Roosevelt School District Celebrates the First Day of School

The Roosevelt School District recently welcomed all students back with enthusiasm and celebration. Washington Rose Elementary School rolled out the red carpet for its students as District administration joined with local members of Divine Nine fraternities and Doric Lodge # 53 to cheer for students on their first day back. Staff greeted students and their families at Centennial Avenue Elementary School, Ulysses Byas Elementary School and Roosevelt Middle School. Students reunited with their peers at Roosevelt High School and seniors kicked off the year by joining with friends on the school’s football field to watch the sunrise.

“It was so inspiring to see the enthusiasm and pride on the faces of our staff and students returning to school,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Wightman. “We have so much to look forward to here in Roosevelt this year and I am confident we will reach great heights as a team, as emphasized in this year’s theme, “together, we rise.”

Students beamed with smiles as they entered Washington Rose to upbeat music and high-fived members of historically Black Divine Nine fraternities and Hempstead-based Prince Hall lodging group Doric Lodge # 53. The “Men of Distinction” event is part of Washington Rose’s community partnership initiative, which began in 2018 and aims to collaborate with local community members and get them involved in students' education and social development. The initiative aims to instill pride in the District’s young men of color by providing them with role models in their community.

First day activities also took place at the District’s Centennial Avenue Elementary School, Ulysses Byas Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School and Roosevelt High School. Dr. Wightman visited staff and students across all District schools to welcome them on the first day and impart words of encouragement, sharing the message of the new year: “together, we rise.”

To learn more about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.rooseveltufsd.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.