West Hempstead UFSD

As a graduate, Class of 2017, I take much inspiration and learning from the WHUFSD. I have had the privilege of working with WH learners as well as teachers, some of which I had as a learner myself, after graduation and into my career.

Meet The West Hempstead Valedictorian And SalutatorianThese two students have an incredible list of accomplishments.

Celebrating West Hempstead High School class of 2017 West Hempstead High School’s graduating class received their diplomas and marked the official end of their years in the school district at the Tilles Center at C.W. Post last Sunday.

Substitute teacher

September 2019 - Present

Provide absence management for WHUFSD teachers K-12. Maintain proper classroom behavior and coursework.

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Cornwell Avenue Elementary School, February - June 2021

Participated in a hybrid (Google Classroom) 3rd grade class for Literacy and
ENL instruction.
Created and taught lessons on story elements and various subject areas with
modifications for ELLs.
Provided direct vocabulary instruction with an at-risk SIFE ELL and set goals for
English language acquisition.
Collected/evaluated running records using the Fountas and Pinnell system to
measure reading levels.

George Washington School, February - April 2021

Supported a hybrid (Google Classroom) 6th-grade social studies and critical
literacies class.
Planned/implemented lessons on colonial US History and analyzing critical texts.

middle school drama choreographer

September 2019 - June 2022

Planned and instructed group and individual dance performances for Middle School productions.
Promoted fitness, consistent rehearsal, and interpersonal skill development with cast members.

Matilda jr. (2021)

After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, the team at WHMS Drama was finally able to produce Matilda Jr.: the first show to be held on any stage in the WHUFSD since March 14th, 2020. With a unique set of obstacles including COVID precautions such as wearing masks during rehearsals and performances, spacing concerns, and microphone-sharing as well as a reconstruction of the WHMS/WHHS auditorium, our team nevertheless pulled through. We were neither able to hold rehearsals in the typical location (HS auditorium) nor perform there. Instead, we rehearsed wherever we could find the space. This included the MS cafeteria, our amazing advisor Mrs. Suzanne Parker-Hall's classroom, the hallway, and even one day in my Zoom Personal Meeting Room when we showed up to the Saturday rehearsal to find the school building locked. Through it all, we persisted. Our performers got the experience they have been waiting for over the last two years. Learners that I got the chance to work with in 2018 and 2019, when they were middle schoolers, came back to help as high schoolers. Learners from the self-contained and inclusion Special Education classes came to us with their passion for theater evident. As they and their teachers expressed concern over the prospect of receiving a main role on top of the stressors of school and life, we provided the needed accommodations and were proud to showcase these two learners as our title character Matilda and supporting lead Bruce.

This was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of.

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From rehearsals in the cafeteria...

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to the final performance on the main stage!

Wizard of oz jr. (2019)

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I play by my learners' strengths. The 8th-grade learner in the role of the Scarecrow happened to be a dancer who specialized in tap, as I did when I was in training. I worked with her to choreograph a solo tap number to accompany her solo song in the show.

Into the woods jr. (2018)

A week before rehearsals in September 2018, I was approached by one of my good friends from childhood, Ms. Stephanie Martinez, explaining that our alma mater, West Hempstead Middle School, did not have a choreographer for the show she was directing. She asked if I could help her choreograph a few group numbers, which turned into attending every rehearsal, which turned into me becoming the volunteer choreographer that year... and finally, the district creating a paid position for the Middle School Drama Choreographer: which I have held since 2019!