In the quiet corridors, vibrant classrooms of RamCountry and beyond, extraordinary educators continue to shape student's futures through their dedication to teaching and learning. This week, WHe celebrate those who may prefer to remain unnamed but whose impact resonates throughout our community.

Among us are educational heroes who thoughtfully craft lesson plans late into the evening, stay after hours to guide struggling students, and find innovative ways to make lessons relevant and engaging. We have seen educators transform her classroom into a living museum, allowing students to experience historical moments through immersive activities. Others created a mentorship program pairing younger students with older ones, fostering community.

These dedicated professionals embody the spirit of our mission—connecting the past to the present and illuminating paths toward a more informed future. While they may shy away from recognition, their influence shapes minds and hearts, inspiring the next generation of historians, thinkers, and changemakers.

As WHe progress, let us acknowledge the dedication that fuels our community's growth and success. These educators' legacy lives in every student who leaves their classroom with a deeper appreciation for women's historical impact and a stronger sense of their own potential to shape history.

This week was filled with exciting highlights to share from enlightening conversations with several of our outstanding women educators focused on strengthening our K-6 literacy program. These discussions centered around how multiple skills must be woven together to develop skilled readers.

Our educators emphasized the importance of building professional "toolbelts" (my words, not theirs, but the idea is the same) of strategies that can be flexibly implemented based on student needs. True educational professionalism involves knowing when and how to apply different assessment approaches to gather meaningful data about student progress.

These educators highlighted several effective data collection methods:

• Anecdotal notes during student reading/writing activities
• Running records to track reading progress
• Fluency passage assessments
• Strategic writing prompts
• Detailed conferring notes from one-on-one sessions
• Small group work observations
• Writing about reading assignments
• Interactive Read Aloud work and turn-and-talk discussion monitoring

By combining word recognition skills (phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition) with language comprehension (background knowledge, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning), WHe create the conditions for our students to become truly skilled readers who can fluently execute and coordinate these essential abilities.

I'm grateful to our dedicated educators for sharing their expertise as we continue building a cohesive, research-based literacy approach across all grade levels.

I look forward to continued collaboration!

In Nassau and Suffolk counties, top-quality college-level courses for high school students are already widely available, a Newsday analysis found. For example, more than two-thirds of the 122 public high schools located in the region are listed on the latest AP honor roll. Eleven schools offer another college program known as International Baccalaureate.

The AP's honor roll offers four levels of distinction: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. School designations depend on the rate at which students take and pass those exams with a minimum score of 3 out of 5. Another measure is the percentage of students taking a minimum of five exams during four years of high school, with at least one test taken in ninth or 10th grade.

WHe are proud to report that the students at West Hempstead are on the "Honor Roll" with a silver distinction with access! The "AP designation with access" refers to the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program, which aims to provide high school students with access to college-level courses and exams, and the AP Access Award, which recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to equitable access to AP for all students. This is the second year in a row.

Congratulations to the students, staff, and administration for your efforts.

Our district serves a diverse population, including economically disadvantaged students, private school students, English Language Learners, and students with special needs. However, the current state aid formula does not fully account for our unique demographic challenges. We urge community members to reach out to their local legislators and advocate for increased funding that reflects the true needs of all students in our district—whether they attend public or private schools.

2. Rising Transportation Costs

One of our biggest financial challenges is a $1.3 million increase in transportation expenses, partly due to a 30% cost jump from Nassau BOCES. With numerous routes (over 110 to over 100 schools), we are exploring efficiency audits, cooperative busing agreements, and optimized routing to help mitigate these escalating costs. But with impending changes to green buses, costs are being passed on to schools with devastating effects.

3. Escalating Operational Expenses

Costs continue to rise in multiple areas, including a 22% increase in general insurance, new flood insurance requirements, a higher ERS contribution rate, and projected healthcare cost hikes. These unavoidable expenses put additional strain on our budget and require us to find savings elsewhere without compromising student programs.

4. Innovative Cost-Saving Strategies

We are actively working to reduce expenses through an energy efficiency audit, staffing and scheduling reviews, contract renegotiations, and leveraging AI for administrative efficiencies. By making strategic adjustments, we aim to sustain high-quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

5. Exploring New Revenue Sources

To offset funding shortfalls, we are pursuing additional grants, researching new tuition-based programs, and seeking partnerships with local businesses for sponsorship opportunities. These initiatives may help generate revenue and support essential student programs.

WHe are proud to highlight the Superintendents Student Advisory Council (SSAC) for their compelling presentation to the Board of Education. Their thoughtful proposals demonstrated exceptional leadership and a genuine commitment to improving our school community.

Student-Led Initiatives

The SSAC presented several well-researched proposals:

• Artistic enhancements including ceiling tile paintings and colorful murals to brighten hallways and common areas
• RAM logo reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste while promoting school spirit
• Flexible seating options to create more comfortable learning environments
• Locker room facility improvements focusing on ventilation, water systems, and general renovations
• Reinstatement of popular courses such as Music Tech, Film, and Intro to Cybersecurity
• Environmental sustainability measures including additional recycling bins, reduced paper usage, and biodegradable utensils

Evidence-Based Approach

What particularly stood out was the SSAC's use of survey data and student observations to support their recommendations. This methodical approach demonstrated their commitment to accurately representing the student body while strengthening their proposals.

Next Steps

The Board and administration will thoroughly review each proposal as we work toward creating the best possible learning environment for all students. The SSAC has provided valuable insights into the student experience that will help inform future decisions.

WHe commend these student leaders for exemplifying key Habits of Mind we strive to develop in all students: thinking interdependently, gathering data through all senses, and applying past knowledge to new situations.

The West Hempstead Educator's Association (WHEA) recently hosted its annual "Battle of the Schools" event last week, bringing together faculty, staff, and supporters from across the district in a spirited competition to raise funds for student scholarships.

Teams representing different schools in the West Hempstead district competed in various challenges showcasing talent, teamwork, and school pride. The friendly rivalry generated enthusiasm and community support, resulting in a successful fundraising effort for the WHEA Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to deserving West Hempstead students pursuing higher education.

The event highlighted the dedication of West Hempstead educators to supporting students beyond the classroom and reinforced the strong bonds within the school community. This year's Battle of the Schools proved once again to be both an entertaining community gathering and a meaningful investment in students' futures.

This week at Chestnut Street, our youngest learners have been deeply engaged in developing essential skills across multiple areas. In our literacy centers, students worked collaboratively at small group tables with letter recognition activities and phonics exercises, using hands-on materials to build foundational reading skills.

Our mathematics stations featured children using manipulatives and worksheets to explore numerical concepts, with educators providing individualized support throughout these learning experiences. The classroom environment buzzed with productive energy as students practiced sorting, counting, and pattern recognition.

In our reading nook, children enjoyed quiet moments with books, fostering a love of reading while strengthening comprehension skills. The classroom's well-organized learning centers provided students with opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively, supporting diverse learning styles.

Our educators continue creating thoughtful, engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity and skill development. WHe are proud to see our student's enthusiasm for learning and their growing confidence as they tackle new challenges daily!

This week, our students at Cornwell Avenue have been actively engaged in dynamic learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. From exploring vivid verbs to enhance their writing to diving into math and science lessons that connect past and present concepts, our classrooms are buzzing with excitement.

Small group work, hands-on technology integration, and interactive discussions are at the heart of our students' daily learning. Whether working together on a laptop in the cozy reading corner or participating in whole-class lessons, our young learners are building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Thank you to our dedicated educators for creating these rich opportunities and to our students for their enthusiasm and curiosity. We love seeing the joy of learning in action!

This week, WHe enjoyed visiting classrooms to witness the remarkable learning experiences throughout George Washington. The dedication of both our educators and students continues to inspire us daily.

WHe observed small group instruction, where teachers provided personalized attention to students. With books neatly organized on nearby shelves and a "RESCUE WINDOW" sign visible outside—a reminder of our commitment to safety—our staff members guided students through focused learning activities at collaborative tables.

Other classrooms were equally engaging, with interactive whiteboard lessons captivating students. The "Do Now" activity prompted critical thinking while students actively participated, calculators and notebooks at the ready.

Perhaps most heartwarming was seeing our students engaged in literature exploration. In one classroom, every student proudly held up a copy of the same novel, their faces bright with enthusiasm.

These snapshots represent just a fraction of the meaningful learning happening at George Washington. Our teachers continue to foster collaborative environments where every student can thrive, and our students continue to embrace the joy of learning.

This week, WHe witnessed our students engaged in meaningful learning experiences across various disciplines.

In our science classrooms, students donned protective gloves as they conducted hands-on laboratory experiments. With microscopes at their workstations and carefully organized data sheets, our young scientists recorded observations and findings while teachers circulated to provide guidance. The concentration and precision demonstrated by our students were truly impressive.

Our English Language Arts classrooms were alive with collaborative learning. I observed teachers providing individualized attention to students working through complex texts, surrounded by various books and bright classrooms that create an inviting atmosphere for literacy development.

The spirit of inquiry was equally evident in our mathematics classes, where students worked to solve challenging problems. The focused environment and collaborative approach reflected our commitment to meeting each student where they are in their learning journey.

Perhaps most inspiring was seeing our "Habits of Mind" initiative in action. Classroom displays reminded students about the power of perseverance and positive thinking. In one classroom, students and staff gathered around a table discussion group, showcasing our emphasis on collaborative problem-solving.

These moments capture the essence of our educational approach—combining rigorous academics with supportive relationships and real-world applications.

The "Rams" dove into hands-on experiments this week as Adelphi University faculty and college mentors transformed our classrooms into interactive physics laboratories. This exciting collaboration brought real-world scientific exploration directly to our students, igniting curiosity and demonstrating the power of our valued university partnership in action.

Physics education majors completed three different hands-on labs with our students. In one captivating experiment, students created 3-D hologram boxes using clear plastic to demonstrate light refraction principles. Another lab involved constructing functional motors using electromagnets, allowing students to witness electromagnetism in action. The third experiment utilized electron beams and magnets to visualize how electrical and magnetic fields interact, bringing complex physics concepts to life.

Throughout these activities, college mentors facilitated thoughtful discussions about the differences between high school and college-level physics, giving our students valuable perspectives on higher education academic expectations.

This collaboration allows our students to receive valuable mentorship from college physics students who work directly in our classrooms. These Adelphi mentors help our students deepen their understanding of physics concepts, provide insights into college-level studies, and explore potential career paths in STEM fields.

Special thanks to Dr. Wright from Adelphi University and our own Mr. Cole Johnsen, Physics teacher at West Hempstead Secondary School, for coordinating this valuable learning opportunity. Their commitment to creating meaningful connections between secondary and higher education exemplifies the innovative partnerships we strive to cultivate.

As a working partner district with Adelphi, we look forward to continuing this collaboration and expanding similar opportunities across other disciplines.

WHe are thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement by our 8th grade VE-JV students at the first official Junior Venture trade show of the year! Representing True Bliss, their innovative personalized hygiene subscription box service, our talented young entrepreneurs were the only Long Island firm at the event, which was hosted at the George L. Egbert school (IS #2) on Staten Island.

The results of their hard work and collaboration throughout the year were nothing short of impressive:

• An outstanding $70,000+ in sales generated in just two hours on the floor
• Bronze award for Best Booth
• Gold award for Best Sales Pitch

We're also eagerly awaiting the results of the Social Media Competition, which will be announced this Friday, March 14th.

This success reflects the dedication, teamwork, and business acumen our students have developed. Please join us in congratulating the True Bliss team on representing our school with such distinction!

A hat tip to Mr, Hanna and Mr. Cangemi for supporting the team.

Parents, get ready for convenient, flexible child care for students in Pre-K through 6th grade! SCOPE Education Services is offering comprehensive before- and after-school programs at multiple West Hempstead school locations.

Choose from full-time or part-time schedules:

• Before school care from 7:00 AM until school start
• After-school care from dismissal until 6:30 PM
• Full-time monthly rates start at $308 for before school and $390 for after school
• Part-time options available with flexible day selections

Early bird registration begins March 1, 2025, for current SCOPE students and incoming kindergarteners. Open registration starts May 3, 2025.

An annual registration fee of $40 applies, with sibling discounts available. Subsidies are also available for income-eligible families.

Register now at scopeonline.ce.eleyo.com and secure your child's spot for the upcoming school year!

"Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on." - Serena Williams

This quote emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other rather than competing. Serena Williams highlights how celebrating other women's achievements creates a positive cycle that empowers all women. When women view each other's success as inspiration rather than competition, it creates a community of strength and mutual support.

Lessons by Grade Level

K-3 Grade Lessons

School Activity: "Teamwork Stars"

• Students create paper stars with their names in the center
• Classmates write one kind thing or compliment on each other's stars
• Display the stars in the classroom to show how supporting friends makes everyone shine brighter
• Discussion about how helping friends succeed makes the whole class stronger

Home Activity: "Kindness Calendar"

• Create a weekly calendar where children identify one way they helped someone each day
• Parents share examples of how family members support each other
• Read picture books featuring female characters who help each other
• Make "You're Amazing" cards to give to friends or family members

4-8 Grade Lessons

School Activity: "Women Who Inspire"

• Research project where students select a woman athlete who inspires them
• Create presentations highlighting how these athletes supported other women
• Class discussion on the difference between healthy competition and supporting peers
• Role-playing scenarios where students practice encouraging classmates in challenges

Home Activity: "Success Stories Journal"

• Keep a weekly journal noting the successes of family members and friends
• Discuss how to celebrate others' achievements genuinely
• Watch interviews or documentaries about Serena Williams and her sister Venus
• Create "inspiration boards" featuring quotes and images of women who support each other

9-12 Grade Lessons

School Activity: "Mentorship Networks"

• Analyze the importance of mentorship in professional success
• Create a class mentorship program where older students support younger ones
• Research how women in various fields have created support networks
• Discussion about systemic barriers women face and how solidarity helps overcome them
• Essay assignment examining how Serena Williams' career demonstrates both competition and support

Home Activity: "Community Impact Project"

• Identify local women-led organizations or businesses to support
• Interview female family members about their experiences with support/competition
• Research and discuss pay equity issues in sports and other professions
• Create a social media campaign highlighting women supporting women in your community
• Family discussion about how to be an ally to women and girls in various contexts

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.