This past week marked another cherished moment in our community history with the 112th Bell Ringing at Chestnut Street. Some of our young students experienced a special thrill as they took turns ringing both the miniature bell and the historic main bell, creating memories that will resonate for years to come. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Historical Society for their outstanding work in organizing this meaningful tradition that continues to bring our community together.

Special thanks to Mrs. McAvoy, and Mr. John Shaud from the Historical Society for their dedication to preserving and sharing this important piece of our local heritage.

Congratulations to Mr. Dan Ianniello, whose classroom has been selected to receive a 2024 Hess Toy Truck STEM Kit! This innovative grant will bring hands-on learning opportunities to our students through a collection of 12 Hess Fire Trucks, complete with cars and motorcycles. The kit has a comprehensive STEM curriculum guide that will help engage students in practical, interactive learning experiences.

This program allows students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts through play-based learning. The toys and curriculum materials will remain in the classroom as a permanent resource, benefiting future classes of young learners at Chestnut Street.

We look forward to seeing our students dive into these new learning opportunities.

Our Cornwell Avenue community has exciting news to celebrate! We're proud to announce that two talented students, Caleb and Aeris, were recognized in the Liberty New York Water "Be Water Wise!" Art Contest. Their creative submissions showcased water conservation awareness and earned them special recognition. The students' artwork, displayed against colorful wing-inspired backdrops, beautifully represented our school's commitment to environmental education and artistic expression.

In other festive news, our hallways were transformed into a winter wonderland as students and staff embraced the season's spirit by dressing as snowpeople! From creative orange circle "buttons" and cozy scarves to warm winter accessories, our school community showed their playful side while maintaining focus on learning. Students participated in winter-themed educational activities, including small group work and technology-enhanced learning sessions, demonstrating that making learning fun helps engage young minds.

The combination of academic achievement and creative expression continues to make Cornwell Avenue a vibrant place of learning. We're particularly proud of how our students support environmental causes while embracing opportunities to make everyday learning experiences more enjoyable.

Our students have been deeply engaged in collaborative learning across multiple subjects this week. In social studies with Ms. Kopping and Mr. Popkin, students worked with laptops and traditional materials to explore historical texts and primary sources. The interactive whiteboard enhanced the lesson with detailed passages that sparked meaningful whole-class discussions.

Our math instruction, led by Ms. Zanella, embraced differentiated learning through targeted small-group work. Students gathered around tables to tackle mathematical concepts together, supported by visual aids on the classroom walls showing various numerical patterns and rules. The collaborative atmosphere allowed students to learn from one another while receiving individualized attention.

Students were actively engaged during assessment preparation, eagerly raising hands to ask clarifying questions and engaging in thoughtful discussions with their peers. Throughout the discussion, students demonstrated focus and determination. The collaborative atmosphere and structured guidance from Ms. Kachejian and Ms. Sciroppo helped ensure all students felt confident and well-prepared for their upcoming assessment.

It's wonderful to see our students taking ownership of their learning through independent work and peer collaboration, supported by our dedicated educational team. The mixture of whole-class instruction, small-group activities, and targeted support fosters an engaging and effective learning environment.

We’re proud to highlight the success of our Annual STEMposium on January 9th at the Secondary School. The evening began with an impressive project viewing in the North & South Science Wing, showcasing the innovative work of our students.

The night concluded with an inspiring awards ceremony in the auditorium, recognizing outstanding projects. Thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated the remarkable achievements of our students.

Special thanks to Mr. Joe Cangemi, STEM educators, and staff for making this event possible! Refreshments in the cafeteria capped off a wonderful evening. 🎉

Our Virtual Enterprise (VE) firms made us proud at the NYS & NE Business Plan Conference and Exhibition at LIU Post! Activ8 (Athletic Performance Products) and At Your Service (Eco-Friendly Luxury Jewelry) participated in the business plan competition and booth displays. At the same time, our VE-JV firm, True Bliss, gained valuable experience by shadowing their high school teammates to prepare for their upcoming spring tradeshow.

Student teams competed in the live Business Plan Competition, pitching their business plans and fielding questions from a panel of judges. We're eagerly awaiting whether they qualify for round two in February, with a chance to compete at the International Youth Business Summit in NYC this April.

Special congratulations to Activ8 on winning silver for Best Sales Pitch—an incredible accomplishment for a new VE firm!

Adding to the excitement, some of our seniors had the unique opportunity to be interviewed by Mr. Christopher Bates, Associate Dean of the LIU School of Business Management, for on-the-spot scholarship decisions. Out of only 50 scholarships awarded annually, we are thrilled to announce that three of our students—Jackelyn Perez, Victoria Covino, and Daniel Sanchez—received full-ride scholarships to LIU's prestigious business program! We eagerly await their final college decisions.

Hat tip to Ms. Stacy Guiisano-Callari for sharing the information and pictures..

Congratulations to Melanie Rodriguez, whose powerful essay on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy has earned her a speaking role at the Nassau County Family Court's annual MLK program! Special recognition goes to Ms. Amy Rogan, whose mentorship helped inspire this achievement. Melanie's work was shared at the Nassau County courthouse on January 15, 2025. We're proud of both student and teacher for exemplifying academic excellence and thoughtful engagement with Dr. King's enduring message.

Mr. Sal Trupia has secured a grant from Jovia Financial Credit Union's 2024 "Funding Your Ideas" Teacher Grant Program. This funding will support our school's hydroponic program, creating innovative learning opportunities for our students.

Congratulations to Mr. Trupia for his initiative and dedication in securing this grant. #WHe look forward to seeing our students engage with sustainable agriculture through this hands-on program in the coming months.

This week, our Earth Science students demonstrated their deep understanding of plate tectonics through presentations on continental drift evidence. Working in collaborative groups, students explored multiple lines of scientific evidence supporting Alfred Wegener's groundbreaking theory of Pangaea and plate movement.

Using the interactive Kami platform, students examined rock sequences across continents, analyzed plant fossil distributions, and studied the remarkable "fit" of continental boundaries. What stood out was their grasp of complex geological concepts and their ability to communicate scientific evidence clearly to their peers.

It was particularly inspiring to see our students engage in authentic scientific discourse, questioning and building upon each other's ideas just as real geologists do. Their work exemplifies our district's commitment to inquiry-based science education that connects historical scientific discoveries to modern understanding of Earth's dynamic systems.

These kinds of student-led investigations and presentations help develop scientific knowledge and crucial skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and public speaking that will serve our students well in their future academic and professional pursuits.

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.