West Hempstead Weekly Update

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe use to engage students and close the aspiration gap. The framework encompasses several key principles aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students and staff:

The Designing Learning framework consists of: Connection Before Content, Acceleration not Remediation, Rethinking Success Criteria, Higher-Level Thinking, Student Agency, Authentic Work, and Technology Infusion.

The "Connection Before Content" principle is a fundamental concept that strongly emphasizes establishing meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging in the classroom. This principle acknowledges that fostering these connections is a critical foundation for effective teaching and learning. Let's look further:

• Relationship Building: The teacher's ability to form positive and supportive relationships with their students is essential in a classroom setting. This involves getting to know each student and understanding their unique interests, needs, and backgrounds. It also means creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and open communication between the teacher and students.
• Peer Relationships: Beyond the teacher-student relationship, it's also important to encourage positive interactions and connections among students themselves. When students feel a sense of community and camaraderie with their peers, it can lead to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This can be achieved through collaborative activities, group discussions, and team projects that promote teamwork and cooperation.
• Belonging: The sense of belonging is crucial for students' emotional well-being and willingness to engage in learning. When students feel like they belong in the classroom and are accepted for who they are, they are more likely to feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and participating actively in class. This sense of belonging can be nurtured through inclusive teaching practices that value diversity and create a safe space for all students.
• Motivation and Engagement: When students have strong connections with their teachers and peers and feel like they belong in the classroom community, they are more motivated to learn. They are more likely to be engaged in lessons, participate actively, and show a genuine interest in the subject matter. This positive emotional connection to the learning environment can profoundly impact academic achievement and overall student well-being.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The "Connection Before Content" principle aligns with the principles of social-emotional learning (SEL), which emphasizes the development of students' emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills. These skills are valuable for their personal growth and contribute to a more positive and productive classroom atmosphere.

The "Connection Before Content" principle recognizes that effective teaching and learning go beyond simply delivering content and information. It highlights the importance of building strong relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting a positive classroom culture. When students feel connected to their teachers and peers, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to absorb the academic content being taught. Ultimately, this principle contributes to a more supportive and successful student learning environment.

Routines are essential for students in PreK and K as they provide a sense of predictability and familiarity. A consistent schedule and step-by-step routines help students feel in control of their environment, safe, secure, and comfortable. Routines also help young learners know what is happening now and what comes next, how to do an activity and engage in learning. Research shows that routines support healthy social-emotional development with our youngest learners. Students benefit from relationships and environments that are predictable to them, including important caregivers who behave in predictable ways. Routines help provide a pattern and predictability to one's day, promoting autonomy and self-regulation in young learners. Students thrive when there are routines and schedules within their daily lives.

At Cornwell Ave. School, our commitment to education extends wide and deep. We firmly believe in building both a strong foundation for each student's academic journey while nurturing their "WH"olistic development. We understand the importance of building foundational skills while fostering conceptual understanding. Our dedicated educators employ innovative teaching methods that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

The development of conceptual understanding is paramount for primary students as it forms the bedrock of their educational journey. Beyond the automaticity of facts, fostering conceptual understanding enables young learners to grasp the "why" and "how" behind the information they encounter. It empowers them to connect the dots, think critically, and solve problems creatively. This foundational skill facilitates academic success. It encourages the RamQuest for lifelong learning and equips primary students with the tools they need to become informed, engaged, and innovative thinkers.

"WH"olistic education is a tapestry of learning experiences that weaves various aspects of knowledge and personal growth together. Having witnessed the vibrant discussions on "Habits of Mind," it becomes evident that this approach to education is not just about memorizing facts but cultivating essential life skills and critical thinking. The beauty of holistic education unfolds as students engage in goal-setting exercises, envision their future, and chart their paths with purpose and determination.

One can truly appreciate the richness of this educational philosophy when students immerse themselves in passionate singing, pouring their hearts and souls into their musical expressions. This deep emotional connection with their art fosters creativity and nurtures a profound sense of self-awareness.

The beauty of holistic education also reveals itself in the art classroom, where students use brush strokes to capture the essence of Spanish culture and history. Through art, they explore the intricate layers of heritage, bridging the gap between history books and the canvas. This hands-on, immersive approach allows students to internalize knowledge.

The Rams Haven Coffee Cart Service is an innovative job coaching opportunity to empower our students with valuable skills and real-world experience. Nestled within the confines of the Secondary School, this initiative serves a delightful cup of coffee and a platform for personal and professional growth. Our dedicated team of educators and mentors work hand in hand with our students, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to thrive.

As students take the reins of the Rams Haven Coffee Cart, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning essential skills such as customer service, time management, financial responsibility, and teamwork. Beyond these tangible abilities, this program fosters a sense of confidence and independence in our students, preparing them for a brighter future.

With each cup of coffee served, Rams Haven Coffee Cart Service represents more than just a beverage; it symbolizes our commitment to nurturing our students' potential. It's a small cart with a big impact, helping our students transition from the classroom to the workforce with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed.

Follow them on Instagram and TikTok @TheRamsHaven! Hat tip to the "team" for creating the video.

I've been delving into artificial intelligence and learning about its vast potential. AI signifies a remarkable progression in artificial intelligence and natural language processing, presenting numerous applications spanning various educational domains. Its capacity to produce coherent and contextually appropriate responses holds the promise of aiding us in delivering high-quality education to every student. Of course, there are pitfalls, and these are opportunities for staff and students to learn together to reimagine education. As I further explore AI's capabilities, I'm enthusiastic about the opportunities it holds in reshaping the future of the learning experience. Stay tuned for more insights as I continue my learning journey.

Here is one way we can how we can utilize AI to summarize information for students with different reading levels. For example, here's a passage from To Kill a Mockingbird:

Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom. People said he existed, but Jem and I had never seen him. People said he went out at night when the moon was down, and peeped in windows. When people's azaleas froze in a cold snap, it was because he had breathed on them. Any stealthy small crimes committed in Maycomb were his work. Once the town was terrorized by a series of morbid nocturnal events: people's chickens and household pets were found mutilated; although the culprit was Crazy Addie, who eventually drowned himself in Barker's Eddy, people still looked at the Radley Place, unwilling to discard their initial suspicions. A Negro would not pass the Radley Place at night, he would cut across to the sidewalk opposite and whistle as he walked. The Maycomb school grounds adjoined the back of the Radley lot; from the Radley chickenyard tall pecan trees shook their fruit into the schoolyard, but the nuts lay untouched by the children: Radley pecans would kill you. A baseball hit into the Radley yard was a lost ball and no questions asked.

Here's the texted summarized to a 7th grade-level.

"In the old house, there lived a wicked ghost. People believed in his existence, yet my friend Jem and I had never seen him. Rumors spread that he roamed at night, lurking outside windows. When cold snaps damaged people's azaleas, they blamed his breath. He was also accused of small stealthy crimes in Maycomb. Once, the town faced a series of eerie nocturnal events, with chickens and pets found mutilated. Crazy Addie was the actual culprit, but suspicion lingered on the Radley Place. At night, no African American would dare pass it; they'd cross to the opposite sidewalk and whistle nervously. The schoolgrounds adjoined the Radley lot, where tall pecan trees dropped their fruit into the schoolyard. However, children never touched the nuts, as they believed Radley pecans were deadly. A baseball hit into the Radley yard was considered lost forever, no questions asked."

Here it is at a 4th-grade level.

In the old house, there lived a mean ghost. People said he was real, but my friend Jem and I had never seen him. They said he went out at night when the moon was down and looked into windows. When the cold weather came, and azaleas froze, they thought it was because of his breath. People believed he did sneaky small crimes in Maycomb. Once, the town got scared by some spooky events at night: chickens and pets were found hurt, but it turned out to be Crazy Addie who later drowned in Barker's Eddy. Still, some folks were unsure and kept suspecting the Radley Place. At night, no one dared to pass it; they'd go to the other side of the sidewalk and whistle as they walked. The schoolyard was next to the Radley lot, and tall pecan trees dropped their nuts into it, but the kids never touched them, thinking they were dangerous. If a baseball landed in the Radley yard, it was considered lost, and no one asked about it.

With "WHe" as our theme this year, #WHe are inspired to explore, discover, and achieve future wonders. Allow me to share some of the ways one could envision completing the idea of "WHe" throughout this remarkable journey:

• Wonder and Curiosity: Let us ignite a spark of wonder and curiosity in every aspect of our learning. Encouraging students and staff alike to question, explore, and seek knowledge beyond the ordinary.
• “WH”olistic Education: Emphasizing the growth of the whole individual – social, emotional, and academic. We aim to provide opportunities for personal development and well-being in addition to academic excellence.
• Empathy and Humanity: "WHe" stands for "We" as well, reminding us of our collective responsibility to foster empathy, compassion, and kindness. We will create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued.
• Waves of Change: As a theme, "WHe" also signifies the ever-changing tides of life. We will adapt to new challenges, embrace innovation, and be resilient in the face of uncertainty.
• Expressions of Art and Culture: "WHe" encompasses the essence of artistic and cultural expressions. We will celebrate creativity, appreciate diversity, and nurture talents in various forms.
• Wellness and Health: Prioritizing physical and mental health, creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive and grow.
• Leadership and Collaboration: "WHe" represents collective wisdom and the power of collaboration. We will empower our students to be leaders in their own right while fostering teamwork and cooperation.

Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000