West Hempstead Weekly Update

I want to highlight the critical importance of regular school attendance. Data shows that students who miss fewer than 2 days in September tend to maintain excellent attendance throughout the year, averaging less than 2 absences per month and only 10 days total. However, those missing 2-4 days early on often end up with 25 absences annually, while students absent more than 4 days in September average a concerning 70 days missed per year. These patterns underscore how crucial it is to establish good attendance habits early. Every school day matters for your child's education. Let's work together to put our best foot forward and ensure our students have the consistent classroom time they need to succeed. Remember, #AttendanceMatters!

On behalf of the entire district, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on reaching a remarkable milestone—twenty years of dedicated service. Your commitment and passion for supporting our students and staff have made a lasting impact on our school community. Your dedication to excellence, coupled with your ability to adapt and grow with the needs of the district, have set a high standard for all of us. Thank you for your many years of service, and #WHe look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you in the future!

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Theresa Bryant for your many years of dedicated service! Your contributions have truly made a difference.

Congratulations and a warm welcome to the RamFam, Ms. Awilda Cruz! We are excited to have you join us as our new district clerk and look forward to collaborating with you in this new chapter.

Our PreK and kindergarten superstars are flourishing in a vibrant world of exploration! Each day brings exciting new adventures, from shaping imaginative playdough creations to engaging in fun literacy lessons. The classrooms are filled with beaming smiles, creative crafts, and delicious snacks as our little learners eagerly absorb knowledge through play and hands-on activities. We're incredibly proud of how our youngest students are growing and thriving in this colorful, nurturing environment.

The Cornwell Ave. classrooms are alive with excitement and learning! From captivating story time sessions that transport young minds to far-off worlds, to interactive music lessons that have everyone tapping their toes, curiosity is flourishing at every turn. Our amazing teachers and students are constantly in action, making each day a canvas for new discoveries and blossoming friendships. The CA atmosphere perfectly encapsulates what joyful learning truly looks like. #WHe invite you to view the pictures below to witness these magical moments firsthand and see the smiles that light up our school community.

Back-to-school night at George Washington this week exemplified the power of learning as a community. Parents, teachers, and students shared goals, expectations, and excitement for the upcoming academic year. A sense of shared purpose emerged as families explored classrooms and engaged with educators. This event fostered connections between home and school, allowing parents to better understand their children's daily experiences and enabling teachers to gain insights into students' backgrounds. The bustling hallways and animated discussions highlighted how education thrives when all stakeholders collaborate. By strengthening these bonds, the school community laid a foundation for enhanced support, communication, and collective growth throughout the year.

Our dedicated educators have been fostering vibrant learning environments where students are thriving in numerous ways. From classroom community-building exercises that strengthen bonds between peers, to nutrition lessons that empower students to make healthier choices, to creating schools and businesses, and engaging math skills workshops that demystify concepts like combining like terms, our schools are buzzing with activity. These diverse learning experiences offer our students countless opportunities to grow academically, connect with others, and make a positive impact on their world. It's heartening to see our learners embrace these chances to expand their knowledge and skills while also developing as thoughtful, engaged citizens. Every day in our schools brings new possibilities for our students to learn, innovate, and make a difference. As we continue to nurture this dynamic educational ecosystem, I'm filled with optimism for the bright futures our students are building, both for themselves and for our community.

I want to share a powerful reminder of our students' diverse talents and abilities. One of our classified students, who has been working diligently on improving their reading and writing skills, created a remarkable artifact based upon the book, The Glass Castle, that perfectly illustrates the creativity and storytelling prowess they exhibit in oral communication. This piece was created from "scraps" with a makerspace mentality. Inside the stove is a representation of a hospital (I could not take a picture that captured the essence of the design).

This student's work vividly illustrates how each student in our care brings unique strengths and challenges to the classroom. While this student may face difficulties with written expression, their artistic and oral storytelling skills are exceptional. It's a poignant reminder that excellence cannot always be measured by standardized exams alone.

As educators, we must recognize and nurture each student's talents, providing them with opportunities to shine in their areas of strength while supporting them in areas where they may struggle. This approach aligns well with the recent recommendations from the New York State Education Department's Blue Ribbon Commission.

The Commission's findings emphasize the importance of providing diverse pathways to student success. They advocate for a more holistic approach to education that goes beyond traditional academic measures and considers the varied skills and talents that each student brings to the table.

It's important to note that while we embrace this holistic approach, we remain committed to maintaining high standards for all students (for more on this topic, please my opinion piece that was in the Herald, below). Our goal is not to lower expectations but to broaden how students can demonstrate their excellence. #WHe believe every student should be able to display mastery across a wide range of subjects, from STEM to Humanities, Fine Arts to Physical Education. By offering diverse pathways to graduation and incorporating project-based assessments, portfolios, and real-world applications of knowledge, we can challenge our students to reach their full potential in all areas of learning.

By implementing these recommendations, #WHe can create an educational environment that truly celebrates the uniqueness of every learner. This means offering a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities, whether through traditional academic work, artistic expression, oral presentations, or hands-on projects.

As we move forward, let's commit to seeing the whole child in each student. Let's recognize that true excellence comes in many forms and that our role is to help each student find and develop their unique strengths. By doing so, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive, both in school and in life beyond the classroom.

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.

Join PTA and get gear here.

Join PTSA and get gear here.

See attached for SEPTA membership.

Welcome to another exciting school year! As we embark on this journey together, #WHe are thrilled to share thoughts and ideas on how #WHe can better collaborate to ensure your child's success!

At West Hempstead, the key to our students' success lies in the strength of our partnerships. By building bridges between our schools, families, and the wider community, fostering open communication, and building strong relationships from day one, we're laying the groundwork for a year of growth, achievement, and collaboration.

Let's see what #WHe can do together!

Reliable lines of communication:

As a family, do you find that a mix of communication methods works best? Do you appreciate regular email updates from teachers, as they allow you to stay informed on your own time? Do you also value the option for face-to-face meetings or phone calls when more in-depth discussions are needed? Do you have a clear understanding of how and when to reach out to teachers? Have you shared your preferred contact methods? Answering these questions helps everyone feel connected and involved from the start.

A personalized touch:

Back-to-school night is an invaluable opportunity to meet your child's teachers and get a feel for the classroom environment. It helps us put faces to names and understand the overall structure of the school year. If you can't attend, we greatly appreciate when you reach out via email or phone to introduce yourselves and discuss our child's progress. These personalized interactions, whether in person or virtual, help us feel more comfortable approaching teachers with questions or concerns throughout the year.

Tell us about your child's interests:

Is your child curious and energetic? Do they have a passion for science and technology? Do they love conducting simple experiments at home and are always eager to learn about new scientific discoveries? Do they enjoy playing sports and are part of a local youth team? In their free time, are they reading adventure novels and creating art? Do they thrive when given hands-on learning opportunities and respond well to visual aids in the classroom?

Connecting outside the school walls:

Community events and open houses are excellent ways to kick off the school year, but there are many other ideas to foster connections. Should #Wh\He consider organizing a family picnic or potluck where families can mingle in a relaxed setting? Nature walks or community service projects can unite families while promoting environmental awareness or giving back to the community. Virtual game nights or trivia contests could engage families who might not be able to attend in-person events.

Sunshine phone calls:

Starting the year with positive phone calls home can set a wonderful tone for parent-teacher relationships. When teachers take the time to share something positive about a student – whether it's an academic achievement, a kind gesture, or an improvement in behavior – it shows that they truly see and appreciate each child. These calls can help alleviate parents' anxiety about school communication and encourage open dialogue throughout the year. They also allow teachers to learn more about the student's home life and family dynamics, which can inform their teaching approach.

Get active on social media:

Social media platforms offer an excellent way for the district, administrators, and staff members to showcase the exciting activities and achievements happening in classrooms and buildings. By sharing photos, videos, and updates of student projects, field trips, and special events, schools can give families a window into their child's daily experiences. This real-time glimpse into school life can spark conversations at home and help students feel proud of their accomplishments. It's important, however, to ensure that all shared content respects student privacy and follows district guidelines for social media use.

Real-time tech tools:

Having a single, unified communication platform would greatly simplify the process for families, especially those with multiple children in the district. A centralized system could streamline notifications, assignments, and progress reports, making it easier for parents to stay informed and engaged. However, it's crucial to choose a platform that is user-friendly, accessible on various devices, and capable of meeting diverse communication needs. Should #WHe consider surveying families and staff to understand their preferences and technical capabilities before selecting a platform?

Family's strengths:

Our district offers various opportunities for families to share their unique skills and experiences with students. Parents and guardians can volunteer as guest speakers to discuss their careers, hobbies, or cultural traditions. Our Secondary School Cultural Night is always a big hit. Families can set up tables to showcase their talents, businesses, or cultural heritage, providing students with a rich, diverse learning experience.

Empowering students to share their best work:

Writing and reading celebrations are wonderful opportunities for students to share their progress and creativity with families. These events allow students to present their favorite pieces, explain their writing process, and receive positive feedback from a supportive audience. Similarly, concerts and art expos showcase students' artistic talents and growth throughout the year. These presentations boost students' confidence and give families insight into the curriculum and their child's development. Consider implementing digital portfolios or virtual galleries to make these celebrations accessible to families who can't attend in person.

Sharing the curriculum:

Sharing curriculum information with families helps them understand and support their child's learning journey. PTA, PTSA, and SEPTA meetings are wonderful opportunities to get involved and learn more about what your child is earning. Regular newsletters and social posts highlight the concepts taught and offer tips for reinforcing learning at home. Site-based teams are another opportunity to engage with the school and learn about the curriculum, learning goals, and teaching strategies.

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.