West Hempstead Weekly Update

Students, Staff, Educators, Families/Guardians, and the West Hempstead Community,

As we approach the end of 2024, WHe pause to reflect on our collective journey—stacking our wins and the lessons learned. This year has been a testament to what WHe can achieve when prioritizing "WHe" over "me"—our collective strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to education in an ever-changing world.

Let's take a moment to stack our wins. From academic achievements to innovative community programs, technological integrations, and social-emotional learning milestones, WHe have created success far beyond individual accomplishments. Each win represents not just a personal triumph but a collective breakthrough that elevates our entire community.

Many of you might be looking forward to 2025 full of new possibilities. Recalling the beginning of this academic year, WHe are filled with RamPride and wonder at the achievements we've created for our district and students—achievements built on the foundation of "WHe" thinking.

Collectively, WHe have transformed challenges into opportunities. We've navigated technological advancements, embraced innovative learning strategies, and continued to build a robust foundation for future success. Our approach has been holistic—supporting academic growth and the well-being of our students and community.

Now, let's talk about obstacles—those seemingly insurmountable challenges that often appear in our path. WHe challenge you to see these not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth and innovation. Where others might see limitations, WHe see possibilities. Each obstacle is a chance to demonstrate our collective creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

We've demonstrated that true education extends beyond traditional classroom walls. In a world increasingly defined by rapid change and technological integration, WHe are equipping our students with critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt—qualities far more important than any standardized metric.

As we close the chapter on 2024 and welcome 2025, WHe challenge you to maintain a spirit of passionate commitment. Embrace opportunities where others might see obstacles. Be unafraid of taking calculated risks and finding comfort in the discomfort of learning. Remember, growth is born from change, and our recent years have been a masterclass in transformation.

WHe look forward to the exciting possibilities that 2025 will bring, knowing that together, WHe are stronger, more innovative, and more capable than we could ever be alone. Happy Holidays!

Warmly,

Brian Phillips, Dina Reilly, and Dan Rehman

For 13 remarkable years, NYU Langone and West Hempstead Union Free School District have built a bridge of kindness through their holiday gift-giving initiative. This enduring partnership exemplifies the true spirit of community, bringing joy and hope to countless local families during the holiday season. By generously supporting families in need, NYU Langone has not only provided material gifts but has also delivered something even more precious: a sense of care, dignity, and connection.

The program's impact extends far beyond the wrapped presents, touching the hearts of families and staff alike. Each gift represents more than just a material offering—it's a beacon of kindness that illuminates the challenges some families face and demonstrates the profound difference that community partnerships can make. NYU Langone's overwhelming generosity serves as a powerful reminder that when institutions and community members come together, they can create meaningful moments of happiness and support for those who need it most.

Year after year, this partnership has transformed the holiday season for West Hempstead families, proving that compassion knows no bounds and that collective goodwill can make a significant difference in people's lives.

This week, the SCOPE UPK students had special guests join them - friendly rabbits! The students were thrilled to meet and interact with the soft, fluffy bunnies. They took turns gently petting the rabbit and observing its curious behavior as it explored the classroom.

The visit provided an exciting learning experience for the children, allowing them to observe an animal up close and learn about its characteristics and needs. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to practice being kind and gentle with a living creature. Before the visit, students made predictions and collected data on the type of animal that may visit.

The PreK classes were grateful for the visit. Experiences like this help foster the student's interest in the natural world and build their empathy and compassion. WHe look forward to more fun and educational animal visitors in the future!

WHe were pleased to host the architecture team from Heatherwood for a visit with about 50 of our students this week. The architects walked the students through their design process and project management approach for the major new development. They also discussed potential internship opportunities that could give our students hands-on experience in the field. It was a valuable learning experience for the students to get an inside look at the work of architects and see the range of roles involved in a large-scale project. We're grateful to the Heatherwood team for taking the time to share their expertise with our students. Opportunities like this help inspire our young people and give them a clearer picture of potential career paths.

WHe look forward to exploring further collaboration with the Heatherwood team.

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.