West Hempstead Weekly Update

West Hempstead's talented young seventh- and eighth-grade concert band musicians have brought pride to their community by earning a prestigious gold rating at the NYSSMA Majors Adjudication Festival. The event at Adelphi University's Performing Arts Center provided a platform for dedicated students to showcase their musical skills under the expert guidance of their director, Mr. Benjamin Coleman. Their polished and captivating performance culminated countless hours of practice and unwavering dedication, leaving no doubt about their musical prowess and professionalism. #WHe congratulate Mr. Coleman and the entire band for this well-deserved accolade, which is a testament to their commitment and the support they receive.

Under the baton of the esteemed Dan DiPasquale, the talented musicians from West Hempstead's South Campus chamber orchestra brought immense pride to RamCountry with their spellbinding performance. Gracing the prestigious stage of the NYSSMA Majors Adjudication Festival at Adelphi University's Performing Arts Center, their virtuosic display earned them the coveted gold rating. These dedicated students captivated the audience, showcasing their musical mastery and prowess with a performance that left all in awe of their skills. We extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Maestro DiPasquale and the entire orchestra for this well-deserved accolade. Bravissimo!

As our 10th-grade students prepare for their Performance Based Assessment Tasks (PBAT), the oral presentation component is an important part of the process. Each student will give an oral presentation to a panel, summarizing and discussing the research paper they have written on a topic of their choice.

For these presentations, we have invited various district administrators to serve as panelists to engage with our students' work. As panelists, they review the student's research paper ahead of time and, then listen to their oral presentation. During the presentation, they can ask follow-up questions to further the dialogue and assess the student's depth of knowledge on their topic. After the presentation, they rate the student's oral communication skills using a rubric provided by the school.

This is a valuable experience for our students to present their researched ideas and respond to questions formally. It also allows them to get feedback from outside perspectives beyond just their classroom teacher.

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.

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.

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