Herricks Celebrates Class of 2021 Commencement
Herricks Public Schools leaders, families and members of the
Herricks High School Class of 2021 were thrilled to come together in person for the 62nd Annual Commencement, held on June 16 at Hofstra University. The event was especially meaningful to those involved, as it represented progress and perseverance after a challenging year marked by the global pandemic.

Herricks Applauds 2021 HS Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Rhea Rasquinha and Kyle Pinzon led Herricks High School’s Class of 2021 as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. They are both award-winning Science Research students, AP Scholars with Distinction, National Honor Society members and National Merit finalists, and together they served as co-presidents of the Freshmen Focus and Yearbook organizations. They each have their own extensive list of additional accomplishments, talents and interests as well.

Message from The Board of Education
Dear Residents,
We made it through a successful, albeit uniquely challenging school year! Thank you to our faculty, staff, students and families for being an integral part of the district and community. Together, we persevered under extraordinary circumstances, and this would not have been possible without your continuous efforts and support. 
Congratulations to our high school graduates and to our fifth and eighth graders who are moving up to their next chapters. We wish the Class of 2021 well as they embark upon their next journeys. 
Throughout the pandemic, it has been evident that the members of the Herricks family care for one another and are ready to help each other in difficult times. As we begin a new school year, we look forward to welcoming all of our students back for in-person learning in the fall, knowing that we are 
Herricks strong. 
Regards,

The Board of Education

MOVING UP to Middle and High School
Fifth and eighth graders stepped up to the next level
during moving-up ceremonies that commemorated their
growth and success.

Capital Projects Update
The summer months bring opportunities for capital improvement projects that will enhance facilities for
students. Progress is being made on Herricks High School’s new fitness center, and work is on track for a winter completion. Window replacement work at the high school also continues, and sitework masonry for the high school and middle school front loops will take place this summer.

Award-Worthy Accomplishments
More than 100 awards or scholarships were provided to members of Herricks High School’s graduating class during a senior awards ceremony held in June.

NEXT STOP: College
Herricks High School graduates are enrolled at colleges and
universities all over the country! 

Proposed Budget Balances Safety, Learning and Fiscal Responsibility
The Herricks Public Schools is pleased to present a proposed 2021-22 school budget that sustains and enhances all programs and services, and carries a tax levy of 1.42%, which is below the maximum allowable limit of 2.51%. The district has made many strides this past year in terms of technology, social-emotional learning, health and safety, and despite the pandemic, students continue to achieve at high levels. The proposed spending plan supports
instructional goals, addresses mandated expenditures and remains mindful of taxpayers and long-term financial well-being.

Priorities in Developing the 2021-22 Budget
The proposed budget is based on an extensive set of priorities that continue our district’s tradition of excellence. These drivers guided our decision-making through the budget development process. Priorities included.....

Points of Pride - See full edition

Expenditure Summary With Estimated Revenue - See full edition

Proposition No. 2
In addition to voting on the 2021-22 proposed budget (Proposition No. 1), the community will vote on another proposition (Proposition No. 2). Proposition No. 2 will ask the community to approve the expenditure of $1,208,145 from the
2019 Capital Reserve Fund for the renovations of the Herricks High School auditorium.  Proposition No. 2 will have no impact on the tax levy

Voter Registration Information - See full edition

United in Diversity Herricks Schools Celebrate the Community’s Many Cultures
Diversity is a cherished, highly valued attribute of the Herricks school  community. Sadly, incidents of bias, violence and hurtful speech have recently taken place throughout our nation. The Herricks School District embraces and promotes the values of acceptance, tolerance, empathy and mutual respect in all of its schools. Celebrating our diversity is a hallmark of a Herricks education.

A Message from your Board of Education
Dear Residents, This spring is exceptionally bright as we move forward into better times and appreciate how far we have come since last spring’s shutdown. That said, our thoughts are with all who have endured hardships and losses in the pandemic, and the district is doing all that we can to keep our community safe and healthy.

Thanks to the efforts of our administrative team and Americare Pharmaceutical Services, the district was able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations for more than 120 faculty and staff members in March. We care greatly about all our residents and also coordinated vaccination spots for approximately 40 senior citizens at a local Walgreens.

We are appreciative of the technology team’s efforts in obtaining Chromebooks, livestreaming Board of Education meetings, providing network improvements, making great advancements in instructional technology and so much more. Despite the challenges of this school year, we have all persevered, and Herricks students continue to learn, grow and shine.

Nine National Merit Finalists
All nine Herricks High School seniors who were named National Merit semifinalists in the fall have advanced to finalist standing in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Jane Chung, Jay Chung, Abhinav Goyal, Preethi Krishnamoorthy, Samuel Leung, Samantha S. Moy, Kyle Pinzon, Rhea D. Rasquinha and David D. Zhang are among approximately 15,000 finalists across the nation.

Regeneron Scholar
Herricks High School senior Rhea D. Rasquinha is among the top 300 scholars in the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search, as announced by the Society for Science. More than 1,700 students representing 611 high schools throughout the nation and several other countries applied to the competition. Award recipients were selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists. Rhea and Herricks High School were each presented with a $2,000 prize.

Sports Make a Strong Comeback
Herricks athletes have enjoyed a successful return to the field and gymnasium in 2021, kicking off with an exciting winter sports season. Seniors Nicole Baer and Sheila O’Mara were included in Newsday’s list of Top 100 girls basketball players on Long Island, and the girls bowling team came in No. 9 in Nassau County.

Herricks students have soared this school year with many awards and achievements. Please visit www. herricks.org and follow the Herricks Public Schools on social media for continuous news on students’ successes.

Music and Art Help Keep Herricks Strong Throughout Pandemic
The arts are at the heart of the Herricks Public Schools and community and have been a valuable asset for students, families and staff members throughout the pandemic. In recognizing the therapeutic effects of music, art and theater, those in the district were quick to jump on board and find ways to continue opportunities for students to express themselves and broaden the reach of their talents... Watch a brief video highlighting Music and Art

A Message from your Board of Education
We hope you and your families are well and having a great start to the new year. Our schools are filled with pride as students continue to excel in and outside of the classroom, and we are proud to share many new achievements and developments...

Capital Projects UPDATE
The district broke ground on Herricks High School’s new fitness center in December, marking the homestretch of the 2016 bond referendum projects. The fitness center is expected to be finished next winter and will feature a modern, state-of-the-art area for athletes to train and students to exercise...

TRANSPORTATION REQUEST DEADLINE FOR 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR
All requests for transportation to a NONPUBLIC SCHOOL must be received no later than APRIL 1, 2021, according to state law. Applications may be obtained online at Herricks.org/transportation. For more information, please call 516-305-8948.

Herricks District Council of PTAs 61st Annual Fundraiser
To continue with our 60-year tradition, the Herricks Council of PTAs will be giving awards to deserving Herricks graduating seniors for their efforts in our community...

National Merit Honorees - Thirty-nine seniors have represented Herricks High School with distinctions in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program this year. Nine students were recognized as National Merit semifinalists, while 30 earned accolades as National Merit commended students. This academic competition was initiated in 1955 as a way to provide students with opportunities to receive

Staying in Tune With SEL - Social-emotional learning, mental health and  indfulness have been important fixtures in the Herricks educational program, and they come into play even more this year. Throughout the reopening and during last spring’s closure, district staff members have been making sure that students are coping with changes and managing emotions in healthy, productive ways.

A Message from your Board of Education -  We hope you and your families are well and enjoying the fresh air of fall. The past two months have brought many smiles beneath the masks as students and staff members returned to the classrooms in person and virtually. We had a safe and smooth reopening thanks to a great deal of careful planning that took place over the summer, which enabled students to jump right into a new year of learning.

Capital Projects and TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES - The new districtwide wireless network is complete and up and running. The entire switching infrastructure was replaced with the latest equipment that will provide a tenfold increase in bandwidth between buildings. The newly installed wireless (Wi-Fi 6) infrastructure provides wireless coverage throughout the district that is capable of handling large numbers of devices at once. The number of access points has been increased from 115 to 268, and wireless access connections have gone from 4,600 to 107,200. Other projects have been underway in the district in the ongoing effort to improve district facilities. The high school window curtain wall and cafeteria courtyard windows, which are part of the 2016 bond referendum, are expected to be finished by January. Ground breaking for the exciting new high school fitness center addition will take place on December 1.

A One-of-a-Kind Graduation for the CLASS of 2020
The Herricks Public Schools celebrated the Class of 2020 on the evening of June 25, when cars assembled, drive-in movie style, at North Hempstead Beach Park. Though it was not the traditional ceremony that was anticipated prior to the pandemic, the event honored 325 seniors while keeping the Herricks spirit strong.

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN Lead the way
Herricks High School’s 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian, Derek Chen and Nicholas Newsome, represent the leaders of a senior class that graduated in a year that brought challenges like no other. Both students have excelled as AP Scholars with Distinction, National Honor Society members and National Merit Commended Students, and each has his own unique set of accomplishments and interests.

On the Road to Middle School
The pandemic and school closure did not stop Herricks fifth graders from moving up in a memorable way! Center Street, Denton Avenue and Searingtown schools all held graduation events that celebrated students’ completion of their elementary years while adhering to safety guidelines.

EIGHTH GRADERS Move Up
On June 25, the Herricks Middle School community gathered together to celebrate its eighth grade graduates at the Town of North Hempstead Beach Park, where a drivein style culminating event closed out a truly unprecedented academic year.

Rewarding Extraordinary Effort
More than 100 awards or scholarships were provided to members of Herricks High School’s graduating class during the district’s first virtual senior awards ceremony.

Sponsored by local community and school organizations, the awards were bestowed upon students based on academic achievement, community service involvement, individual character, unique accomplishments or talents, leadership, dedication to a particular subject and other noteworthy qualities and triumphs.

The full video is available at https://vimeo.com/428539746.

Proposed Budget Remains Within Tax Cap, ENHANCES RESOURCES FOR LEARNINGMessage from the Board of Education The Herricks Public Schools is pleased to present a proposed 2020-21 school budget that preserves and supports all of our academic and extracurricular programs while remaining within the maximum allowable property tax levy limit of 2.35%. As has previously been communicated, this year’s vote was postponed and will be conducted by absentee ballot. An absentee ballot with a postage paid return envelope will be mailed to all qualified voters in the school district and must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on June 9.

Priorities in Developing the 2020-21 BudgetThe proposed budget is based on an extensive set of priorities to continue our district’s tradition of excellence. These drivers guided our decision-making through the budget development process. Priorities included:
• Align budget with the district’s mission and goals.
• Maintain long-term financial wellbeing.
• Address education regulations, mandates and legal requirements, such as APPR and the Affordable Care Act.
• Respect that property taxes from homeowners are the major source of revenue for the budget.
• Provide efficient, cost-effective operations and strong fiscal controls and oversight.
• Conduct a thorough review of all budget items, seek cost-saving efficiencies.
• Use data to assess instructional programs and ensure accountability.

Qualifications:
If you are registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections, you are automatically registered for school elections.
To vote on June 9, you must be:
• 18 years of age.
• A citizen of the United States.
• A resident of the Herricks School District for 30 days prior to June 9, 2020.
• Qualified to register or is registered to vote in accord with section 5-106 of the Election Law which excludes: a) those convicted felons who have not been pardoned or had their rights of citizenship restored, those whose maximum sentence of imprisonment has not expired; and/or those who have not been discharged from parole; b) persons adjudged mentally
incompetent by a court. How do I register? Prospective voters can register with the Nassau County Board of Elections by completing an online application with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible at https://
dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registrationapplication.

What will I be voting on?
• Proposition No. 1: The annual budget for the 2020-21 school year.
• Voters will also be asked to elect two members of the Board of Education commencing July 1, 2020, for a three-year term.

How do I vote?
A: All qualified voters will receive an absentee ballot mailed to their homes. You will see three parts: a pre-paid mailing envelope, the ballot and an oath envelope. Once completed, the ballot must be placed in the oath envelope, signed and sealed. The oath envelope will be placed in the mailing envelope.

A World of Business at Herricks HS
An entire subdivision of the business world exists within Herricks High School, where  an assortment of programs equips students
with viable business skills and experiences. Opportunities prepare them for success in the future and help them determine their college and career paths. While a variety of business courses provide background content, two specific programs enable it to be used in authentic settings. DECA and Virtual Enterprise have both proven to be successful, with consistent student achievements and awards.

A Message From Your Board of Education
In the midst of difficult times, the Board,above all else, wishes you wellness and safety while coping with the daily challenges of our unprecedented health crisis. We offer our sympathy and condolences to all who have already suffered or lost someone dear.

The Herricks Board of Education trustees are very proud to be part of a community that values education, where students impress us every day with their dedication, talents and goals. We are equally proud to be part of a team that runs an efficient, fiscally responsible school district that is mindful of our taxpayers.

National Recognitions
Herricks High School is proud to congratulate a number of seniors who attained national distinctions this winter. Nicole Chen, Jenna Chin, Gloria Kang, Rohan Khanderia, Christopher Lum, Daniel Min, Michael Paciullo, Shreya Patel and Rahul Singhal were identified as National Merit finalists, while Carrie Hsu and Bhav Patel are among the top 300 scholars in the U.S. and several other countries who were named Regeneron Science Talent
Search semifinalists. On Feb. 25, Lynn Giudice of Regeneron visited the high school to formally honor Carrie and Bhav, as well as the other 19 seniors who entered the prestigious science and math contest. The National Merit students were commended at the Feb. 27 Board of Education meeting.

A Smooth Transition
Herricks administrators and faculty members sprang into action upon the initial school closure announcement in March and have been going above and beyond in ensuring that students continue to receive successful instruction while at home. The district has established a comprehensive distance learning plan to keep students focused, connected and engaged.

Mental Health Is Key to a Well-Rounded Education
As mental health awareness grows, the Herricks Public Schools have been enhancing the curriculum with extensive social-emotional learning and
mindfulness programs. This past summer, the New York State Education Department passed a law requiring schools to provide a mental health component within their educational programs, and Herricks is ahead of the curve in this area.

Capital Projects Update
The district has come a long way with regard to the 2016 bond referendum for capital improvements, and students and staff members are enjoying new and improved facilities. As highlights, the cafeteria remodel, finished for the start of school and the track and field, completed last spring, were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during this year’s homecoming.

75 Years of Outstanding Music
The Herricks community came together to honor the 75th anniversary of the Herricks music department this past November, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Herricks Public Schools and Music Boosters. More than 1,100 guests and upwards of 350 student-musicians filed into Herricks High School for an evening gala that featured outstanding performances by students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Regeneron Finalist
Herricks High School senior Eish Maheshwari has been recognized as a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist after being named a Scholar in the competition earlier in January. He will travel to Washington, D.C., from March 7-13 to present his work and vie for monetary awards.

Bond Project Progress
Phase III Brings More Improvements
Herricks continues to forge ahead in the districtwide
capital projects that comprise the 2016 bond referendum
and 2019-20 budget for new and improved facilities.

Flexible Seating Suits Each Student’s Learning Style
As instruction and curriculum evolve in 21st-century classrooms, it comes
naturally that physical components of the learning environment follow suit.
Flexible seating is making its way through the district, with new, specially designed
furniture in every building. A broad assortment of progressive chairs and desks
fit the wide range of learning styles that are our Herricks success stories.

National Merit Recognitions
Herricks High School has again topped the charts with high numbers
of National Merit semifinalists and commended students. Seniors have
earned a total of 37 recognitions in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship
Program.

Herricks High School GradsTake Memories and Lessons Into the Future
Herricks High School’s Class of 2019 concluded a major chapter in their lives during the 60th annual commencement ceremony, held on the evening of June 27. This was Principal Joan Keegan’s first year leading the high school after many years as middle school principal.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Lead by Example
Eish Maheshwari and Sahith Vadadaled the Class of 2019 with pride, holding the respective titles of valedictorian and salutatorian. The two recent graduates have excelled inside and outside of the classrooms and have bright futures ahead of them.

Moving Up Without Limits
Fifth and eighth graders stepped up to the next level during moving-up ceremonies that commemorated their growth and success.

Rewarding Extraordinary Effort
More than 100 awards or scholarships were provided to members of Herricks High School’s graduating class during a senior awards ceremony held in June.

Points of Pride
The spring season led into summer with numerous achievements earned in Herricks. Some of the many accomplishments are noted below – please visit www.herricks.org or follow the Herricks Public Schools on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular updates!

CAPITALPROJECTS UPDATE
Numerous capital improvement projects are planned for the summer months, including the second phase of the bond referendum.

Various Styles, Similar Outcomes

Differentiated instruction is a key component of
the education program across the Herricks Public
Schools, as it supports the various ways of learning
that are found within each classroom. Teachers use
varied strategies of differentiation, many of which
have been standard practice in Herricks for years
and are making their way into even more areas of
curriculum and instruction.

Green Initiatives Grow

Herricks is ahead of the curve in
environmental care, having taken numerous
“green” steps. Throughout the district,
efforts have been made to shift toward more
environmentally friendly products as well as
increase awareness of them.
Districtwide, empty ink and toner
cartridges are sent to specified locations to be
recycled. This school year, the Food Services
Department switched to purchasing corn
starch sporks that are only 10 percent plastic,
in place of entirely plastic utensils. Herricks
is one of only two districts on Long Island
that made the shift to biodegradable trays,
and next school year, will be changing to
paper straws from plastic.

Ten National Merit Finalists

Ten Herricks High School students have
been recognized as National Merit finalists by
the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Congratulations to Hannah Chu, Ankit Jain,
Christina Kim, Simon Liu, Eish Maheshwari,
Mariana Mohsen, Cayla Moy, Nicole Park,
Uttsav Patel and Sahith Vadada, who are among
approximately 15,000 students across the country
to have achieved this feat.

Leading the Way!

Center Street, Denton Avenue and Searingtown
Schools have all been recognized as Project Lead the
Way Distinguished Schools. They are among only 214
elementary schools across the country to receive this
designation by offering at least two PLTW Launch
modules at each grade level and having more than
75 percent of the student body participate during
the 2017-18 school year. PLTW is a STEM-based
curriculum used in grades K-5 and middle school.

Mental Health Is Key to a Well-Rounded Education

As mental health awareness grows, the Herricks Public Schools have been enhancing the curriculum with extensive social-emotional learning and mindfulness programs. This past summer, the New York State Education Department passed a law requiring schools to provide a mental health component within their educational programs, and Herricks is ahead of the curve in this area.

Capital Projects Update

The district has come a long way with regard to the 2016 bond referendum for capital improvements, and students and staff members are enjoying new and improved facilities. As highlights, the cafeteria remodel, finished for the start of school and the track and field, completed last spring, were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during this year’s homecoming.

75 Years of Outstanding Music

The Herricks community came together to honor the 75th anniversary of the Herricks music department this past November, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Herricks Public Schools and Music Boosters. More than 1,100 guests and upwards of 350 student-musicians filed into Herricks High School for an evening gala that featured outstanding performances by students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Regeneron Finalist

Herricks High School senior Eish Maheshwari has been recognized as a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist after being named a Scholar in the competition earlier in January. He will travel to Washington, D.C., from March 7-13 to present his work and vie for monetary awards.

Progress of Bond Projects Brings IMPROVED Facilities
English Scholars Program - Cultivates Effective Writers and Creative Minds
Herricks HS Students Earn BIG ACHIEVEMENTS

Graduates Celebrate their Experiences in Herricks
Valedictorian Esme Chen and Salutatorian Janet Hsu Lead
Achievements and Effort Rewarded with Scholarships
Moving Up With Confidence!
Bond Update: Phase 2 Under Way

Proposed Budget Supports Academic Excellence
Priorities in Developing the 2018-19 Budget
Expenditure Summary with Estimated Revenue
Three-Part Budget Breakdown

Language Immersion - From Fundamentals to Proficiency
Capital Projects - Update
New Elementary Report Cards
Nation Merit Finalists

STEAM Lab’s First Stages in the Books
Principal Keegan Heads To The High School
Facilities for the FutureA
TV Studio Takes Students’ Skills to the Screen
TRANSPORTATION REQUEST DEADLINE