West Hempstead Weekly Update

In a vibrant display of creativity, students at Chestnut Street have been busy crafting colorful turkeys in their art classes to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. From vibrant feathers to whimsical designs, these handmade turkeys showcase the artistic talents of our young learners. The cheerful display adds a festive touch to the halls of Chestnut Street as the community prepares to gather and give thanks.

Our kindergarten students learned about the renowned abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky and his iconic concentric circle paintings. Their teacher, Ms. Karp, led an engaging lesson where the students created their own concentric circle artworks inspired by Kandinsky's vibrant, color-filled compositions.

The students explored how Kandinsky used circular shapes and vibrant hues to convey emotion and movement on the canvas. They then applied these techniques in their circle-based designs, experimenting with overlapping colors and patterns.

The resulting student artwork is now on display in the school lobby, showcasing our young learners' creativity and artistic growth. We encourage all families to stop by and admire the students' Kandinsky-inspired masterpieces.

This lesson aligns with our district's focus on exposing students to diverse art forms and artistic perspectives. By learning about influential modern artists like Kandinsky, our students greatly appreciate abstract art and its ability to communicate without words.

Congratulations to Ms. Karp and her talented kindergarten class on this WHonderful exploration of Kandinsky and concentric circles!

Cornwell Avenue students thrive in their special classes, exploring new creative outlets. In art, students experiment with diverse media like watercolors, still art, and portraits, developing technical skills and self-expression. The music program has expanded its repertoire for the winter concert, with students participating actively. The format allows students to collaborate, build musicianship, and perform for the community. In STELLAR, expanded book collections and individual choice time foster a love of reading and critical thinking. Through these enhanced arts, music, and literacy programs, Cornwell Avenue students are gaining invaluable skills that empower them as well-rounded learners.

At George Washington, the students displayed vibrant energy and curiosity, creating moments of joy, discipline, and creativity. In bustling classrooms and learning spaces, laughter erupts spontaneously as students share jokes and discoveries, their smiles reflecting the pure delight of learning. During safety drills, these same students demonstrate remarkable focus and maturity, moving with precision and calm and understanding the importance of preparedness. Meanwhile, in music, young musicians coax melodious sounds from instruments, their concentrated expressions revealing the deep satisfaction of mastering a challenging piece, each note a testament to their dedication and growing skills. George Washington embodies an inspiring commitment to growth, learning always at the heart of their diverse and enriching experiences.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that our very own Benjamin Mora has achieved first place recognition in the "Instrumental Performance" category at the Sisters of the Arts Biennial Youth Art Showcase! This prestigious competition, organized by The Society, Incorporated's Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, New York Chapter, celebrates young artistic talent across our region.

Benjamin's outstanding achievement not only brings RamPride to our school district but also earned him a $500 scholarship award. This recognition is a testament to both his artistic abilities and the dedication of our arts education program.

Please join us in congratulating Benjamin on this remarkable accomplishment. His success exemplifies the creative excellence we strive to nurture in all our students. We look forward to watching Benjamin's continued growth and achievements in the arts.

The West Hempstead Secondary School Cross Country team achieved remarkable success this season, securing an impressive 10th-place finish at the state championships. This outstanding performance met expectations and highlighted the team's competitive spirit and dedication.

In a notable accomplishment (although no official record exists), our team defeated the Suffolk team, effectively positioning ourselves as the de facto Long Island Champions in our state classification. This achievement underscores the team's skill and strategic prowess on the racing circuit.

A special recognition goes to Lukas Santana, who the Cross Country coaching committee selected for an exceptional honor. Santana's selection was based on rigorous criteria that required athletes to:

• Qualify for the state championships
• Demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship
• Be recognized and respected by coaches and officials across the competitive landscape

Lukas' nomination reflects not just his athletic performance but also his character and leadership within the team. His selection inspires his fellow athletes and is a testament to West Hempstead's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

Hat tip to Coach DiBenedetto for his efforts in preparing our student-athletes and sharing the information.

This week, the secondary school was thrilled to welcome educators from Syracuse and Utica to explore the potential of establishing a Virtual Enterprise program in their schools. Ms. Gulisano and her team provided an exceptional showcase of our program, offering visiting teachers a comprehensive and inspiring look into how we prepare students for real-world business experiences.

The visitors gained valuable insights into our program's structure and curriculum and the incredible opportunities it provides for student learning and professional development. Our students were outstanding ambassadors, demonstrating their skills, sharing their experiences, and highlighting the transformative power of hands-on business education.

We're excited to support innovative educational approaches that empower students to develop critical career and entrepreneurial skills.

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.

School of Excellence Survey

Do you feel our school listens to families’ concerns and demonstrates a genuine interest in developing solutions? Do you feel our school considers families to be equal partners in decision making? Answer these kinds of important questions and more by taking the national PTA School of Excellence program survey.

The anonymous survey asks important questions about our school's culture, communication with parents, and support of students, families, teachers and staff. The information learned will help give our schools and PTA a framework to unite behind a common goal, work together on programming efforts, improve reach among diverse communities, make improvements, and track success.

Participating schools often see results in improvement in the areas they choose to target, net positive recognition within their school systems, and, potentially, additional funds as an incentive for their schools.

You can take the survey in both Spanish and English.

https://forms.gle/XSqgmmqfnrGHn6zy5 - English

https://forms.gle/nZZinT7twDpyfjmeA - Spanish

***Surveys are mobile friendly***

Surveys are due by November 30th.

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.