Hempstead UFSD

All Staff,

It’s hard to believe that another school year is drawing near a close. As we reflect on the accomplishment of the past year, let’s also look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. The upcoming summer break is a well-deserved time for rest and rejuvenation. I encourage you to take this time to recharge, pursue personal interests, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Remember, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Learning happens everywhere, and the world is your classroom. Whether you're traveling, volunteering, reading, or engaging in creative endeavors, seize the opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive impact.

Please remember that the Office of Human Resources is here to support you. If there are any resources or assistance you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your well-being is our priority, and we want to ensure you return refreshed and ready for another successful year. Stay safe, stay curious, and stay connected. We eagerly await your return in the coming school year, filled with new adventures, fresh ideas, and endless possibilities.

Sincerely,

Rodney Gilmore, Ed. D

Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

• Updated Mandated Reporter Training
• Tenure Recommendations
• Congratulations Retirees
• Hofstra University: SDBL Certification Program
• Molloy College: Online Graduate School Program
  
• Recruitment Fairs
  
• Student Work Based Program
  
• Hempstead Works
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Newsletters
  
• BranchED
• Teacher Residency Program
• Teacher Mentor Program 2023-2024
  
• Frontline: Absence Management (AESOP)
  
• CTLE Requirements
  
• HPS Job Postings
  
• HR Contact Information
  

The NYS Department of Education (per NYS Social Services Law 413) now requires updated training to assist in recognizing signs of child abuse or maltreatment. Accordingly, all mandated reporters, including those who have previously undergone training, must complete updated training by April 1, 2025.

Updated training related to child abuse and maltreatment is required for the following certificate areas regardless of the certificate or license type (e.g., Initial/Professional, Reissuance/Renewal, Permanent/Professional, Transitional):

• Classroom Teachers
• CTE Teachers
• School Building Leaders
• School District Leaders
• School Counselors
• School Social Workers
• School District Business Leaders
• School Psychologists
• School Nurses
• School Administration and Supervision
• Coaches
• Adult Education Instructors

Training is free, online, self-directed and can be completed through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. They are offering the 9-module (2 hour) training through the Human Services Learning Center (HSLC) website at (https://www.hslcnys.org/hslc/). It is not required that the entire training is completed at the same time. Therefore, you can pace yourself and resume as you see fit prior to the April 1, 2025, deadline.

Documentation in the form of an authorized Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you by the training provider and must be submitted to the Office of Teaching Initiatives. When the training is completed, an -email will be sent to the e-mail address used to register for the training. That email includes instructions for sending your certificate of completion to the New York State Education Department. Make sure to click the link for NYSED submission and enter the information requested. This information must be exactly as it appears in your TEACH account.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 516-434-4021 with any questions.

We are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to all professional employees receiving tenure during the 2023-2024 school year. This is a significant milestone in your career, one that is richly deserved and a testament to your dedication, passion, and excellence in education. Your commitment to fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for our students has not gone unnoticed. The Hempstead UFSD is incredibly fortunate to have you as a valued member of our team, and we look forward to witnessing the many more successes and contributions you will undoubtedly bring in the years to come.

• Jamal Scott - Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations
• Joy Vanhook - Dean of Students
  
• Jasmine Shepherd - Elementary Assistant Principal
  
• Jaelle Mann-Tineo - Elementary Assistant Principal
  
• Kristin Kelly - Secondary Assistant Principal
  
• Clemente Robles - Secondary Assistant Principal
  
• Kaitlyn Hoppe - Elementary Teacher
  
• Thomas Ballato - Special Education
  
• Venesia Heyward - Elementary Teacher
  
• Betuel Oliva - Math Teacher
  
• Eduardo Espinoza - Social Studies
  
• Terrance Larkin - Social Studies
  
• Peter Puelio - Science (Living Environment)
  
• Sean Peterson - Science (Earth)
  
• Donnette Williams - Social Worker
  
• Richard Cardenas - Social Studies
  
• Todd Mitnick - English as a New Language
  
• Ashton Bell - English Language Arts
  
• Dina Platt - Social Studies
  
• Morton Greiner - Foreign Language Elementary School (FLES)
  
• Beth Ann Randazo - Elementary (Educational Technology Specialist)
  
• Kathryn Vasquez - Elementary Teacher
  
• Desiret Nuesi - Speech Teacher
  
• Janni Silber - Speech Teacher
  
• Carmen Alvarez-Holmes - World Language (Spanish)
  
• Kimberly Jonassen - Health Teacher
  
• Denise Camacho - Social Studies
  
• Julie Irizarry - Science Teacher
  
• Daniel Joscher - Science Teacher
  
• Jared Weir - School Counselor
  

On behalf of the Hempstead UFSD, we extend our best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement. Your legacy will always inspire us, and you will always be a cherished member of the Hempstead family. We wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of your life. Once again, thank you for your remarkable service and dedication. Enjoy this well-deserved retirement.

Name, Position, Years of Service

Teachers:

• Cynthia Partee, Science Teacher, 8
• Judy Sun, ENL Teacher, 27
• Donna Melcer, English Teacher, 17
• Tucker Hyde, English Teacher, 25
• Marion Hutchinson, Math Teacher, 28
• Kelli Humphrey Dunbar, Business Teacher, 25
• Lisa Anne Byers, Speech Teacher, 27
• Vanessa Applewhaite Senior, Reading Teacher, 20
• Kathleen Chester, Art Teacher, 20
• Wilfredo Lyons, Second Language - Spanish Teacher, 27
• Marianne Ellis, ENL Teacher, 16
• Desiree Uzzell, Teacher, 23
• Grace Dong Janeo, Special Education Teacher, 39

Teaching Assistants:

• Lorna Barnes, Teaching Assistant, 32
• Janice Carter, Teaching Assistant, 25
• Marie Turner Lorde, Teaching Assistant, 23
• Kevin Torres, Teaching Assistant, 24

Civil Service:

• Seddis Parke, Typist Clerk, 27
• Christina Brown, Confidential Clerk, 34
• Gearry Bogan, Cleaner, 19
• Glenston Bucknor, Senior Maintainer, 26
• Adelayda Rowe, PT Lunch Monitor, 16

Administrators:

• Earl Davis Jr., Dean of Students, 10
• Joy Vanhook, Dean of Students, 22
• Johnetta Hill, Middle School Assistant Principal, 37
• Susan Thompson, Alternative Education Coordinator, 40

Hofstra University is offering a fully online, flexible School District Business Leader (SDBL) certification to educators who currently hold a New York State SDL/SBL certification. This is a 15-credit accelerated track that is designed to be flexible and can be completed entirely online. If interested, click on the link below to learn more information about this certification opportunity and how to apply.

The School of Education at Molloy College is offering a variety of online graduate programs, including Master of Students with Disabilities, TESOL and Educational Technology, as well as Advanced Certifications in School Building Leader, School District Leader, TESOL, Students with Disabilities and Computer Science Education. If interested, click on the link below to learn more information about this certification opportunity.

SUNY Old Westbury is hosting a Summer Institute Learning Conference, July 15-16, 2024. This institute will provide professional development opportunities focusing on Promoting Culturally Responsive Practices and Care in Education. Please visit https://www.oldwestbury.edu/school-education/summer-institute-teachers for more information about this conference.

Jericho Job Fair

On March 2, 2024, the Office of Human Resources participated in a recruitment fair held at Jericho School District along with several other school districts in Nassau County. There were over 800 applicants that attended the event, and we conducted over 70 in-person interviews and was able to secure several promising candidates to fill anticipated hard to staff positions in the District. Special thanks to the following District administrators that came out to support and assist the HR Department during this recruitment fair: Dr. Rodriguez (Director of Music, Media, and Fine Arts, Mrs. Michelle Pineda-Rogers (Director of Bilingual and World Languages, and Dr. Cueva (Director of MTSS and Special Education).

Nassau Community College

On April 10, 2024, the Office of Human Resources recruitment staff spoke with two Education Preparation Program classes at Nassau Community College. The presentation was arranged in collaboration with Professor Diane Martin. The recruitment team discussed the joy and benefits of being a professional educator and opportunities within the Hempstead UFSD, specifically Teaching Assistants to Lunch Monitors. Subsequent to this classroom presentation, several of the college students have followed up expressing interest in pursuing a Teaching Assistant certification.

We are pleased to announce the continuation of our 2024 Student Summer Work Based Program for Hempstead High School Students, which will take place from July 8, 2024 - August 16, 2024. This work-based program will target students between the ages of 16 and 21 with career discovery opportunities and paid work experiences in the District. The research says that students that participates in structured internships and work-based programs, will be better prepared for college and career opportunities after graduation. Again, special thanks to the Board of Education for your continued support of this initiative.

On April 17, 2024, the Office of Human Resources team facilitated a recruitment presentation at the Hempstead Works career center, located at 50 Clinton Street, Hempstead NY. This presentation was a collaborative effort with Hempstead Works, and it focused on Civil Service job opportunities and the perks of employment within the Hempstead UFSD. This recruitment presentation attracted 33 enthusiastic job seekers within the Hempstead Village community. Many of these attendees submitted job applications in the days following the presentation, demonstrating strong interest and engagement. Special thanks to Tina McGill and Nene Alameda, the business representatives that assisted in the coordination of this recruitment event.

The EAP Program is a work place sponsored program to assist in identification and resolution of productivity problems associated with employees and/or their family members impaired by personal concerns. As we navigate our roles within the school community, it’s essential that we prioritize our well-being and mental health. I want to express my sincere gratitude to ALL the staff members who actively engaged with the resources provided during our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Awareness Campaign. Thanks to your participation, we have observed a significant uptick in the utilization of services, including counseling, self-help, professional development, and legal assistance. Your proactive involvement is invaluable, and it contributes to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace culture. Once again, thank you for your commitment to your own well-being and the success of our collective efforts. Listed below are four (4) topics that we emphasized during our EAP Awareness Campaign.

• Counseling Help from your EAP
• Legal Benefit
• Self-Help Resources
• Parenting Resource Center

The Hempstead UFSD will be participating in a three-year partnership with SUNY Old Westbury to prepare a diverse highly effective workforce of diverse teachers who can effectively serve the District’s student demographics through the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity Grant. This partnership will assist in creating a pipeline of well-prepared teachers by hosting SUNY Old Westbury student teachers and practicum candidates. We are collaborating to establish a mentor program where Hempstead teachers serve as high-quality mentors for SUNY Old Westbury Student Teachers, helping them to pursue careers in education and acquire the knowledge and skills needed by the district.

SUNY will provide the District with professional development opportunities and collaborate on designing activities to increase teacher effectiveness. The District will have access to professional development opportunities provided by BranchED. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of creating a “Teacher Academy” to build a pipeline program encouraging Hempstead students to pursue careers in education.

The Hempstead UFSD was awarded a two two-year $450,000 grant under the New York State Department of Labor Teacher Residency Program (TRP). This grant will target hard-to-staff teaching positions in the District. The Teacher Residency Program (TRP) recognizes the social, emotional, and academic needs of teacher candidates, as well as the importance of preparing those teachers to create inclusive, supportive, equitable, unbiased, and identity safe learning environments for their students.

The grant will fully fund the tuition for a master's degree for 15 current District employees who currently hold a valid bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Upon successful completion of the master's degree, the residents must commit to teaching in the Hempstead UFSD for two years. The residents will be assigned an in-district teacher mentor and will receive extensive classroom experience. They will also receive ongoing professional development and coaching from district staff in collaboration with faculty from SUNY Old Westbury.

By the end of the two years of teaching, mentoring, and professional development support, the teacher residents will have acquired extensive pedagogical and professional educational skills to positively impact student achievement. After the enhanced induction process is developed and tested through this initiative, the Hempstead UFSD will commit to implementing the process beyond the project period.

Congratulations to the following prospective Teaching Assistant candidates who have been selected so far for the Teacher Residency Program beginning in fall 2024: Dimitri Funderburke Ivey, Maariz Maasud, Sheleah Mayo, Cierra Fields, Tara Canady, Yessenia Calles, Dy-Asya Kebreau, Kerry James, Andrea Saavedra, Colleen Flores, Patricia Pacheco, and Juan Rivera.

Congratulations to all Teacher Mentees for successfully completing their required mentoring hours during the 2023-2024 academic year. This accomplishment is a required step toward obtaining their professional teaching license from the NYS Education Department. Under the leadership of the 2023-2024 Teacher Mentor Coordinator, Mrs. Kellie Wilson-McNeil, the program was strengthened through the introduction and utilization of the 10 Standards of Effective Teacher Mentoring. Additionally, Mrs. McNeil created a special recognition called "The Heartbeat Award." This award is given to a teacher who is compassionate, knowledgeable, reflective, globally minded, and most importantly, never skips a “beat” when it comes to inspiring the next generation of educators. This year, congratulations go to Mr. Rhonda Chung, a kindergarten Teacher Mentor at Prospect School, for being the recipient of this award. We would also like to acknowledge and thank all Teacher Mentors for their dedication and support throughout the program. A culminating ceremony was held on June 3, 2024, where all Teacher Mentors and Teacher Mentees received a certificate of completion.

The Absence Management System called AESOP, is an automated system that will simplify and streamline the processes of recording and managing absences and attendance records for district personnel. You can report your absences either by telephone, online, or app. The service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. For those who prefer access by telephone, the AESOP number to call to report an absence is 1-800-942-3736. All absences must be called in before 7:00 a.m. daily. The district strongly encourage all staff to download and use the app. Attached is a step by step guide for using the app to record your absences. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact Mrs. Christina Rigalos at crigialos@hempsteadschools.org.

Frontline App Instructions

Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE):

• Educators must maintain their own personal record of completed CTLE. (CTLE completion certificates)
• Educators will not send documentation of their CTLE clock hours to the Department for the re-registration process. However, CTLE documentation must be available upon request by the Department for a period of three years past their registration period end date.
• Summaries of activities listed in professional learning management systems will not be accepted as documentation of CTLE clock hours if the Department requests documentation.

Acceptable CTLE Clock Hours:

Educators may complete CTLE clock hours in the following categories:

• pedagogy, and/or
• the content area of the certificate title, and
• language acquisition addressing the needs of English language learners (ELLs) (unless the school has a waiver).

Acceptable CTLE:

• included activities designed to improve the teacher or leader's pedagogical and/or leadership skills,
• promotes the professionalization of teaching and educational leadership, as applicable, and
• are closely aligned to district goals for student performance.

Unacceptable CTLE Certificates:

CTLE certificates need to have all of the required elements listed on the NYSED CTLE form.

CTLE certificated are frequently unacceptable due to the lack of information on them, including:

• no "category" listed (i.e., content, pedagogy, language acquisition),
• no indication that an organization is an approved sponsor of CTLE and/or no approved sponsor number indicated,
• lack of identifying information or identifying information is listed as N/A, then penciled in,
• hours cited as "PD Hours" (rather than CTLE Hours - not indicating that an activity is CTLE; contradictory verbiage), and/or
• missing an authorized signature.

Contact Ms. Jennifer Rodriguez at jrodriguez01@hempsteadschools.org if you have any questions about Re-Registration or CTLE Requirements.

Rodney Gilmore, Ed. D

Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

rgilmore@hempsteadschools.org

Tel.: 516-434-4021

Jane Fisher

Employment Manager

jfisher@hempsteadschools.org

Tel.: 516-434-4034

Jennifer Rodriguez

Personnel Clerk

jrodriguez01@hempsteadschools.org

Tel.: 516-434-4022

Christina Brown

Senior Typist Clerk

cbrown@hempsteadschools.org

Tel.: 516-434-4025

Constantina Rigalos

Personnel Clerk

crigalos@hempsteadschools.org

Tel.: 516-434-4024

Sylvia Hargrove

Personnel Clerk - Benefits

shargrove@hempsteadschools.org

Tel.: 516-434-4035

Mark Valerie

Account Clerk

mvalerie@hempsteadschools.org.

Tel.: 516-434-4064

Don’t know who to email? Send comment to the Human Resources email address and we’ll get it to the right person: humanresources@hempsteadschools.org

The Hempstead School District employs over 1,200 employees dedicated to supporting the educational goals of the community. The Office of Human Resources is committed to supporting all employees in this mission. The District does not discriminate in employment or in its educational programs and activities against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, weight, ethnic group, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender indent, sexual orientation or disability.