West Hempstead Weekly Update

This week WHe celebrated Board of Education Recognition Night, I would like to take a moment to express our district's profound appreciation for the dedicated service of our Board members. These individuals volunteer countless hours of their time to ensure the educational excellence of our schools, often making difficult decisions that shape the future of our district. Their unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community extends far beyond these monthly meetings, as they attend school functions, participate in professional development, and advocate tirelessly for our district's needs. Their leadership and dedication to public education have been instrumental in our district's success, and tonight we pause to acknowledge their selfless service. The positive impact of their work touches every classroom, every program, and every student in our care. On behalf of our entire school community – our administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families – I extend our heartfelt gratitude to each Board member for their extraordinary service and dedication to educational excellence.

I want to bring an important matter to your attention that directly impacts our district's resources and your children's educational experience. The Education Benefits Form is more than just a document for meal assistance – it's a vital tool that affects our entire school funding. When families complete this form, regardless of qualification status, our district becomes eligible for increased state funding. These additional resources allow us to support more teachers, enhance our educational programs, and provide better student resources. I strongly encourage every family to complete this form for just five minutes today. Your participation significantly impacts our ability to provide the best possible education for our students. To access the form and learn more, please visit our Food Services page at whufsd.com/page/food-services or download below. I appreciate your cooperation in supporting our school community.

In an inspiring display of student leadership and civic engagement, the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) continues to be a powerful voice for positive change in our district. Meeting seven times throughout the academic year, these bright young minds sit down with myself and our Assistant Superintendents to tackle real challenges and shape the future of our educational community.

Our council brings together sixteen exceptional student ambassadors, carefully selected from across our district's schools. These passionate young leaders serve as bridges between their peers and district administration, ensuring that student perspectives remain at the heart of our decision-making process.

What makes SSAC truly special?

• Direct access to district leadership
• Real influence on district initiatives and programs
• Hands-on experience in problem-solving and policy development
• Development of leadership skills and civic responsibility
• Meaningful representation of student voices

Through thoughtful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, these remarkable students don't just share concerns – they actively propose and help implement solutions that benefit our entire school community. Their insights and fresh perspectives have already led to several meaningful improvements in our district's programs and initiatives.

Stay tuned for updates on the exciting projects and initiatives our SSAC members are working on this year. Together, we're building a stronger, more responsive educational environment that truly serves the needs of all our students.

Making a difference, one meeting at a time!

West Hempstead Secondary School is set to shine in the spotlight as it will be featured on CBS New York's "#BetterTogether: Class Act with Chris Wragge" on Friday, October 18. This exciting segment will showcase the school's outstanding achievements, dedicated educators, and vibrant student community. Viewers can tune in to see host Chris Wragge highlight the unique programs, innovative teaching methods, and positive learning environment that make West Hempstead Secondary School a standout institution. The feature promises to give the wider community a glimpse into the daily life of students and staff, demonstrating why West Hempstead continues to be a beacon of educational excellence. This recognition on a major news platform reflects the school's commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally.

At Chestnut Street Elementary, learning is woven into every moment of the day. Whether nestled on the rug with a book before the playground beckons or gathered around snack tables discussing the vibrant hues of their fruit slices, the students are constantly expanding their knowledge. Their curious minds absorb information effortlessly, turning routine activities into educational opportunities. As they munch on mango, they might count the slices aloud, reinforcing basic math skills. While sipping water, conversations about its nutritional benefits naturally arise. Even a simple game of I Spy during recess becomes a lesson in colors and descriptive language. At Chestnut Street, learning extends far beyond the classroom walls, cultivating a love for learning that follows the children throughout their day.

The young learners at Cornwell Avenue are constantly engaged in valuable educational experiences inside and outside the classroom. During bus safety drills, students actively learn crucial safety protocols, enhancing their awareness and preparedness. In physical education classes, they practice patience and sportsmanship as they eagerly await their turn to compete, developing important social skills alongside physical ones. Even in everyday scenarios like waiting in line, students absorb lessons in patience, respect, and orderly conduct. These diverse experiences underscore the holistic nature of education at Cornwell Avenue, where learning occurs continuously throughout all school spaces, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for academic and real-world challenges.

At the George Washington learning community, education is a dynamic and reflective process that engages all members. Students, teachers, and staff embrace a kaizen culture, beginning each learning experience with preparation. As they delve into new concepts and skills, learners actively participate in diverse educational activities designed to challenge and inspire. Critical thinking is the cornerstone of this approach, encouraging individuals to question, analyze, and evaluate information rather than absorb it. Following each learning experience, community members reflect on their journey, considering what they've gained, how it connects to prior knowledge, and how they might apply these insights. This cyclical process of preparation, active learning, and reflection fosters a deep, meaningful educational experience that extends beyond the classroom, empowering all members of the George Washington community to become lifelong learners and independent thinkers.

"On any given day, a classroom visitor should be able to walk over to a group of students and ask them- What are you working on? Why are you working on this? Students should be able to answer by explaining a question they are trying to figure out or a problem they are trying to solve, and not just say because the teacher told us to do this. Hat tip to Ms. Gould and all the teachers who are actively pursuing these storylines and implementing them into our curriculum.

A storyline is a coherent sequence of lessons, in which each step is driven by students' questions that arise from their interactions with phenomena. A student's goal should always be to explain a phenomenon or solve a problem. At each step, students make progress on the classroom's questions through science and engineering practices, to figure out a piece of a science idea. Each piece they figure out adds to the developing explanation, model, or designed solution. Each step may also generate questions that lead to the next step in the storyline. Together, what students figure out helps explain the unit's phenomena or solve the problems they have identified. A storyline provides a coherent path toward building disciplinary core idea and crosscutting concepts, piece by piece, anchored in students' own questions." - Next Generation Science Storylines

WHe had a visit from Candidate Master Thomas Li this week who spent time with our chess club. Mr. Li is a member of CHESSanity. "CHESSanity's mission is to utilize chess as a resource to address the needs of disadvantaged populations. First, we've made strides to teach and promote chess among K-12 students nationwide to build their self-esteem and cognitive outreach. CHESSanity places a strong emphasis on aiding underprivileged school districts, hoping that eventually, chess will be integrated into schools’ core curricula across the nation. Secondly, we have launched an effort to help impede the growth of mental disorders in the elderly by introducing them to the game of chess, as research has revealed an array of benefits the game provides for cognitive function.'

Join PTA and get gear here.

Join PTSA and get gear here.

See attached for SEPTA membership.

Joining and actively participating in Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA), Parent-Teacher-Student Associations (PTSA), and Special Education Parent-Teacher Associations (SEPTA) is crucial for creating a strong, supportive educational community. These organizations serve as bridges between families, educators, and students, fostering meaningful collaboration that enhances the overall learning experience. Becoming an active member gives you a voice in important decisions affecting your child's education, contributing to school improvement initiatives, and staying informed about educational policies and challenges. SEPTA specifically ensures that the unique needs of students with disabilities are addressed and advocated for within the school system. Members can network with other parents, share resources, and work collectively to create positive change through regular attendance at meetings, volunteering for events, and participating in committees. Your involvement benefits your child and contributes to the success of all students in the school community, making these associations essential pillars of support for quality education.

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.

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​

Consistency: Success isn’t built in a day; it’s built by stacking one good day on top of another. This year, focus on making each day count. Whether in lesson planning, student interactions, or professional development, let’s commit to consistent, daily progress. It’s the small, incremental gains that will lead to significant long-term achievements for our students and ourselves.

The Obstacle is the Way​

Resilience: Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise. When obstacles arise—and they will—let’s face them head-on, knowing that overcoming these challenges will make us stronger and more effective educators. Embrace problems as pathways to growth, and let’s model this resilience for our students.​

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.