Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I fondly recall how my parents embraced my love for cars, gifting me a remote-controlled car each year. Similarly, my elderly neighbor, Ms. Dorothy, nurtured my passion for reading by gifting me my first subscription to Motor Trend Magazine one Christmas. She maintained this thoughtful gesture until I graduated high school. Even into adulthood, my mother’s tradition of gifting me remote-controlled cars continued. Although the cars became less expensive in adulthood, these small gestures acknowledged a shared love and kept us bonded. They remind me that some of the best gifts are inexpensive or even free – like love, gratitude, and kindness, a key belief in our five-year strategic plan. The beauty of these gifts is that we can share them all year round, and especially at Christmas.

As Hempstead Bobcats, we have so much to be proud of. The gift of community is one of our strongest attributes, and I am grateful to be part of yours. I am so encouraged when I see the community partner with our school district to ensure members of our community have what they need during this season. Our students have worked so hard to be the gift needed for many members of our wonderful community.

This holiday season, I encourage everyone to enjoy time with family and friends and to slow down and cherish these moments if possible. To our students and staff, upon our return, we have some unfinished business. We will continue working to make Hempstead ISD a world-class learning environment, cultivating learners and leaders who excel in all their endeavors. I am excited to move towards #HigherHeights together with each one of you.

I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!