West Hempstead Weekly Update

The community event on Wednesday was truly a joyous occasion that brought together diverse members of our community. Despite the hot weather, people throughout West Hempstead came out to enjoy the festivities. The field and area behind the South Gym at West Hempstead Secondary School were buzzing with activity and laughter.

From games and activities to the book swap and live music, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The free kosher ice cream was a particularly welcome treat, given the warm temperatures. Seeing our neighbors mingling, chatting, and having fun together was heartening.

This event showcased the strength of our community's diversity and our ability to unite in a spirit of celebration. Even in the heat, the positive energy was palpable as people bonded over shared experiences and simple pleasures. It was a wonderful reminder of how much we can enjoy each other's company when we create these opportunities to connect.

Please join me in welcoming the following educators and staff members:

• Leah Alexander, School Monitor, Cornwell Avenue
  
• Alexandra Archer, School Psychologist Leave Replacement, George Washington
• Rashell-Lady Brundage-Johnson, School Monitor, Cornwell Avenue
  
• Veronica Burrueta Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher, Secondary School
• Lisa Cano, Art Teacher, Chestnut Street and George Washington
• Sherian Cheuk, School Counselor .6, Secondary School
• Sheila Corrigan, Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
  
• Daniella Crevatis. Teaching Assistant, Chestnut Street
• Rachel Cuomo, School Monitor, Chestnut Street
• Stephanie Dittrich, Business Teacher, Secondary School
• Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Speech Teacher, HANC/Secondary School
• Donna Galesi, School Monitor, Chestnut Street
  
• Alexandra Genovese, Elementary Teacher, Cornwell Avenue
• Brigitte Giattino, Secondary School, Psychologist Leave Replacement
  
• Valerie Giovanelli, Elementary Special Education Teacher, Cornwell Avenue
• Eunice Hammonds, School Monitor, Cornwell Avenue
  
• Angelique Rodriguez-Kaminski, George Washington
• Rokeya Khatun, School Monitor, George Washington
  
• Yorlenny Lopez, School Monitor, Chestnut Street
  
• Robyn Milliner, Principal, George Washington
• Ronal Rawal, Social Worker, George Washington
• Zena Torres, School Monitor, Cornwell Avenue
  
• Zachary Washor, Teaching Assistant, Cornwell Avenue
• Stacey Wink, Special Education Earth Science Teacher, Secondary School

The recent new teacher orientation and teacher residency orientation have been resounding successes, marking an exciting start to our educational initiatives. We are thrilled to welcome our new teachers and teacher residents, whose enthusiasm and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our school community. Our partnership with Adelphi University made possible through the teacher residency grant secured from the state, has been instrumental in this achievement. We are particularly grateful for the collaboration with Mary Jean McCarthy and Emily Kang, whose expertise has been invaluable in shaping this program. This orientation prepares our new educators for their roles and reinforces our commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment. As we move forward, we are confident that this strong foundation will contribute significantly to our teachers' and students' growth and success.

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

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.

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.

As we head back to school in the coming days the Nassau County Police Department will once again be visiting our schools to welcome students, parents and faculty back.

As part of this initiative officers will also be sharing some information with parents. Attached is a flyer detailing their PREVENT program to counter targeted violence.

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