West Hempstead Weekly Update

At the heart of every thriving school system lies a fundamental truth: students learn best when they experience both mastery and belonging. As we continue our journey together this year, I'm excited to share how these two powerful forces are shaping our approach to education across our district.

When we talk about mastery, we're celebrating those moments when our students can see their own growth—whether it's a kindergartener beaming after reading their first book, a secondary student completing a challenging science project, or presenting their senior capstone. In every classroom, our teachers are creating opportunities for students to connect their effort directly to their progress, building confidence and competence along the way.

Equally important is our focus on belonging. Walk through any of our schools and you'll see this in action: morning meetings where every voice matters, cross-grade reading buddies forming lasting connections, cultural celebrations that honor our diverse community, and service projects that connect our students to causes greater than themselves. This sense of belonging isn't just about feeling comfortable—it's about feeling valued, understood, and connected to our larger school community.

Our commitment to mastery and belonging isn't just feel-good education—it's backed by decades of research showing that these elements are essential for academic excellence and social-emotional growth. When students feel they can improve through effort and know they're part of a caring community, they're more likely to take positive risks, persist through challenges, and achieve their full potential.

WHe hope you have seen this since the beginning of school and from what you heard during our most recent parent-teacher conferences. In the coming weeks, these principles will be reflected in our classroom activities, family events, and professional development. I encourage you to ask your children about moments when they felt proud of their progress or particularly connected to their school community. These conversations reinforce the important work happening in our classrooms every day.

Thank you for your partnership in creating learning environments where ALL students can thrive through mastery and belonging.

Project-based learning (PBL) is a powerful teaching strategy that allows students to tackle real-world challenges and build valuable skills. Through PBL, teachers provide students with engaging, open-ended projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

PBL gives all students multiple entry points to participate and demonstrate their understanding. PBL caters to diverse learners and learning styles by focusing on process over product. Students take ownership of their learning, developing agency and independence.

Our recent PBL professional development equipped teachers with a high-quality PBL unit to implement in their classrooms. Teachers left empowered to facilitate project-based experiences that deepen content knowledge, build essential skills, and ignite student curiosity and engagement.

We encourage all teachers to explore PBL as a tool in their instructional repertoire. The benefits are clear - PBL prepares students for college, careers, and beyond by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

The morning routine at Chestnut Street is designed to provide a predictable structure and opportunities for intentional learning for our youngest students. The routine includes greeting classmates, unpacking backpacks, choosing breakfast options, reading, writing, and mathematics, which help children develop social, organizational, and self-regulation skills. However, the morning routine also presents unintended learning moments as students navigate conflicts, eat together, and observe their peers' behaviors. These unstructured interactions allow children to practice problem-solving, build empathy, and learn from one another in authentic ways that complement the more direct instructional components of the morning. Overall, the morning routine balances planned learning objectives with the organic growth of young students engaging with each other and their environment.

WHe are proud to highlight the hard work and dedication of our students and staff at Cornwell Ave. as they build their foundational skills. Across our classrooms and building, we've seen everyone doubling down on the essentials—mastering data interpretation, honing writing mechanics, developing gross and fine motor skills, or sharpening critical thinking. This focus on the fundamentals is laying the groundwork for greater academic and professional success down the road.

Our teachers report that students are making impressive strides in their number sense and problem-solving abilities. In literacy, students are polishing their grammar, spelling, and paragraph structure. Staff members are collaborating to refine their instructional techniques and analyze student data.

This commitment to strengthening the basics is a core part of our mission. WHe know that a solid foundation in the fundamentals opens the door to higher-level learning, creative problem-solving, and confident self-expression. We applaud Cornwell Avenue's collective efforts and look forward to seeing these skills blossom in the weeks and months ahead.

I'm thrilled to share some positive updates from GW this week. Our students have been diligently engaged in their learning, as seen in the classroom scenes below. Staff works closely with each student to support their educational growth and development.

I'm particularly encouraged by the collaborative, hands-on nature of the activities I observed. Students actively participated, supported one another, and demonstrated a love of learning. This is a testament to the dedication of our teaching staff and the strong partnership between our schools and families.

As WHe move forward, let's continue celebrating the amazing work in our classrooms daily. I'm proud of our students and educators, and I'm excited about the bright future that lies ahead for our community.

Together, WHe are creating an environment where all students can thrive

Our secondary school students and staff have been working hard to enhance the learning experiences for all. As the attached images show, our classrooms are abuzz with collaboration and hands-on projects.

Students are engaged in group work, coding, and multimedia presentations, demonstrating their creativity and problem-solving skills. Teachers are facilitating dynamic lessons and providing personalized support to ensure each student can thrive.

Beyond the classroom, students are taking on leadership roles, organizing extracurricular activities, and giving back to the community. Their energy and enthusiasm are inspiring.

This collaborative spirit is central to our mission of empowering all learners. WHe are grateful to our dedicated staff and hardworking students for their continued efforts to make our school a vibrant, inclusive environment.

Join PTA and get gear here.

Join PTSA and get gear here.

See attached for SEPTA membership.

Joining and actively participating in Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA), Parent-Teacher-Student Associations (PTSA), and Special Education Parent-Teacher Associations (SEPTA) is crucial for creating a strong, supportive educational community. These organizations serve as bridges between families, educators, and students, fostering meaningful collaboration that enhances the overall learning experience. Becoming an active member gives you a voice in important decisions affecting your child's education, contributing to school improvement initiatives, and staying informed about educational policies and challenges. SEPTA specifically ensures that the unique needs of students with disabilities are addressed and advocated for within the school system. Members can network with other parents, share resources, and work collectively to create positive change through regular attendance at meetings, volunteering for events, and participating in committees. Your involvement benefits your child and contributes to the success of all students in the school community, making these associations essential pillars of support for quality education.

School of Excellence Survey

Do you feel our school listens to families’ concerns and demonstrates a genuine interest in developing solutions? Do you feel our school considers families to be equal partners in decision making? Answer these kinds of important questions and more by taking the national PTA School of Excellence program survey.

The anonymous survey asks important questions about our school's culture, communication with parents, and support of students, families, teachers and staff. The information learned will help give our schools and PTA a framework to unite behind a common goal, work together on programming efforts, improve reach among diverse communities, make improvements, and track success.

Participating schools often see results in improvement in the areas they choose to target, net positive recognition within their school systems, and, potentially, additional funds as an incentive for their schools.

You can take the survey in both Spanish and English.

https://forms.gle/XSqgmmqfnrGHn6zy5 - English

https://forms.gle/nZZinT7twDpyfjmeA - Spanish

***Surveys are mobile friendly***

Surveys are due by November 30th.

We believe that strong communication between home and school is essential for student success. The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a powerful tool that helps bridge this gap, providing real-time access to your child's academic progress.

Access Your Account

Visit the Parent Portal Link below. If you haven't set up your account, please contact the school office for your Access ID code.

Why It's Important

• Monitor grades and attendance
• View teacher comments and feedback
• Track assignments and due dates
• Communicate directly with teachers
• Stay informed about school events and announcements

By regularly checking the Parent Portal, you can play an active role in your child's education, addressing any concerns promptly and celebrating their achievements together.

We encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this valuable resource. If you need assistance with the Parent Portal, please don't hesitate to contact your child's main office.

Together, we can ensure every student reaches their full potential!

Parent Portal Link

https://powerschool.whufsd.com/public/

How to Video

https://youtu.be/eNZs_AloU-c

Main Office Phone Numbers

Chestnut Street - 390-3150

Cornwell Avenue - 390-3140

George Washington - 390-3130

Secondary School - 390-3218

We’ve teamed up with MySchoolBucks, an online service where you can easily and securely pay for school meals using a credit/debit card or electronic check.

Using MySchoolBucks you can:

● Add funds to your student’s meal account

● View meal balances & cafeteria purchases

● Receive low balance alerts

Get started in 4 easy steps:

1. Download the mobile app or visit myschoolbucks.com

2. Create your free account

3. Add your student

4. Add funds to your student’s meal account

If you have any questions about getting started with MySchoolBucks call (855) 832-5226. For any general questions please contact your child’s school.

ONEPAY from MySchoolBucks offers a one-time annual fee option to SAVE YOU MONEY!

• Annual savings plan offers reduced program fees when using MySchoolBucks for meal and school payments

  
  

• Allows user to pay program fees upfront from their bank account (e-checks), with unlimited payments for 12 months

• Offers a choice of two program fee payment packages:

• Single Student for $12.95 per year
• Family Plan for $26.95 per year (2 or more kids)

*Both plans cover 12 months from initial signup to ONEPAY

If you have any questions, please call the Food Service Office.

Nasrin Urmye, Food Service Director
(516) 390-3275
urmyen@whitsons.com

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.

As #WHe embark on a new academic year, our district introduced three interconnected challenges that will shape our approach to education and personal growth. Under the banner of "WHe Over Me," "Stack the Days," and "The Obstacle is the Way," we're called to embrace collaboration, consistency, and resilience. These principles will guide us in fostering a supportive community, achieving sustainable progress, and transforming obstacles into opportunities. By focusing on these collective challenges, #WHe aim to create an environment where educators and students alike can thrive, learn, and grow together.

WHe Over Me​

Commitment: Prioritize the "we" over the "me." Our strength lies in our collective efforts. Let’s work together to create an environment where collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support are at the forefront. Whether it’s through Professional Learning Communities, cross-department collaboration, or simply supporting one another in daily tasks, remember that our combined efforts will lead to greater student success.

Stack the Days​

The Obstacle is the Way​

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe uses 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.

1. Connection Before Content: This principle emphasizes building strong relationships and belonging in the classroom. It recognizes that when students feel connected to their teachers and peers, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn.

2. Acceleration, not Remediation: Rather than focusing solely on addressing deficits in students' knowledge or skills, this framework aspect promotes challenging students with content and tasks that allow them to excel and progress rapidly. It recognizes that students can achieve more when they are appropriately challenged.

3. Rethinking Success Criteria: This principle encourages educators to reconsider traditional notions of success and assessment. It involves clearly defining success in a given context and allowing for varied ways for students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery.

4. Higher-Level Thinking: The framework promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. It encourages educators to design learning experiences that push students to engage in deeper levels of thinking and analysis.

5. Student Agency: Empowering students to actively participate in their learning is a fundamental aspect of the framework. It encourages students to set goals, make choices, and take ownership of their educational journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility.

6. Authentic Work: This principle advocates real-world relevance in educational activities. It suggests that students should work on tasks and projects that have meaning and application beyond the classroom, making learning more engaging and practical.

7. Technology Infusion: Recognizing the role of technology in the modern world, this aspect of the framework encourages the thoughtful integration of technology into the learning process. It aims to leverage technology to enhance and expand educational opportunities.

By Art Costa, Bena Kallick, and Allison Zmuda

There is a growing recognition that mastering subject-area knowledge alone will not be sufficient to prepare your children for their futures. They will need deliberate practice and focused attention to grow their capacity as efficacious thinkers to navigate and thrive in the face of unprecedented change. Habits of Mind are a universal framework for thinking and are as essential now as when we first introduced them 30 years ago. Habits of Mind are dispositions people use when confronted with problems and situations to which answers are not immediately apparent. When we draw upon these intellectual resources, the results that are produced are more powerful, of higher quality and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those intellectual behaviors.

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

Articles and blurbs may be enhanced/written with various AI tools.