New Teacher LaunchpadHewlett-Woodmere Public Schools

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools · 2026–27

New Teacher
Launchpad.

The links, videos, and session materials you’ll need during your first year at Hewlett-Woodmere.

Watch the videos Explore this year’s program

Bookmark this part

All-staff links

The district tools, priorities, and guidance people regularly need to find.

01 Technology Applications GuideSearch district-licensed tools by building, grade, or subject and find sign-in and support details. 02 Portrait of a GraduateOpen the district’s strategic plan and Portrait of a Graduate resource in Google Drive. 03 AI Mission & VisionRead the district’s shared direction for thoughtful, responsible use of artificial intelligence. 04 AI Traffic LightUse the grade-band posters to clarify when AI use is stopped, limited, or encouraged.
Shared DriveSCD 2026 Resources PDF · 4 pagesRTI to MTSS Staff Crosswalk District sign-in may be requiredProfessional Development Plan

First up in October: Schoology, Seesaw, Infinite Campus, ParentSquare, Frontline, and where to get help.

Open the October session

October 2026–June 2027

The 2026–27 New Teacher Program

The October–June sessions are held on Wednesdays before Board of Education meetings. Sessions begin at 3:30 PM in the WEC Auditorium. Open any month for its focus and materials.

OctoberTechnology OverviewWEC AuditoriumMrs. Krista Albrecht
  • Organize classroom content, share assignments, and navigate essential features in Schoology and Seesaw.
  • Use Infinite Campus for attendance, student information, and applicable grading responsibilities.
  • Manage classroom updates, direct messages, and communication preferences in ParentSquare.
  • Enter absences and professional learning in Frontline, including conferences outside the catalog, approvals, and costs.
  • Know where to find technology support, tutorials, and district resources.
Applications guide ↗
NovemberDanielson & EvaluationWEC AuditoriumDr. Patrick Fogarty + directors (TBD)
  • Understand the Danielson framework and what its domains look like in everyday practice.
  • Navigate observations, conferences, evidence, and teacher responsibilities.
  • Prepare for observations through purposeful planning and reflection.
  • Use feedback to set professional goals and strengthen instruction.
Danielson placemat ↗ Induction slides ↗
DecemberCommunication & School CommunityWEC AuditoriumMs. Barbara Giese + AP/Director + HWFA representative (TBD)
  • Use ParentSquare, calls, and email to build relationships and communicate clearly and proactively.
  • Prepare for Back-to-School Night, parent-teacher conferences, and difficult conversations.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality; know what belongs in email and when to involve an administrator.
  • Make thoughtful social media choices and connect with the school community through events, clubs, and activities.
Communication guidelines ↓
JanuaryMTSS & Supporting All LearnersWEC AuditoriumDr. Susan Farber + Ms. Monica Pullows
  • Understand the district’s MTSS process, available supports, and how to raise concerns about a student.
  • Differentiate instruction and provide scaffolds for varied learning needs.
  • Implement required accommodations and collaborate with special education, ENL, and student support staff.
  • Document interventions and monitor progress to determine next steps.
RTI to MTSS crosswalk ↗SCD 2026 resources ↗
FebruaryStudent Engagement & Classroom ManagementWEC AuditoriumFacilitators to be announced
  • Establish and revisit routines, expectations, and relationships that support a positive classroom environment.
  • Design learning that promotes participation, student voice, and meaningful engagement.
  • Respond consistently to challenging behavior and know when to seek support.
  • Work through classroom scenarios and share strategies with colleagues.
MarchAssessment & Data-Driven InstructionWEC AuditoriumGrade-banded collaboration
  • Explore assessments and student work relevant to each grade band or subject area.
  • Use formative checks to identify misconceptions and adjust instruction.
  • Examine student work collaboratively, clarify expectations, and identify patterns.
  • Translate findings into flexible groups, targeted reteaching, enrichment, and progress monitoring.
AprilOur District’s Portrait of a GraduateWEC AuditoriumDistrict priorities in classroom practice
  • Explore the Portrait of a Graduate and its connection to the district’s educational priorities.
  • Identify how its competencies develop across grade levels and subject areas.
  • Connect classroom lessons, projects, and learning experiences to the Portrait.
  • Share examples of how students can demonstrate and reflect on these competencies.
Portrait of a Graduate ↗District webpage ↗
MayTeaching with TechnologyWEC AuditoriumMrs. Krista Albrecht + TILTs, teachers, and a building leader
  • Select technology that supports a clear learning goal and adds instructional value.
  • Use district-approved tools to support collaboration, creativity, accessibility, and differentiation.
  • Build digital citizenship and responsible technology use into classroom practice.
  • Design or revise a lesson with technology, with time to practice and exchange feedback.
Applications guide ↗Helpful tech videos ↓
JuneYear in Review & Closing Your YearDate TBD · 3:30 PMWEC AuditoriumSuperintendent’s Cabinet + directors
  • Reflect on successes, challenges, student growth, and goals for the coming year.
  • Consider physical and mental well-being and identify supports and boundaries that help.
  • Strengthen systems for planning, prioritizing, organization, and workload management while recognizing burnout.
  • Complete building-specific responsibilities, organize materials and records, and plan for a sustainable start next fall.