"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), who rose from slavery to become a leading educator and founded Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University.

Sometimes we focus too much on where others are in their journey instead of appreciating how far we've come in our own. Each person's path is different, with unique challenges and obstacles. What matters most is not comparing yourself to others, but recognizing your own growth, resilience, and determination in facing life's challenges. When you look back at your own progress, celebrate not just your achievements, but also the strength you've shown in overcoming difficulties.

"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations." - Dr. Mae Jemison

In the Classroom: Students will create colorful vision boards representing their future dreams, incorporating images and words that show their boldest aspirations. They'll learn about Dr. Jemison's path from curious child to groundbreaking astronaut, discussing how she pursued her dreams even when others doubted them.

At Home: Families can create a "Dreams & Discoveries" wall. Children and parents share their biggest dreams and tape them to a designated wall space. Each month, add photos, drawings, or notes showing steps taken toward these dreams. Make it a family tradition to celebrate when anyone takes action toward their goals, no matter how small.

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington

In the Classroom: Students will create "Mountain Climber" journals, where they draw a mountain and mark different points representing challenges they've overcome. They'll learn about Washington's remarkable journey and share their own stories of perseverance with classmates.

At Home: Families can start a "Victory Journal" where each member writes or draws about challenges they face and overcome. During dinner conversations, share these victories and discuss how facing difficulties makes us stronger. Create a family motto about overcoming obstacles together.

"We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort." - Jesse Owens

In the Classroom: Students will create "Goal Getter" tracking sheets, breaking down their biggest dreams into daily actionable steps. They'll learn about Owen's rigorous training routine and how his daily dedication led to Olympic glory.

At Home: Families can establish a "Practice Makes Progress" routine. Each family member chooses a skill they want to improve and commits to practicing together for 15 minutes daily. Create a shared calendar to track everyone's practice sessions and celebrate milestones with special family rewards or celebrations.

Recent research has shed important light on the role of competition in education, offering insights that deeply align with our mission to prepare students for an increasingly complex world.

Dr. Andrea Heinrich's study reveals a crucial distinction: when competition focuses on self-improvement rather than winning at others' expense, it becomes a powerful tool for growth. This finding resonates with what we see in our classrooms every day—our students' most significant achievements often come not from effortless success, but from persisting through challenges.

Three key principles emerge from this research that guide our approach:

First, competition, when thoughtfully structured and supported with positive reinforcement, can significantly boost student engagement and motivation. Second, this works within a welcoming environment where students feel secure enough to take risks and view setbacks as learning opportunities. Finally, the frame matters—competition should focus on personal growth rather than outperforming peers.

As educators, our role is to create learning environments where healthy competition serves as a catalyst for development rather than a source of stress. When WHe achieve this balance, WHe help students build resilience and confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.

I look forward as our continued partnership fosters an environment where every student feels empowered to embrace challenges and celebrate their growth journey.

https://bit.ly/3WEqTNd

How We View Competition Impacts How We Learn​

What they found: This study, conducted by Andrea Heinrich, explores the effects of competition in the K-12 school setting and its relationship to behavior modification. The study found that competition can have both positive and negative effects on student behavior. Positive effects include increased motivation and engagement, while negative effects include anxiety, stress, and bullying.

The study also found that behavior modification techniques, such as positive reinforcement, can be used to effectively manage the negative effects of competition. The study concludes that competition can be a powerful tool for motivating students, but it must be used appropriately.

Actionable Insights:

1. Competition as a Motivator: Competition can be a powerful motivator for students, but it has to be coupled with positive reinforcement and support.
2. The Importance of a Safe and Welcoming Environment: A safe and welcoming school environment is essential in competitive environments. Kids need to feel supported, like they belong, and can 'fail' without seeing it as an attack on their sense of self.
3. It's a Balancing Act. And the Comparison Point Matter:. Competition that is framed as against others or through a zero-sum lens brings on the negative aspects. Competition that is viewed through a lens of self-development, of improving yourself can help performance. Especially when it's accompanied by an environment that supports the student when things go wrong or when they fall short.

Research, summary, and insights from Steve Magness

Our early childhood classrooms are alive with the joy of learning and discovery daily. Our students are growing academically, physically, socially, and emotionally right before our eyes.

Academically, our PreK and Kindergarten students are making exciting progress in literacy and numeracy skills. They're learning letter sounds, building sight word knowledge, and exploring early math concepts like counting, patterning, and shape recognition. Our teachers skillfully integrate hands-on learning through play-based activities that keep our youngest scholars engaged and enthusiastic.

Physically, our students develop gross and fine motor abilities through block building, outdoor play, and crafting. They're refining their coordination, balance, and muscle control in fun and age-appropriate ways.

Socially and emotionally, our students build relationships, regulate their feelings, and develop a strong sense of self and community. Cooperative games, circle time discussions, and conflict resolution practice help our learners grow their social-emotional skills.

Throughout it all, our early childhood classrooms buzz with the energy of curious, confident, and caring students. We're so proud of the growth we see in our youngest scholars daily.

This week, second graders in Ms. Genovese's class embarked on an exciting project-based learning unit that combines financial literacy with community service. Under Mrs. Genovese's guidance, students learned valuable lessons about budgeting, saving, and helping others through a hands-on "A Week's Worth of Snacks" initiative.

Students began by exploring essential concepts like budgeting and understanding what food pantries are. They've been practicing real-world math skills by counting and sorting coins into specific dollar amounts and wrapping them for bank deposits. The highlight of their learning includes using LIDL's online circular to create grocery lists with a $20 budget constraint, focusing on non-perishable items that will serve their snack needs and contribute to our local food pantry.

This meaningful project teaches our young leaders practical math and planning skills and instills the importance of community support and responsible spending. Stay tuned as they complete their final projects, where they'll demonstrate their learning through carefully planned and beautifully illustrated presentations!

Ms. Genovese said, "When comparing the traditional PNW BOCES Social Studies unit to the PBL Social Studies unit I developed during my PBL training, I believe the PBL approach significantly benefited my students. While I incorporated aspects of the BOCES unit as a framework, I was able to integrate real-world connections that would not have been introduced through the traditional curriculum. This allowed students to understand how concepts such as money management and budgeting can impact not only their personal lives but also their broader community. Additionally, we were able to expand the unit to encompass multiple content areas, including reading, mathematics, and writing, through read-alouds, math exercises, writing prompts, and other integrated activities."

This week, we connected with third-grader Anthony Jean-Francois from Mr. Pappas's class to hear his thoughtful perspectives on Black History Month. When asked about a historical figure he learned about, Anthony highlighted George Washington Carver, recognizing his innovative contributions. His insights reflected a deep understanding of the month's significance – celebrating those who have transformed our world and embodying the spirit of helping others. Anthony's simple yet profound responses remind us that the lessons of Black History Month are about celebrating achievement, understanding our shared history, and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

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This week, we had a moving conversation with fifth-grader Amari Lawe, whose reflections on Black History Month resonated with personal meaning and universal values. Amari pointed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when discussing influential figures, demonstrating a profound grasp of Dr. King's core message that love, not hate, is the path to meaningful change.

What stood out was Amari's deeply personal connection to Black excellence through his own family. He spoke with pride about his father, a bishop dedicated to teaching others about faith, and his brothers, who helped shape his educational journey and character. His response reminds us that Black history isn't just found in textbooks – it's written daily in our communities through family bonds and mentorship.

Amari's understanding of Black History Month centers on honoring great leaders who have contributed to our society, past and present. When asked about showing kindness and respect, his simple yet powerful answer—helping others in times of trouble—echoes the legacy of the civil rights movement and the ongoing work of building a more compassionate community.

Through Amari's eyes, we see how Black History Month connects our past to our present, celebrating historical figures and the everyday heroes who inspire the next generation to reach higher and dream bigger.

This week, our junior virtual enterprise class embarked on an exciting educational journey to NY Life headquarters! Students gained insider insights into the company's rich history, organizational structure, and operational dynamics. The highlight of the visit was a comprehensive tour of the iconic building, where they even got to see the famous golden dome. This immersive experience provided our students with a valuable real-world perspective on corporate environments and the insurance industry.

Congratulations to our Moot Court team who emerged victorious in their first trial competition this week at the Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola! Our talented advocates demonstrated exceptional poise and legal acumen as they presented their arguments before the court. The team's thorough preparation and commitment to excellence showed through their compelling presentations, cross-examinations, and masterful handling of objections. This achievement represents countless hours of preparation and dedication from our student advocates and faculty advisors. We look forward to following the team's continued success as they advance in their competition season. Join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment!

The team consists of:

Harpreet Kaur

Melani Tobar

Maya Flam

Joel Gonzalez

Abigail Nedd

Vera Hametz

Kayla W

Victoria H

Illanie Morales

Hat tip to club advisor Ms. Wilkens and district counsel Mr. Christopher Mestecky for their time and effort.

Congratulations to our Winter Track & Field team for their outstanding achievements at the County Championships! Senior Jeremy Haynes led the way with a dominant performance, capturing the County Championship title in the 600-meter event. Haynes continued his stellar night by anchoring our 4x800 relay team alongside teammates Joseph Santos-Acosta, Christian Dominguez, and Fredi Castro, who earned All-County honors. Our athletes' dedication and hard work throughout the season shone brightly on the championship stage. Well done to all our student-athletes and coaches DiBenedetto and Grey!

This week, our Athletes Helping Athletes student leaders spent a meaningful and inspiring day at the BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School, fostering connections through sports, teamwork, and camaraderie. Engaging in activities with students, they demonstrated the power of inclusion and the joy of shared experiences. Through games, encouragement, and teamwork, they not only brought smiles to faces but also reinforced the values of leadership, empathy, and sportsmanship. It was a day of fun, learning, and building bonds that extend far beyond the playing field. We are so proud of our student leaders for their dedication to making a difference! Hat tip to Mr. Gill and Mr. Pumo for taking the lead.

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.