On November 1, 2024, West Hempstead Schools, in collaboration with Adelphi University, had the privilege of hosting a delegation of educators from New Taipei City. The visiting educators spent a meaningful day observing our innovative English as New Language (ENL) and Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) programs across multiple grade levels at Chestnut Street School and George Washington Elementary School.

The day began with a welcome breakfast at the Central Office, followed by classroom visits. The New Taipei City educators, divided into three groups, observed various instructional settings. They witnessed ELA instruction in kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms, including ICT, ENL, and special education programs. Our dedicated teachers, including Ms. Klafter, Ms. Schiavo, Ms. Boshnack, Ms. Holtkamp, and others, opened their classrooms to demonstrate our district's commitment to inclusive and effective language instruction.

The visit concluded with administrative debriefing sessions and a collaborative lunch, followed by an ENL faculty debrief, during which educators from both districts engaged in professional dialogue and shared best practices.

Thanks to Ms. Dina Reilly for organizing this enriching cross-cultural professional development opportunity and to all our teachers who graciously hosted classroom visits. These international partnerships continue to enhance our educational community and promote global understanding in education.

What a tremendous display of collaboration during our recent parent-teacher conferences! Teachers provided comprehensive insights into students' academic progress while thoughtfully addressing their social and emotional development. Parents demonstrated exceptional engagement, asking insightful questions and sharing valuable perspectives about their children's learning journey. This dynamic partnership between home and school exemplifies West Hempstead's commitment to student success. The meaningful dialogue and shared dedication to each child's growth embodied the WHe over me spirit that makes our school community thrive. Thank you to all the parents who made time to attend and our dedicated teachers who prepared to make these conferences informative and productive.

This week, we spotlight an exceptional collaborative initiative in our 7th-grade mathematics program. Teachers Katie Klein and Brittany Naughton are using an innovative approach to preparing students for their Performance Based Assessment Tasks (PBATs) by integrating technology, mathematical writing, and differentiated learning. Using Book Creator, they have crafted personalized math journals for each student, allowing them to develop and strengthen their mathematical writing skills throughout the year. These digital journals serve as a foundation for the larger PBAT project in the spring, giving students regular practice in articulating their mathematical thinking and reasoning. What makes this approach particularly effective is the thoughtful differentiation built into each student's journal, ensuring that every learner can engage meaningfully with the material at their appropriate level. Mrs. Klein and Mrs. Naughton's creative integration of technology and mathematics instruction exemplifies our commitment to innovative, student-centered learning approaches.

Congratulations to Cheerleading Coaches Hernandez and Lynch on winning the prestigious 'Class C Coach of the Year' award! Their tireless dedication has built an incredible program and inspired our athletes to new heights. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their leadership.

We are also thrilled to announce that our stacked 5-man cross-country team is headed to the state qualifiers. Congratulations to Justin, Jeremy, Joseph, Christian, and Lukas on this impressive achievement. Their hard work and commitment to the sport have paid off, and we can't wait to cheer them on as they compete at the next level.

And a special shoutout to our female cross-country qualifier, the talented Karen Orozco-Castro. Karen's perseverance and talent have earned her a spot at the state qualifiers, and we know she will proudly represent our school. Well done, Karen!

Hat tip to the Athletics Department and coaches for sharing the pictures.

Congratulations to Maya Flam and Nicole Noel, whose artwork has been selected for display in The Art Guild's juried student show. The Art Guild of Port Washington, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an inclusive and enriching environment for visual arts education, exploration, and exhibition. Open to all, The Art Guild's mission is to advance the visual arts and provide opportunities for the community to engage with and appreciate diverse artistic expressions.

I am thrilled to share that the West Hempstead High School Marching Band, under the direction of Benjamin Coleman, has been invited to participate in the American Veterans Center’s National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., from May 25-27, 2025. This prestigious event honors veterans and commemorates the brave individuals who served and sacrificed for our country. Our students will join other select marching bands from across the nation in a three-hour parade down Constitution Avenue, paying tribute to those who defended our freedoms in conflicts spanning from World War I to the present day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in a profound experience: performing in a nationally recognized event that unites communities in honoring our veterans. Let’s celebrate and support our talented band members as they prepare for this remarkable journey!

I’m excited to re-share the Monthly Tech Tip Book, thoughtfully crafted by Dr. Katie DiGregorio, which is now available! Each month, you will find various resources to support your teaching and engage your students meaningfully. Here’s what you can look forward to in each edition:

• #WHe Tech Shout Outs highlighting innovative tech practices from the previous month
• Thoughts to Consider—questions designed to guide your planning, rooted in the Designing Learning Framework
• Articles & Tips/Tricks Section to keep you informed on best practices and fresh ideas
• AI-Focused Section exploring how AI can enhance classroom experiences
• Elementary Tools specifically curated for younger learners
• Secondary Tools tailored for our upper grades

The "Thoughts to Consider" pages invite you to reflect on your teaching and planning, helping align your efforts with our Designing Learning Framework. Thank you again, Dr. DiGregorio, for assembling such a valuable resource! I encourage everyone to dive in and maximize these tools and insights as you plan lessons and activities or try out new tech.

I want to bring an important matter to your attention that directly impacts our district's resources and your children's educational experience. The Education Benefits Form is more than just a document for meal assistance – it's a vital tool that affects our entire school funding. When families complete this form, regardless of qualification status, our district becomes eligible for increased state funding. These additional resources allow us to support more teachers, enhance our educational programs, and provide better student resources. I strongly encourage every family to complete this form for just five minutes today. Your participation significantly impacts our ability to provide the best possible education for our students. To access the form and learn more, please visit our Food Services page at whufsd.com/page/food-services or download below. I appreciate your cooperation in supporting our school community.

The RamPathways 21st Century After-School Winter Program is a free initiative offered by West Hempstead Secondary School designed to provide comprehensive after-school enrichment for students. The program takes a holistic approach to student development, offering both academic support and creative enrichment activities. Students can participate in a variety of hands-on activities including cooking skills, photography, broadcasting/journalism, art, and DJ/VJ skills. Beyond just academic tutoring, the program emphasizes individual development and social-emotional learning opportunities. It serves as a community learning center that aims to support youth development through diverse educational experiences. Interested participants can enroll for free by November 30th, 2024, by scanning the provided QR code, and can contact Program Director Chienne White at 516-390-3238 or CWHITE@WHUFSD.COM for more information.

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.

PTSA is excited to announce its enrollment in the National PTA School of Excellence program.

They will be posting a survey soon to gather Community Feedback.

Your feedback will help guide the work of the PTSA and ensure that our efforts are rooted in best practices through the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.

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​

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.​

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.