District highlights full-time pre-K launch and new high-school robotics class

Westbury Union Free School District leaders used the Sept. 9 planning meeting to highlight the opening-week experience for students, announce the district's full-time pre-K program, and confirm curricular expansions in robotics and educational technology. Superintendent Dr. Chase (as identified in the meeting) thanked staff and families for a successful opening week and specifically noted the district's new full- and part-time pre-K program, saying the youngest learners had acclimated well. The superintendent also invited families to attend a "Dads, granddads, stepdads, uncles, mentors" event on Sept. 19 and asked schools to publicize upcoming meet-the-teacher and parent-welcome nights. On curriculum and technology, trustees and staff confirmed the high school now offers a robotics class and that the robotics team has a dedicated space. Staff also confirmed the district has 3D printers in its buildings for student use in robotics clubs and EdTech coursework. "We have 3D printers in our buildings for our scholars to use across not only the robotics clubs but also their EdTech coursework," a staff member said; a parent later thanked the board for adding the robotics class. Why it matters: expanding pre-K and STEM offerings can affect enrollment, family engagement and instructional opportunities. The pre-K program is a new option for families and robotics/3D printing provide students with hands-on technology experience. What trustees and staff said: the superintendent characterized the school opening as joyful and encouraged family participation. Staff said schools sent bulletins about meet-the-teacher events and that families who did not receive information should contact the district so records can be corrected. A public commenter and a parent speaker thanked the district for the robotics program and for creating classroom space for the robotics team. Next steps: schools will continue outreach about events and program information; staff will monitor the new pre-K rollout and the integration of robotics and 3D-printing resources into coursework and extracurricular activities.