West Hempstead Weekly Update
It is with great pride and pleasure that #WHe write to congratulate you on being selected as the honoree from West Hempstead for Congressman Anthony D'Esposito's 4th Congressional District Teacher Awards Ceremony. This recognition is a testament to your outstanding dedication and contributions to our students at Cornwell Avenue Elementary School.
Your selection, based on nominations from community members, reflects the profound impact you have made not only in your classroom but throughout our entire school community. Your commitment to excellence in education and your ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students have not gone unnoticed.
This honor celebrates educators like yourself who go above and beyond in their role, inspiring and nurturing the next generation. Your teaching philosophy and practice exemplify the highest standards of our profession, and you serve as an inspiration to your colleagues and students alike.
The West Hempstead Union Free School District is fortunate to have such a dedicated and exceptional educator among our ranks. Your recognition brings honor not only to yourself but to our entire school community.
At Chestnut Street School, our youngest learners are deeply engaged in foundational literacy and mathematics instruction through multi-sensory approaches that research shows are most effective for early learning. Our youngest learners utilized various hands-on learning tools, from manipulative cubes for number sense to interactive letter tiles for phonics development. Our dedicated teachers have created vibrant learning environments where students work collaboratively and independently to master essential skills. It is encouraging to see the differentiated instruction taking place, with some students working on alphabet recognition while others were exploring more advanced literacy concepts through guided activities. The enthusiasm for learning was evident as students proudly demonstrated their understanding using educational materials like connecting cubes and letter games. These fundamental skills being developed in our primary grades will serve as the building blocks for our students' future academic success. I continue to be impressed by the engaging and rigorous instruction happening in our classrooms.
Walking through Cornwell Avenue's halls this week provided a powerful reminder of how meaningful literacy instruction takes many forms. From collaborative teacher planning sessions to one-on-one student support, our educators are thoughtfully implementing the gradual release of responsibility model that empowers students to become independent learners. We witnessed students engaging with texts in various ways - from focused independent reading in hallways to small group discussions with peers and teachers. This multi-faceted approach to literacy reflects our commitment to educating the whole child. Our teachers skillfully balance direct instruction with guided practice and independent work, creating environments where students feel supported yet challenged to grow. Whether it's students practicing presentation skills with microphones, collaborating with classmates on reading comprehension, or finding their comfortable spots to dive into a good book, these moments showcase how literacy development is woven throughout our students' daily experiences. This comprehensive approach helps build strong readers and writers and confident, engaged learners who are developing the skills they need for lifelong success.
At George Washington, students are embarking on extraordinary learning journeys across multiple disciplines. From analyzing Mars rover data to creating mathematical graphs and engaging in literacy circles, these young scholars are actively immersing themselves in hands-on discovery. Watching their eyes light up as they dig into scientific concepts and work through complex calculations demonstrates the true spirit of education—where every classroom moment becomes an exciting adventure in learning. Their enthusiastic debates and thoughtful analysis prove that when students are empowered to explore and investigate, education transforms from simple instruction into genuine discovery.
Life as a middle schooler at West Hempstead Secondary School is filled with challenges and exciting opportunities. Students navigate the halls between classes, carrying their books and supplies as they move from subject to subject throughout the nine-period day. The school's warm community spirit is evident in the busy cafeteria during lunch, where students catch up with friends and participate in various clubs. Physical education classes take place in the gymnasium or on the outdoor fields, while science labs provide hands-on learning experiences. Students participate in various extracurricular activities, from sports teams to music ensembles, making the transition between elementary and high school more engaging. The dedicated teachers work to prepare students for their academic future while understanding "tween" students' unique social and emotional needs. Morning announcements keep everyone informed about school events, club meetings, and important deadlines, creating a sense of connection within the school community.
Welcome to another exciting school year! As we embark on this journey together, #WHe are thrilled to share thoughts and ideas on how #WHe can better collaborate to ensure your child's success!
At West Hempstead, the key to our students' success lies in the strength of our partnerships. By building bridges between our schools, families, and the wider community, fostering open communication, and building strong relationships from day one, we're laying the groundwork for a year of growth, achievement, and collaboration.
Let's see what #WHe can do together!
Reliable lines of communication:
As a family, do you find that a mix of communication methods works best? Do you appreciate regular email updates from teachers, as they allow you to stay informed on your own time? Do you also value the option for face-to-face meetings or phone calls when more in-depth discussions are needed? Do you have a clear understanding of how and when to reach out to teachers? Have you shared your preferred contact methods? Answering these questions helps everyone feel connected and involved from the start.
A personalized touch:
Back-to-school night is an invaluable opportunity to meet your child's teachers and get a feel for the classroom environment. It helps us put faces to names and understand the overall structure of the school year. If you can't attend, we greatly appreciate when you reach out via email or phone to introduce yourselves and discuss our child's progress. These personalized interactions, whether in person or virtual, help us feel more comfortable approaching teachers with questions or concerns throughout the year.
Tell us about your child's interests:
Is your child curious and energetic? Do they have a passion for science and technology? Do they love conducting simple experiments at home and are always eager to learn about new scientific discoveries? Do they enjoy playing sports and are part of a local youth team? In their free time, are they reading adventure novels and creating art? Do they thrive when given hands-on learning opportunities and respond well to visual aids in the classroom?
Connecting outside the school walls:
Community events and open houses are excellent ways to kick off the school year, but there are many other ideas to foster connections. Should #Wh\He consider organizing a family picnic or potluck where families can mingle in a relaxed setting? Nature walks or community service projects can unite families while promoting environmental awareness or giving back to the community. Virtual game nights or trivia contests could engage families who might not be able to attend in-person events.
Sunshine phone calls:
Starting the year with positive phone calls home can set a wonderful tone for parent-teacher relationships. When teachers take the time to share something positive about a student – whether it's an academic achievement, a kind gesture, or an improvement in behavior – it shows that they truly see and appreciate each child. These calls can help alleviate parents' anxiety about school communication and encourage open dialogue throughout the year. They also allow teachers to learn more about the student's home life and family dynamics, which can inform their teaching approach.
Get active on social media:
Social media platforms offer an excellent way for the district, administrators, and staff members to showcase the exciting activities and achievements happening in classrooms and buildings. By sharing photos, videos, and updates of student projects, field trips, and special events, schools can give families a window into their child's daily experiences. This real-time glimpse into school life can spark conversations at home and help students feel proud of their accomplishments. It's important, however, to ensure that all shared content respects student privacy and follows district guidelines for social media use.
Real-time tech tools:
Having a single, unified communication platform would greatly simplify the process for families, especially those with multiple children in the district. A centralized system could streamline notifications, assignments, and progress reports, making it easier for parents to stay informed and engaged. However, it's crucial to choose a platform that is user-friendly, accessible on various devices, and capable of meeting diverse communication needs. Should #WHe consider surveying families and staff to understand their preferences and technical capabilities before selecting a platform?
Family's strengths:
Our district offers various opportunities for families to share their unique skills and experiences with students. Parents and guardians can volunteer as guest speakers to discuss their careers, hobbies, or cultural traditions. Our Secondary School Cultural Night is always a big hit. Families can set up tables to showcase their talents, businesses, or cultural heritage, providing students with a rich, diverse learning experience.
Empowering students to share their best work:
Writing and reading celebrations are wonderful opportunities for students to share their progress and creativity with families. These events allow students to present their favorite pieces, explain their writing process, and receive positive feedback from a supportive audience. Similarly, concerts and art expos showcase students' artistic talents and growth throughout the year. These presentations boost students' confidence and give families insight into the curriculum and their child's development. Consider implementing digital portfolios or virtual galleries to make these celebrations accessible to families who can't attend in person.
Sharing the curriculum:
Sharing curriculum information with families helps them understand and support their child's learning journey. PTA, PTSA, and SEPTA meetings are wonderful opportunities to get involved and learn more about what your child is earning. Regular newsletters and social posts highlight the concepts taught and offer tips for reinforcing learning at home. Site-based teams are another opportunity to engage with the school and learn about the curriculum, learning goals, and teaching strategies.
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
Consistency: Success isn’t built in a day; it’s built by stacking one good day on top of another. This year, focus on making each day count. Whether in lesson planning, student interactions, or professional development, let’s commit to consistent, daily progress. It’s the small, incremental gains that will lead to significant long-term achievements for our students and ourselves.
The Obstacle is the Way
Resilience: Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise. When obstacles arise—and they will—let’s face them head-on, knowing that overcoming these challenges will make us stronger and more effective educators. Embrace problems as pathways to growth, and let’s model this resilience for our students.
About Us
Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000
