New Staff Members in West Hempstead High School

By Khari Dash

During the 2018-2019 school year, new staff members joined the West Hempstead School District. Some of them include Mr. DeTommaso, Ms. Stamatiades, and Ms. Cassa.

James DeTomasso is the new principal at West Hempstead High School and the motto he started the year with is, “raise the bar and… compete.” 

Previously, he worked in the East Rockaway district. Before becoming principal here, Mr. DeTommaso was a Physical Education teacher, Assistant Principal and a Principal for summer school in East Rockaway.  He came here because he felt like it was a “good match” for him. He also respected how the teachers care for the students and the parents, as well as how diverse the school is. 

Mr. DeTommaso's top priorities as the new principal are to build a  positive culture within the school, provide opportunities for the students and build paths for students for their future. The future he sees for the school is to improve academic achievements and see the school district is on the rise.

Mr. DeTommaso: Passion for Successful Students

By Harpinder Kaur

I was lucky to sit down with the busy new principal. 

This is Mr. DeTommaso’s first year here as principal and he is motivated to bring great visions for the future of West Hempstead to action.

Mr. DeTommaso has been in education for over 27 years. He started his career as a Special Education teacher. He was also a devoted coach of football and basketball and even coached a professional lacrosse team, the Long Island Lizards. 

Mr. DeTomasso then took a Dean's job at East Rockaway High School later becoming an Assistant Principal there and then the summer school Principal. Mr. DeTommaso is filled with confidence about becoming the new principal of West Hempstead High School.