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Hempstead Beacon 07-30-2026

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Vol. 76 No. 31

Recreating sports history

Staying away from sharks

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JUlY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2026

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Immigration uncertainty By HAIlEY FUlMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Photos courtesy Uniondale school district

Elementary students, scholars were encouraged to dress as scientists, in makeshift white “lab coats.” From left were Yamileth Castro, teacher Monique St. Clair-Thomas, Jovera Robinson, Elijah Smith, Gabrielle Molly and teaching assistant Yaniris Capellan.

Summer learning reimagined By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

While many children spend their summers at camp, Uniondale students are spending theirs building robots and creating art projects tied to science, writing and poetry. Those activities are part of the Uniondale school district’s summer Passport to Innovation, a free five-week enrichment program that blends academics with hands-on projects designed to make learning feel more like camp than a classroom. “We don’t call it summer school,” Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil said. “Not everyone can afford camps, swimming courses and all those programs. We want children of all economic backgrounds to have that opportunity.” Now in its fifth year, Passport to Innovation serves 377 students. Middle-schoolers focus on coding, while elementary students take part in project-based lessons that blend literacy, math, STEM, art and real-world experiences. Darrisaw-Akil added that the program is

important for the summer, because children’s minds are still active, and teachers want to find a way to continue to incorporate education. The district is using practical, hands-on projects in literacy and math, “so kids don’t feel like they got punished.” California Avenue Elementary School hosted 170 rising pre-K to fifth-graders for the program, and each classroom had unique projects based on their grade level. Rhonda Taylor, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, incorporated the word “passport” because she wanted students to feel as if they were traveling around the world. “Some kids don’t have the opportunity to be able to travel during the summer,” she said. “Science is one of the things we really want them to explore,” Taylor added of the elementary students. “But not necessarily in the same way that they do it during the school year. We want this to be something that’s a little different.” In one room, students used science to ConTinuEd on paGE 5

As Haitian immigrants — such as those living or working in Nassau County under Temporary Protected Status — face uncertainty over their future in the United States, community members are expressing concer ns while advocates have urged them to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and prepare for possible changes. A June 25 U.S. Supreme Cour t ruling allowing the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria has raised concerns for some immigrant families. Uniondale school officials said they continue supporting affected students through food deliveries with the local pantry and other family resources. “Temporary Protected Status is an issue that deeply impacts many members of our community,” Legislator Vivianna Russell, who represents stated on July 7. “It is important that every voice is heard and that everyone has the opportunity to understand their rights and make informed decisions.” A Haitian TPS holder who asked to be identified only by the alias Marie recently expressed anxiety, explaining that she has been saddened by the uncertainty surrounding the program. She encouraged members of the Haitian com-

munity to continue supporting one another and helping those who may feel overwhelmed. “I am sad about the situation,” Marie told the Herald in a phone interview, through interpreter Claire Leon. “So, we have to stay united and stay together and support each other so they will not lose hope, that they stay safe, and hopefully something will come through for them. Leon, an activist and health c a r e wo rke r f r o m Va l l e y Stream, said many Haitian immigrants came to the United States seeking safety, stability and a better future, but now fear losing the opportunities they worked to build. “Now the American dream that everybody was wishing for is being taken away from them, and they don’t have anything to go back to,” Leon said. She added that fear has also prevented some immigrants from sharing their stories publicly. Concerns from Haitian TPS holders were also addressed during a July 7 virtual information session hosted by siblings Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, both of whom represent Elmont. The virtual session brought together immigration advocates, attorneys and community leaders to provide updates ConTinuEd on paGE 4


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