West Hempstead Weekly Update

The students at Chestnut Street Elementary have been combining winter and holiday themes in their lessons to build foundational skills. In their art projects, they created festive decorations and characters. During literacy activities, they practiced reading and writing using seasonal vocabulary. And in math, they solved problems involving holiday-themed data and patterns. These cross-curricular projects have engaged the students while reinforcing core learning objectives. Chestnut Street is RamProud of the creativity and dedication shown by the students as they embrace the winter season.

The Cornwell Avenue hallways buzz daily with the vibrant energy of learning and discovery. From the morning's pledge of allegiance, which reminds us of our shared values, to the innovative learning experiences that fill our classrooms, our students continue to inspire and amaze us.

This week, I've been particularly moved by the diverse ways our students are growing. Whether exploring mathematical concepts through our unique school boutique, dedicating and passionately preparing for their upcoming concert, or developing foundational literacy skills that will serve them for a lifetime, our students are demonstrating remarkable curiosity and commitment.

Each moment—from a carefully practiced musical note to a breakthrough in reading comprehension—represents progress. These are academic achievements and steps towards becoming confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who will shape our community's future.

Thank you to our incredible staff and supportive families who make these transformative experiences possible.

#WHe had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary display of student-led learning embodying the spirit of educational excellence. Our Next Gen Med club demonstrated remarkable leadership and creativity by designing and implementing a series of engaging, hands-on medical-based activities for our sixth-grade students.

Our secondary school students transformed classrooms into interactive learning environments throughout the day, guiding younger students through five unique, dynamic sessions. From the competitive medical Jeopardy game to the fascinating Owl Pellets dissection, from the innovative Escape Room challenge to the immersive Z-Space experience and the intricate "Make a Hand" workshop, our students crafted an educational journey far beyond traditional classroom instruction.

What stood out most was the incredible level of student engagement. Our sixth graders were not passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning. The secondary school student's ability to explain complex concepts, create exciting learning scenarios, and inspire curiosity was remarkable. Their passion for science and medicine was palpable, transforming each 55-minute session into a wonder-filled exploration of medical concepts and scientific discovery.

This event is a testament to our school's innovative spirit, where students are empowered to become teachers, leaders, and inspirational mentors. It showcases our commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary education, and nurturing the next generation of medical professionals and scientific thinkers.

Congratulations to our Next Gen Med club for an outstanding demonstration of student leadership and educational excellence.

Hat tip to Mr. Trupia, Mr. Cangemi, the 6th-grade team, and Ms. Milliner for their support.

This past week, our secondary students brought the spirit of the season to life with a heartwarming musical performance at Echo Park. Dressed in festive attire, our young musicians filled the room with the sounds of holiday classics, creating moments of joy and connection across generations. From gentle renditions of traditional carols to upbeat seasonal favorites, the students' music brought smiles, sparked memories, and reminded everyone of the true meaning of community.

The performance was more than just a musical showcase—it was a beautiful bridge between our young learners and our community's cherished seniors. Each note played was a testament to the compassion and talent of our students, who took the time to not just perform but engage with the audience, sharing stories and spreading holiday cheer.

WHe are incredibly proud of our students for their musical skills, empathy, and willingness to brighten others' lives during the holiday season.

Thank you to Mr. Coleman, Mr. DiPasquale, Mr. Kane, and Ms. Sales for organizing and leading the way.

The Broadcasting Class is turning up the volume on student media this week! After dedicated research, script development, and technical preparation, our aspiring broadcasters are set to record their very first official segment. The team has diligently honed their skills, from interview techniques and research methods to audio and video production skills. They've selected compelling topics that promise to engage and inform our school community, though they're keeping the details under wraps for now. Stay tuned for this exciting launch of student-led media that showcases our student journalists' creativity, communication skills, and collaborative spirit!

Thank you to Ms. Reyes, the Broadcasting Class teacher, and Ms. Benson and Ms. Hanna, who were interviewed.

The West Hempstead Elementary PTA knows that a strong partnership among our families, school leaders and community members is important to the success of our students and school. That’s why we are participating in the National PTA School of Excellence program, which grows partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.

We need your help! As part of the process outlined by National PTA, we are requesting feedback from families, administrators and teachers at two points in the school year—the beginning and the end. Using the community feedback, we will build an Excellence Action Plan to strengthen family-school partnerships.

Please take 5-10 minutes to reflect on your experience at this school and complete this survey. Please complete this survey by December 13, 2024.

La West Hempstead Asociación de Padres y Maestros sabe que contar con una alianza sólida entre nuestras familias, los líderes escolares y los miembros de la comunidad es importante para lograr el progreso de nuestros estudiantes y la escuela. Por eso estamos participando en el programa National PTA School of Excellence (Escuela de Excelencia), el que incrementa las colaboraciones entre PTA y la escuela para enriquecer la experiencia educativa y el bienestar general de todos los estudiantes.

¡Necesitamos su ayuda! Como parte del proceso, solicitamos la opinión de las familias, los administradores y los maestros en dos momentos del año escolar: al principio y al final. Utilizando las opiniones de la comunidad, desarrollaremos un plan de acción Excellence para fortalecer la colaboración familia-escuela.

Por favor tómense entre 5 y 10 minutos para reflexionar sobre su experiencia en la escuela y completar la encuesta. Por favor envíe la encuesta completa antes del 13 de diciembre de 2024.

Spanish

https://forms.gle/JQcDAcPSKoUuA8pW8

English

https://forms.gle/DTAiFyYPf9QYJ6z86

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.