New Hyde Park-Garden City Park UFSD

Developing a Portrait of a Graduate: The district’s goals focus on the health and safety of our community, positive behavioral supports, inclusive and culturally proficient practices, and high-quality, and consistent curriculum and learning experiences. As a community, the district created a Portrait of a Graduate that includes six attributes they believe are essential for students to acquire before they graduate from sixth grade: communication, collaboration, empathy, library and media skills, learner’s mindset, and, of course innovation.

21st century learning for life: The district is focused on changing the status quo through technology, innovation, coding, 21st Century Skills needed for life, and authentic learning. In addition to being a 1:1 Chromebook district since 2017, they have a Technology Integration Specialist on staff who delivers high quality professional development and community assistance. Teachers are all active users and experts in the use of the Google Suite.

Reimagining report cards and assessment: A committee of teachers and administrators revamped the district’s antiquated report card to reflect standards-based mastery, taking behavior and homework out of grading. Teachers no longer grade tests with percentages. In addition, the district prioritizes daily lessons on social-emotional learning.

Hiring practices to support diversity: The district’s hiring practices to purposefully recruit teachers and staff who represent the people of the world, and professional development is focused on cultural competency.