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
Cornwell families, our newest edition of The Cornwell Connection is here! 💛🖤
This week, we’re sharing highlights from around Cornwell, including our students’ meaningful Patriot Day activities, our September Habit of Mind—Managing Impulsivity, the start of our NWEA assessment window, and more ways to continue building a love of reading at home. 📚
Thank you for being our partners as we continue Growing Every Learner. Every Day.
📖 Read this week’s Cornwell Connection: https://app.smore.com/n/vbfkc
#RamPride #WeOverMe #WHeRiseTogether
Dear Cornwell Avenue Families,
We look forward to welcoming you to Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 9!
The finalized schedule is:
6:00–6:30 p.m. — ENL Family Meeting, Room 110
Session 1: 6:30–7:10 p.m.
Session 2: 7:00–7:40 p.m.
Both sessions include a brief Principal Chat in the gym followed by time with your child’s classroom teacher. Families may attend the session that works best for them.
Please see the attached flyer for additional information. We can’t wait to see you!
Warmly,
Patricia Scollo
Principal
Cornwell Avenue School
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.
We had another great day at Cornwell!
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we settle into our arrival and dismissal routines. Our students are doing a wonderful job learning their new routines, and we appreciate everyone working together to help make the start of the school year a smooth one.
Our bus dismissal routine went much more smoothly today! Thank you to our families, students, and staff for your patience and flexibility as we continue to fine-tune our procedures. We will continue working together to make dismissal as safe, organized, and efficient as possible.
Today, we also completed our first fire drill of the school year. Our students and staff did a fantastic job practicing our safety procedures and following directions.
Thank you for a wonderful start to the school year and for your continued partnership!
Warmly,
Patricia Scollo
Principal
We had a wonderful first day of school, and it was so exciting to welcome our students back to Cornwell!
As we prepare for dismissal, we ask for your patience, especially during these first few days. Our staff is carefully counting and double-checking students to make sure every child is safely placed on the correct bus or escorted to the appropriate dismissal location. Dismissal may take a little longer as we establish our routines, and we greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
We also have an important update for our 3rd grade families. Beginning today, 3rd grade walkers will not be dismissed from the main entrance. When facing the main entrance of the school, please proceed to the door at the far left corner of the building for 3rd grade pickup.
Thank you for helping us make dismissal safe and smooth for all of our students. We had a great first day and are looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Thank you,
Principal Scollo
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!
We can’t wait to welcome our students back tomorrow! A few quick reminders for a smooth first day:
🎒 Label Everything: Please label your child’s belongings and make sure their teacher’s name is clearly visible on their backpack or another item. This will help our staff guide students to their class in the gym.
🥞 Breakfast: Breakfast is available beginning at 8:35 a.m.
🔔 School Begins: 9:05 a.m. Students may bring a water bottle, lunch, and snack, or pick up a lunch from our cafeteria.
🚌 Dismissal: All students are dismissed at 3:20 p.m. Bus students will be dismissed as their assigned buses arrive. Please be at the bus stop on time.
If your child will not be taking the bus home, please send a note to the teacher and call the Main Office by 2:30 p.m. Otherwise, your child will be sent home on their regular bus.
🚪 Early Pick-Up: Students needing an early dismissal must be picked up no later than 2:45 p.m. Please notify the Main Office before arriving. All early dismissals take place through the main entrance.
See you tomorrow, Rams! 🐏💛🖤
Warmly,
Patricia Scollo
Principal
Welcome Back, Cornwell Families! 🖤💛
Dear Cornwell Avenue Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and make special memories together.
We are so excited to welcome our students back to Cornwell Avenue and begin a new year of learning, growing, and celebrating together!
Please take some time to review our Back-to-School Smore, which includes important information, dates, reminders, and everything you need to help prepare for a great start to the school year. https://app.smore.com/n/qskxj
As we begin this year together, I am incredibly excited about all that lies ahead for our Cornwell community. The partnership between home and school is an important part of our students’ success, and I look forward to working alongside our families, supporting our students, and celebrating the wonderful moments—big and small—that make Cornwell such a special place.
Enjoy these last few days of summer! Our staff is busy getting everything ready, and we cannot wait to see our Rams back at Cornwell!
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead! 🖤💛
Warmly,
Patricia Scollo
Principal
Cornwell Avenue School
#RamPride | #WeOverMe | #WHeRiseTogether
🎒✏️ 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This past year, Cornwell proudly partnered with NexTrex to collect plastic film with the goal of earning a new Buddy Bench for our playground. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our students, families, and staff, we made great progress toward this initiative!
Our collection will continue throughout the summer, and we would love your continued support. Plastic film can be dropped off in the designated collection bins located at Cornwell during the summer months.
Thank you for helping us make a positive impact on both our school community and the environment. Every bag counts!
I hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful summer!
My Welcome Letter for the 2026–2027 school year is now available on the District website. I invite you to take a few moments to read it and learn a little more about me, my vision for Cornwell Avenue, and the exciting year ahead.
One of the things I value most is building strong relationships with our families. Throughout the summer, I invite you to stop by the school on **Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m.** for a brief meet and greet. Whether you'd like to introduce yourself, ask a quick question, or simply say hello, I would love the opportunity to meet you.
Please note that **this Thursday, July 16, I will be attending a district training and will not be in the building.** Meet and greets will begin on **Thursday, July 23**, and continue each Thursday throughout the remainder of the summer.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and welcoming all of our students back to Cornwell Avenue this September!
Warm regards,
Patricia Scollo
Principal
Cornwell Avenue School
