Message from Superintendent Gary Rush

Hello Hempstead Family,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

As we begin another school year, we are filled with excitement, optimism, and confidence about what lies ahead. A lot of capital improvements took place across the district. We are excited about the work that will continue into the 26-27 school year. This year, we have chosen a theme that captures who we are and what we believe:

One Team. One Mission. Unlimited Possibilities for Students.

This is more than a theme; it is a district wide commitment that all employees and the community must embrace for it to become a reality.

One Team means that we work together. Our teachers, administrators, staff, parents, Board of Education, community partners, and students all have an important role to play. When we work together, communicate with one another, and support each other, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

One Mission means that everything we do must ultimately be about our students. Their success, their growth, their well-being, and their future must remain at the center of every decision we make.

And Unlimited Possibilities for Students means that we will never place limits on what our scholars can achieve. We will challenge them to dream bigger, work harder, discover their talents, and believe in their ability to succeed.

We want to make the 2026–2027 school year the best school year ever in the Hempstead School District. To our teachers and staff: thank you for the dedication, passion, and care you bring to our students every day. To our parents and families: thank you for trusting us and partnering with us. To our community: thank you for continuing to support our schools and our children.

And to our students: This Is Your Year

This year, we will frame our work around our overarching theme: One Team, One Mission, Unlimited Possibilities For Students.  We intend for this vision to guide every decision we make, from curriculum and personnel to facilities and budgeting. Driven by this commitment, our key priorities continue to include:

• Academic Excellence & Instructional Excellence: Strengthening literacy instruction to ensure all students read on grade level, expanding CTE pathways and coursework options, and extending our IB practices through the Hempstead Portrait Of A Graduate.
• Learning Environments that are Supportive and Inclusive: Cultivating spaces where every student feels seen and valued, by continuing our 7 Mindset Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum in grades K–12 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum.
• Facility & Operational Enhancements: Continuing with key infrastructure upgrades and maintaining a focus on long-term capital planning.
• School & Community Connection: Fostering strong family partnerships, enhancing staff development, more opportunities for two way communication with our stake holders, and strategic use of Thought Exchange to get community input.

Important Dates & Back-to-School Details:

• Patriot Day/National Day of Service and Remembrance: Friday, September 11, 2026 – All schools will have ceremonies to acknowledge this day.
• Meet The Teacher Night will be the Week of Sept. 22 Elementary and Sept.24, 2026 Secondary
• Homecoming: Saturday, October 17, 2026. Save the date! Further details regarding the parade and game will follow soon.

For ongoing news, calendar changes, and event updates, please visit our website www.hempsteadschools.org , follow our official social media channels, and ensure you have signed up for the Hempstead Public School App. which is active.

We are thrilled to welcome our students back for another exceptional school year full of opportunities. On behalf of the entire district, we wish you a healthy, inspiring, and successful school year!

Welcome back, and I am excited to begin this journey!

 

Gary Rush

Superintendent

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