Story 🍦 The Sweetest Part of the Story 📋 RamPathways Booth

Come play, create, and share your story with your West Hempstead family. All are invited. No registration needed, just bring your RamFam spirit!

With community tables hosted by the PTA, PTSA, SEPTA, and the West Hempstead Public Library.

#WHeRiseTogether #RamFam #RamProud

20 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Community Event

RamFam Community Event

Our Story, Unplugged

Mark your calendars, RamFam! 📖✨

Join us on Wednesday, August 26 from 1:00–3:00 PM for Our Story, Unplugged, a community celebration of literacy, connection, and West Hempstead pride.

What to expect: 📚 Word Literacy Games 📸 Storytelling Photo Booth 🏃 Pioneer Sports: Word Games 🎵 Sing the Story 🎨 Community Story Wall 🎤 Tell Us Your Story 🍦 The Sweetest Part of the Story 📋 RamPathways Booth

Come play, create, and share your story with your West Hempstead family. All are invited. No registration needed, just bring your RamFam spirit!

With community tables hosted by the PTA, PTSA, SEPTA, and the West Hempstead Public Library.

#WHeRiseTogether #RamFam #RamProud

22 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Community Event

RamFam Community Event

Our Story, Unplugged

Mark your calendars, RamFam! 📖✨

Join us on Wednesday, August 26 from 1:00–3:00 PM for Our Story, Unplugged, a community celebration of literacy, connection, and West Hempstead pride.

What to expect: 📚 Word Literacy Games 📸 Storytelling Photo Booth 🏃 Pioneer Sports: Word Games 🎵 Sing the Story 🎨 Community Story Wall 🎤 Tell Us Your Story 🍦 The Sweetest Part of the Story 📋 RamPathways Booth

Come play, create, and share your story with your West Hempstead family. All are invited. No registration needed, just bring your RamFam spirit!

With community tables hosted by the PTA, PTSA, SEPTA, and the West Hempstead Public Library.

WHe Rise Together #WHeRiseTogether #RamFam #RamProud

27 days ago, WHUFSD Rams
Community Event
🍭 Popsicles with the Principals! 🍭

Join our Elementary Principals for an afternoon of popsicles, conversation, and community!

📅 Monday, August 31, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Cornwell Avenue School Playground (Rain location: Cafeteria)

No agenda. No presentation. Just popsicles and conversation with the CS/CA/GW community.

✅ Meet our Principals
✅ Connect with other families
✅ Kick off a great school year together!

Bring the kids, bring your smiles, and let's start the year together!

Together, we are West Hempstead. Go Rams! 🐏

#WHeRiseTogether #RamFam #RamProud
about 1 month ago, WHUFSD Rams
Pops with the principals
🍭 Popsicles with the Principals! 🍭

Join our Elementary Principals for an afternoon of popsicles, conversation, and community!

📅 Monday, August 31, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Cornwell Avenue School Playground (Rain location: Cafeteria)

No agenda. No presentation. Just popsicles and conversation with the CS/CA/GW community.

✅ Meet our Principals
✅ Connect with other families
✅ Kick off a great school year together!

Bring the kids, bring your smiles, and let's start the year together!

Together, we are West Hempstead. Go Rams! 🐏

#WHeRiseTogether #RamFam #RamProud
about 1 month ago, WHUFSD Rams
Popsicles with the principals
CONGRATULATIONS CHESTNUT KINDERGARTENERS!! You have all worked hard and it's time to celebrate your year of learning- well done!
3 months ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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CONGRATULATIONS CHESTNUT KINDERGARTENERS!! You have all worked hard and it's time to celebrate your year of learning- well done!
3 months ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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Chestnut Kindergarteners had a WHonderful visit today at Cornwell Avenue School. We met some of the first grade teachers and had a chance to tour the building with amazing 3rd ambassadors! Thank you CA! #RamCulture
3 months ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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Who doesn't love a fun filled field day in June? Chestnut kindergarteners had a joyful morning dunking Mr. Dooley and playing games with their friends! Thanks to the PTA, Graham, Cambell and Banks families for their generosity and spirit! #RamCulture
3 months ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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Families are encouraged to visit our website or follow our social media channels for a letter from the Superintendent of Schools. https://www.whufsd.com/article/2986121

3 months ago, WHUFSD Rams
Letter to the Community
Congratulations to our CS UPK students. Today we celebrate them "moving up" to kindergarten. WHe welcome the opportunity to share in their learning next year!
3 months ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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Hip Hip Hooray! WHe are beginning to celebrate our youngest Rams. Mrs. Herman's Class has started the Moving Up festivities and we are looking forward to cheering on the rest of our UPK students next week. WHe can't wait to have you join Kindergarten! #RamCulture
3 months ago, Lisa Minicozzi
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