West Hempstead Weekly Update
May 8, 2023
2023-2024 Budget
The Board of Education adopted the budget on Tuesday, April 18. The proposed spending plan for 2023-24 reflects a tax levy increase of 1.99%, which is below the allowable tax levy cap of 2.432%. This is within the tax cap for the 12th consecutive year.
Unlike New York City and other areas of the country, New York's locally elected Boards of Education are required to present a spending plan each year to the voters of their community. This year, the annual budget vote and trustee election will be held on Tuesday, May 16, from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. at West Hempstead Secondary School in the North Gymnasium. To participate, you must be a registered voter. If you have questions about your current registration status or need further information about voting, call the District Clerk, Theresa Bryant, at 516-390-3107 during business hours. The last day to register to vote is Thursday, May 11.
Did you know that 104/112 districts in Suffolk County and 62/112 (6 districts proposed the same levy as us) districts in Nassau County are proposing a higher levy than ours? So that's approximately 3/4 of the districts on Long Island with a higher proposed levy than WH.
We are one community. We are one district. We serve each student in their best interest.
You will hear that there are 1,500 + students. You may also hear there are 1900 + students. Both are correct. One relates to State aid, and one is the number of district students we are responsible for.
Did you know that 18% of the budget leaves the district campus to support school-aged students in the WH community?
Did you know we run over 120 bus routes to over 100 schools?
Did you know transportation has doubled in 9 years and accounts for 11% of the budget?
If we include all the school-aged children in our district, did you know that the total number of students would almost double?
You will hear that our elementary test scores are not where they should be. I agree. No excuses; the work needs to continue. And we are doing that work.
Did you know that "numbers" in ELA and Math have stabilized (as per a comparison of the NWEA assessment Winter of 18-19 to this past Winter)?
Did you know our graduation rate has improved from 83% to 96% in just over a decade?
Did you know that 60% of our students graduated with an advanced regents diploma last year?
I leave you with these thoughts:
Did you know that we had one student who left a shelter in El Salvador in first grade and is now proficient in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in fourth grade?
Did you know that we have one student who is one of 74 to qualify for the NYS Mathletes Competition?
Did you know that we have one senior who has multiple acceptances to colleges and universities and will be the first person in her family to attend higher ed?
Did you know that we have one set of twins attending Yale on what basically amounts to a full scholarship?
We are one. And it takes all of us to become one.
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds and futures of countless individuals. Their dedication, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to education deserve our heartfelt appreciation. They are the guiding lights who ignite the flame of curiosity within us, nurturing our thirst for knowledge and helping us reach our full potential. Day in and day out, teachers selflessly invest their time and energy to create engaging lessons, foster a supportive learning environment, and inspire us to grow academically and personally. They patiently answer questions, offer guidance, and celebrate achievements, instilling confidence and belief in abilities. In the face of challenges, they adapt their teaching methods and go above and beyond to ensure each student can thrive. Today, we are grateful to these extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to shaping others. Thank you, teachers, for your unwavering commitment and passion and for making a difference in our lives. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our society one student at a time.
Congratulations Ms. Stacy Gulisano!!!
Future Ready? The Future is Now!
West Hempstead UFSD accomplishments in the past calendar year:
Five classrooms of UPK students
25 Seal of BiLiteracy, including one student who is a TriLiteracy recipient and seven who are former or current ELLs
- 47 and counting seniors earned the Seal of Civic Readiness
Secured an $800,000 a year (five-year term) 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
First-ever College Fair on campus
Career Day for Grades 7 & 8
Z-Space (virtual/augmented reality resource) launched this year
Continued our PBL work at GW as we proactively support our staff and students in advance of the new recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission
American Mathematics Competition AMC 10 and 12 top-scoring students
For the first time, a West Hempstead SS student is one of 76 NYS high school students to make it to New York State's Mathlete's All-Star team
West Hempstead School District sends four teams to compete at KidoYo's Hackathon and has had KidOYO Hackathon Award Winners and Mentor Appointments
13 students attend the NYU School of Medicine Envision Scholars Program
60 students in grades 7-12 attend Adelphi's STEP program on Saturdays for STEM enrichment
Nassau Community College Concurrent Dual Enrollment
Participant in Nassau BOCES Diversity Fair
Teacher Focus Group with Investigations 3 - A Framework for Reflecting on Equity in the Investigations Mathematics Classroom
In the FPCA world:
10 NMEA ALL-COUNTY recipients
- 4 LISFA ( Long Island String Festival) recipients
- 6 All-County ASA Annual Nassau ART exhibition
- 1 All County ASA scholarship recipient
- 1 NYSATA senior leadership award
- One recipient of Long Island's Best Hecksher Museum
- Concert band's invitation to the STATE CAPITAL to perform.
- JV( junior virtual enterprise) Receiving GOLD in Best Booth at the JVE trade show
- NYSSMA All-State Award Winners
- HS Band received "Gold" at NYSSMA & MS Band received "Silver" for the first time
Expanded Summer program, including Camp Invention and Written Out Loud
Town of Hempstead City of Long Beach Local Workforce Development Board Grant
Elementary Report Card Updates- completed for grades K-6 with HoM and standards to match with new programs.
HS Electives that align with the CRSE framework (African-American History, Cultural Diversity)
Essay award winner in the high school division in the 18th annual Japan Center Essay Competition
Nationally recognized and hopefully soon to be nationally approved Primary Project program
Over ten All-County Art students
Chemistry Peer Lessons between HS AP Chemistry and Grade 5 students
In the ENL world:
1-3 ENL Ambassador Program-Newcomer ELLS and Commanding ELLS working together building language through SEL activities and community building once a month.
Grade 4-6 ENL kids doing reading challenges to support their reading and listening fluency.
Grade 8 ENL student Challenged up in Living Environment with a 90 + Average, 99 Average in Algebra, Playing Jr High Baseball, and recent National Jr Honor Society Inductee.
Grades 10-12 ENL students inducted into Two Honor Societies, one of which is a SIFE student who is thriving in Native 3 Spanish with a 95+ Average.
5 Active ENL students receiving the NYS Seal of Biliteracy
Universal Design for Learning (GW Special Ed Self-Contained)
Habits of Mind Character Education Implementation K-12
Two Consecutive years of National Semi-Finalists in the Samsung Competition
Northwell Health Mental Health Partnership
Virtual Enterprise Team Finished 3rd Nationally in a Recent Competition
ERASE Racism Essay, Contest Winner
Nationally and State ranked track and field student-athletes
Nassau County Boys Track & Field Outdoor Champions (Class A) - First time in WH history
Adelphi University Residency Program
NYS Peer Mentoring Program
Students compete in the Long Island Science Congress
Successful Trout in the Classroom Program
Began the hydroponics program
AP achievements in 2022 we had,
- 25 AP Scholars
- 8 AP Scholars with Honors
- 10 AP Scholars with Distinction
- 6 AP Capstone Diploma
- 8 AP Seminar & Research Certificate
Our students participated in 17 different AP exams. We outscored the State average of 3's or higher in over 70% of those exams. In addition, we were about 25% higher than the State average in AP Literature, Language, and Statistics.
The graduation rate has improved from 83% to 96% in just over a decade. And if all things remain the same, this will be the third consecutive year at 96%.
Multicultural Night at the Secondary School
If you missed it, put this event on your calendar for next year. This evening defines RamCulture, RamPride, and the RamFam. A beautiful mosaic of human beings coming together as one.
STEAM Night
Our 7th annual Family STEAM Night will occur on Wednesday, May 31st, from 6-8 PM.
Community Arts Day Was a Success!
Secondary School
"Career Day Inc.™ organizes a program that aims to change the lives of young adults by introducing high school students to the paths others have taken to reach their career goals. By working in partnership with various professionals and school staff, Career Day Inc.™'s program creates an atmosphere of acceptance and opportunity for all students at every academic level.
Our program emphasizes the importance of setting goals and using education to achieve aspirations by providing a forum for every student to feel valued and more confident. It is the philosophy of Career Day Inc.™ that when a student is presented with the opportunity to hear information directly from professionals about their experiences, it can significantly impact their confidence, direction, and long-term success." https://www.careerdayinc.org/index.html
George Washington
Students have been thinking critically while applying past knowledge to put a fun spin on the Ancient Greek Olympic games."
Cornwell Ave
In the spring, primary-aged students blossom with a newfound sense of ownership over their learning. As the days grow longer and the air warmer, refreshing energy fills the classrooms, inspiring young minds to explore and discover with renewed vigor. Empowered by their growing knowledge and skills, these students embrace the opportunity to take charge of their educational journey.
In this season of growth and transformation, our students are exhibiting a remarkable level of independence. They eagerly dive into their lessons, actively seeking out new challenges and seeking answers to their curiosities. With a strong foundation throughout the school year, they are equipped with the tools to navigate their learning paths.
The springtime environment fosters a sense of autonomy and self-direction among these young learners. Teachers become facilitators, guiding and supporting students as they set goals and make decisions about their learning. Students are encouraged to express their interests and preferences, leading to personalized projects and creative endeavors that reflect their unique passions.
Collaboration and teamwork also flourish as students recognize the value of working together to achieve shared goals. They engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and offer feedback to their peers, fostering community and cooperation within the classroom.
Chestnut & PreK
UPK Lottery Completed 1/11/23 - Seats Still Available - Registration is Underway
Kindergarten Registration is Underway!
Upcoming Events
5/15-5/26 NYSELSAT Exam
5/16 Budget Vote - North Gym 7 am - 9 pm
5/16 Spring Concert - SS Auditorium & District Art Show
5/17 CA Spring Concert
5/18 GW Spring Concert -
6:00 pm - Chorus, Junior Chorus, Junior Band, Junior Orchestra
7:30 pm - Senior Chorus, Senior Band, Senior Orchestra
5/22 CS Incoming Parent Orientation 6 pm
5/22 PTA Meeting CA 7 pm
5/23 - 6/2 Grades 3-8 Science Performance Assessments
5/24 SEPTA Meeting CA 7:30 pm
5/25 CA Field Day
5/25 Q4 Interim Progress Reports Viewable on PowerSchool
5/16 & 5/29 School Closed
5/31 Family STEAM Night SS 6 pm - 8 pm
5/31 Class of 2024 Senior Portraits
About Us
Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY, USA
Phone: 516-390-3000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhufsdRams
Twitter: @WhufsdRams