West Hempstead Weekly Update

The buzz of learning continues to fill our halls at Chestnut Street! This week, WHe observed our youngest learners flourishing in so many ways. In the writer's workshop, our kindergarteners are blossoming into confident storytellers – their detailed drawings and emerging sentences show how they connect their experiences and the written word. During small group instruction, teachers and aides differentiate their approach, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace while staying challenged and engaged.

The growth extends far beyond academics. During snack time, I witnessed countless moments of kindness as children shared stories and treats, practicing those essential social skills that form the foundation of strong relationships. Free play has become a laboratory for problem-solving and creativity, with students naturally taking turns, negotiating roles in imaginative play, and supporting peers who need a friend.

Perhaps most heartening is watching our students develop crucial habits of mind. When faced with challenges, they increasingly show persistence and flexibility in their thinking. This week, he observed students working through a tricky math problem, encouraging each other with phrases like "Let's try a different way" and "We can figure this out together."

These daily moments of growth, both big and small, remind us that our youngest learners are developing as students and as thoughtful, capable individuals who will shape our community's future.

We're excited to share a wonderful example of our students implementing flexible thinking this week! When one of their classmates wasn't feeling well, our students demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence and adaptability – like the palm trees in one of our favorite stories.

For those unfamiliar with this powerful metaphor, our students have been learning from a story (A Little Spot of Flexible Thinking) that contrasts a palm tree with an oak tree. While the oak tree stands rigid and unbending, the palm tree demonstrates strength through flexibility, swaying with challenges while remaining firmly rooted. This simple yet profound metaphor teaches us that true strength isn't about being inflexible – it's about adapting while staying true to our core values.

We saw this lesson come to life in our classroom recently. Instead of remaining rigid like the oak tree, our students immediately adjusted their routines and activities to support their unwell classmate. They became what we now lovingly call "calm palm trees" – maintaining their stability while bending to accommodate and help others in need. This "palm tree thinking" showed how our students can remain strong while being flexible enough to respond to others' needs.

What makes this story even more special is how the impact has rippled throughout our school community. Students have taken this metaphor home, sharing it with their families, who are now embracing this mindful approach to challenges. It's truly inspiring to see our young learners practicing these important social-emotional skills and becoming ambassadors for positive change in their families.

This real-world application of flexible thinking exemplifies exactly what we hope to nurture in our students—the ability to adapt thoughtfully to challenges while maintaining their core strengths and values. We're immensely proud to see our students grow into compassionate, adaptable members of our school community who understand that being strong means being flexible, just like a palm tree bending gracefully in the wind.

Looking forward to seeing more examples of our students being "calm palm trees" in the weeks ahead!

This week at George Washington Intermediate School, students have been actively engaged in a variety of exciting and enriching activities. In physical education, the gym was buzzing with energy as students practiced their badminton skills. They worked on developing hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship while enjoying friendly competition and staying active.

In the library, collaboration and critical thinking were on full display. Students worked together on research projects using Chromebooks, exchanging ideas and supporting one another in tackling academic challenges. The atmosphere was filled with curiosity and meaningful conversation as they made strides in their learning.

In the classroom, interactive lessons kept students motivated and engaged. Group discussions and problem-solving activities encouraged collaboration and creativity, allowing students to explore new ideas and deepen their understanding of various subjects.

It has been a wonderful week of growth, exploration, and connection at George Washington, where students continue to thrive in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

I am delighted to announce that Mr. Chris Van Kovics has been named the 2024/2025 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD). This prestigious award recognizes educators who have made extraordinary contributions to their students, school, and community.

Mr. Van Kovics's selection for this honor reflects his outstanding dedication to physical education and his approach to helping students develop healthy, active lifestyles. His commitment to excellence and passion for student wellness exemplify our district's highest standards.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Van Kovics on this well-deserved recognition. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional educator serving our students and representing our district.

Last week, our 8th-grade students filled the cafeteria with powerful voices and personal stories during their Winter Writing Celebration. The event showcased the culmination of our memoir poetry unit, during which students crafted deeply personal pieces exploring their experiences, heritage, and dreams.

The cafeteria was transformed into a poetry café atmosphere, with students sharing their work from behind the podium. At the same time, their peers listened attentively, laptops open to follow along with the digital presentations. The diversity of our student body shone through in their pieces, with poems touching on family traditions, cultural experiences, personal challenges, and moments of triumph.

What stood out was the quality of the writing and the remarkable courage and support on display. Students, many overcoming their fear of public speaking, stepped up to the microphone to share intimate pieces of their lives through carefully crafted verses. Their classmates responded with enthusiastic encouragement, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and celebration.

Special recognition goes to our English Language Arts teachers and 8th-grade staff who guided students through the writing process, from initial drafts to final performances. The event highlighted our students' growing mastery of poetic devices while giving them a platform to develop their public speaking skills and build confidence in their creative voices.

These writing celebrations continue to be vital moments in our students' educational journeys, fostering literary skills and emotional growth. The genuine engagement and peer support demonstrated during the event exemplifies the learning community we strive to build.

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.