Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Roosevelt Union Free School District welcomed students back to classes for the first time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year after Labor Day. Combined with the natural excitement back-to-school season offers, new developments in the district have made this year additionally exciting for many in Roosevelt.
Classes began on Sept. 8, with district administrators and faculty welcoming students back to classrooms and emphasizing the district’s theme of unity.
At Roosevelt Middle School, the district welcomed its first-ever sixth-grade class. Teachers greeted the newest members of the school community, helped them review their new schedules and provided each student a Yondr pouch, a small pack that securely stores cell phones during the school day and helps reduce possible distractions during classes.
At the Washington Rose Elementary School, students received a red carpet welcome courtesy of district administrators, members of local Divine Nine fraternities and the number 53 chapter of Doric Lodge. The students’ entrance was complete with music, and high-fives from community members enthusiastically greeting each child.
More excitement was recently had at Washington Rose, as the school and district officially received a $40,129.52 check from Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis on Sept. 14. The funds were from a Community Revitalization Project grant he secured, and was given to the district to purchase a new digital sign for Washington Rose.
“The first day of school is always a special moment, but this year brought even more reasons to celebrate,” Superintendent of Schools Shawn Wightman said. “From welcoming our first sixth-grade class at Roosevelt Middle School to the tremendous support of our community partners at Washington Rose, our schools demonstrated what it means to come together for our students. We are excited about the year ahead and remain committed to creating learning environments where every student feels welcomed, supported and ready to succeed.”
At the district’s other schools, Centennial Avenue Elementary School, Ulysses Byas Elementary School and Roosevelt High School, staff warmly greeted students and families while students reunited with friends. The high school seniors came to the school’s football field earlier in the day to watch the sunrise together at the start of their final year together in the district.
