When most people hear Ruth Bader Ginsburg, they think of the Supreme Court—legal opinions, dissents, and constitutional law.

But the real story isn't just about jurisprudence—it's about an unstoppable force.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn't just become a Supreme Court Justice; she rewrote the rules. She confronted gender discrimination in the law, strategically dismantled barriers for women and minorities, and transformed American legal doctrine while facing persistent personal and professional challenges.

Lessons and Activities

Grades K-3: "The Little Judge Who Could"

Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of persistence
• Recognize that setbacks are normal parts of success
• Develop a growth mindset approach to challenges

Classroom Activities

Story Time: "The Little Judge Who Could"

• Create a simplified, illustrated story about RBG's journey
• Emphasize how she didn't give up when people said women couldn't be lawyers
• Focus on her determination to stand up for what's fair

Persistence Puppets

• Use simple puppets to act out scenarios where persistence helps
• Example: A character trying to join a group that says "no girls allowed"
• Connect to RBG's story of being one of few women in law school

Justice Scales Activity

• Have students create paper scales of justice
• On one side, they write a challenge; on the other, how they'll overcome it
• Discuss how persistence helps balance the scales

Family Connection Activities

Family Court

• Create a fair system for resolving family disagreements
• Talk about how RBG worked to make rules fair for everyone
• Emphasize listening to all sides of a story

"Not Yet" Language

• Encourage parents to use "not yet" instead of "can't" language
• "You can't tie your shoes yet, but with practice, you will!"
• Connect to how RBG couldn't easily find a job as a lawyer "yet"

Persistence Chart

• Create a visual chart for home use
• Track times when children show persistence
• Celebrate small wins and improvements

Grades 4-8: "When Someone Says It Can't Be Done"

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how successful people overcome obstacles
• Develop problem-solving strategies
• Understand basic concepts of equality and justice
• Recognize the value of strategic thinking

Classroom Activities

Step-by-Step Change Workshop

• Identify unfair rules or situations
• Develop step-by-step approaches to making change
• Connect to how RBG carefully selected cases to gradually change the law

"No" Is Just the Beginning

• Role-play exercises where students practice responding to rejection
• Study RBG's strategic approach to gender discrimination cases
• Brainstorm how to turn "no" into a new opportunity

Equal Rights Project

• Students identify a school or community issue that needs improvement
• Develop persuasive arguments for change
• Practice persistence through constructive advocacy

Research Activities

Women in Law Timeline

• Create a timeline featuring RBG and other persistent women in law
• Identify common traits and strategies
• Analyze how these women overcame societal barriers

"Persistence Profile" Interviews

• Interview family members or community members about times they showed persistence
• Compare their stories to RBG's experience
• Identify common themes and strategies

Family Connection Activities

Family Constitution Discussion

• Create a family "constitution" with rights and responsibilities
• Discuss how rules can be changed when they don't work
• Connect to RBG's work interpreting the Constitution for modern times

Failure Dinner Conversations

• Once a week, have everyone share a failure and what they learned
• Normalize setbacks as part of growth
• Relate to RBG's philosophy of persistence through setbacks

Grades 9-12: "Dissenting and Persisting"

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the relationship between persistence and legal change
• Evaluate strategic advocacy and legal reasoning
• Develop personal resilience in academic and career pursuits
• Understand how systemic change happens incrementally

Classroom Activities

Case Study Analysis

• Conduct a detailed analysis of key RBG cases
• Compare with other persistence-driven legal advocacy
• Evaluate which strategies were most effective and why

The Dissent Workshop

• Study RBG's famous dissents and their significance
• Practice writing persuasive dissenting opinions on school policies
• Discuss the role of principled disagreement in democracy

Strategic Change Exercise

• Identify a current inequality or injustice
• Develop a multi-step strategy for addressing it
• Apply RBG's incremental approach to creating lasting change

Research Projects

Women in Male-Dominated Fields Analysis

• Research barriers faced by women in law in RBG's era
• Compare to contemporary challenges in various professions
• Analyze how persistence strategies have evolved

Jewish Women Leaders Study

• Research influential Jewish women throughout history
• Analyze how faith and cultural identity influenced their leadership
• Explore the intersection of religious identity and gender barriers

Equal Protection Study

• Research how the concept of equal protection evolved through RBG's cases
• Analyze current applications of equal protection principles
• Propose modern applications of RBG's legal reasoning to contemporary issues

Career Readiness Activities

Rejection Resilience Portfolio

• Develop strategies for handling workplace rejection
• Create personal statements about persistence philosophy
• Practice reframing setbacks as opportunities

Advocacy Mentorship Program

• Connect students with local advocates and attorneys
• Develop questions focusing on persistence through challenges
• Create persistence-oriented advocacy plans

"My Persistence Manifesto" Project

• Students develop personal manifestos on persistence
• Include specific strategies for their academic/career goals
• Incorporate lessons from RBG and other advocates for change

Family Connection Activities

Intergenerational Success Stories

• Interview family members about persistence across generations
• Document family history of overcoming obstacles
• Connect to RBG's Jewish heritage and the importance of education

Dissent and Dialogue Workshop

• Families practice respectful disagreement and dialogue
• Discuss how dissent can lead to better decisions
• Relate to RBG's philosophy that important work is done through dissent

Assessment Guidelines

K-3 Assessment

• Observe students' approach to challenges
• Note language shifts from "I can't" to "I can't yet"
• Evaluate understanding through drawings and simple reflections

4-8 Assessment

• Assess problem-solving strategies when faced with obstacles
• Evaluate quality of persistence profiles and interviews
• Monitor application of persistence concepts in other subjects

9-12 Assessment

• Evaluate depth of analysis in case studies and research projects
• Assess quality and practicality of persistence strategies
• Monitor application of persistence concepts to personal goals and projects

This week, we're highlighting the exceptional work of some key members of our literacy team. Along with many other staff members, they are developing a comprehensive approach to reading instruction across the district.

Ms. Jaclyn Andrejko, our dedicated literacy coach, along with Ms. Randi Roschnotti, staff developer, and Ms. Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, collaborated to create and share updates to the detailed framework that breaks down the essential components of literacy development with members of the administrative team. Elementary teachers have previously discussed and worked with the framework a different levels.

The concept map illustrates key literacy foundations, including:

• Phonological awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate spoken parts of words and sentences)
• Print awareness (understanding how written language conveys meaning)
• Letter knowledge (both names and sounds)
• Phonemic awareness (working with individual sounds)
• Vocabulary building and morphology
• Comprehension strategies across different tiers

This visual resource serves as both a professional development tool for our educators and a reminder of our commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction. The detailed breakdown of concepts from basic letter recognition to advanced comprehension strategies demonstrates our thoughtful, structured approach to ensuring every student builds strong literacy skills.

WHe appreciate the leadership of these three exceptional educators in advancing our literacy program and providing clear pathways for student success!

I want to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding our school meal programs. We are monitoring proposed changes to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program that could substantially impact our ability to provide meals to students.

Current proposals under consideration would raise the CEP eligibility threshold from 25% to 60% of students qualifying for free meals. This change could significantly reduce our district's federal reimbursement for our meal service programs.

If implemented, these changes could force difficult decisions, including:

• Increasing meal prices for students who don't qualify for free meals
• Limiting our participation in the CEP program
• Potentially discontinuing the program altogether

The consequences of such changes would be far-reaching. CEP has been instrumental in ensuring all our students have access to nutritious meals, reducing food insecurity, and providing the nutrition necessary for optimal learning and concentration in school.

I encourage you to make your voice heard on this important issue. Consider contacting your congressional representatives to express your support for maintaining the current CEP eligibility threshold and ensuring all eligible schools can continue providing students with free meals.

I greatly appreciate your advocacy for our students' nutritional needs.

Our district serves a diverse population, including economically disadvantaged students, private school students, English Language Learners, and students with special needs. However, the current state aid formula does not fully account for our unique demographic challenges. We urge community members to reach out to their local legislators and advocate for increased funding that reflects the true needs of all students in our district—whether they attend public or private schools.

2. Rising Transportation Costs

One of our biggest financial challenges is a $1.3 million increase in transportation expenses, partly due to a 30% cost jump from Nassau BOCES. With numerous routes (over 110 to over 100 schools), we are exploring efficiency audits, cooperative busing agreements, and optimized routing to help mitigate these escalating costs. But with impending changes to green buses, costs are being passed on to schools with devastating effects.

3. Escalating Operational Expenses

Costs continue to rise in multiple areas, including a 22% increase in general insurance, new flood insurance requirements, a higher ERS contribution rate, and projected healthcare cost hikes. These unavoidable expenses put additional strain on our budget and require us to find savings elsewhere without compromising student programs.

4. Innovative Cost-Saving Strategies

We are actively working to reduce expenses through an energy efficiency audit, staffing and scheduling reviews, contract renegotiations, and leveraging AI for administrative efficiencies. By making strategic adjustments, we aim to sustain high-quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

5. Exploring New Revenue Sources

To offset funding shortfalls, we are pursuing additional grants, researching new tuition-based programs, and seeking partnerships with local businesses for sponsorship opportunities. These initiatives may help generate revenue and support essential student programs.

This week, our school has been a vibrant tapestry of collaborative learning and growth. From our youngest learners working intently around colorful tables to our older students diving deep into focused study, we've witnessed the magic that happens when educators and students come together with curiosity and purpose.

Our classrooms are more than just spaces of instruction—they're dynamic environments where every staff member, whether an instructional aide, ENL specialist, reading teacher, or administrator, plays a crucial role in nurturing student potential. We're not just teaching; we're inspiring, supporting, and evolving together constantly.

By embracing a culture of continuous learning and mutual support, we're creating an ecosystem where every individual—student and staff alike—can thrive. Our commitment to professional growth directly translates to meaningful, personalized learning experiences for our students.

Here's to another week of collective discovery, collaboration, and growth!

This week, Ms. Shinners' third-grade art club continued their school beautification project with vibrant hand-painted ceiling tiles featuring positive messages encouraging flexible thinking. The young artists proudly displayed their colorful creations, which include bold messages like "Thinking Flexibly" and "Be Unique," surrounded by playful imagery of hands, stars, planets, and geometric patterns.

The ceiling tile project combines artistic expression with important learning mindsets. It gives our hallways a meaningful splash of color while reminding everyone to approach challenges creatively and openly. The students' artwork showcases their developing skills with pattern, color theory, and design while reinforcing positive values throughout our school community.

A big thank you to our amazing third-grade artists whose creativity and hard work have transformed our school! WHe celebrate these talented young creators and invite everyone to admire their beautiful ceiling tiles that now brighten our hallways with color and inspiration.

The Cornwell Avenue spirit truly sparkled when the rain kept our students inside this week! Instead of letting indoor recess dampen their mood, our amazing students transformed the day into an artistic adventure. From sketching vivid portraits and imaginative drawings to sharing laughs and storytelling, they proved that creativity knows no bounds.

Our students showed remarkable resilience, turning what could have been a mundane indoor day into a celebration of imagination. Everywhere you looked, pencils were moving, smiles were spreading, and young artists were bringing their unique visions to life. Whether it was anime-inspired character sketches, playful doodles, or collaborative storytelling, our students demonstrated that a little creativity can brighten even the cloudiest day.

Way to go, Cornwell Avenue artists! You continue to inspire us with your positivity and innovative spirit.

This week, students in Ms. Kopping's class participated in an engaging lesson on peer pressure led by our school social worker, Ms. Ronak Rawal. The session provided students with practical strategies to recognize positive and negative peer pressure and develop healthy responses.

Ms. Rawal guided students through interactive scenarios that prompted thoughtful discussions about making independent choices when faced with difficult social situations. Students practiced assertive communication techniques and identified trusted adults they could turn to for support.

The students showed impressive maturity in discussing these challenging topics. They actively participated in the small group exercises and demonstrated a strong understanding of maintaining their values when facing peer pressure.

Parents are encouraged to continue these important conversations at home. For resources on discussing peer pressure with your child, please contact Ms. Rawal, Ms. Archer, or Ms. Sigmon. office.

On a visit earlier this week, WHe witnessed our incredible students diving deep into collaborative learning experiences that spark curiosity and critical thinking at the end of the day. Our young learners support each other in classrooms buzzing with energy, engage with technology, and make connections across subjects.

Our students show remarkable teamwork and enthusiasm - whether working on group projects, collaborating on laptops, or exploring hands-on learning activities. They're not just studying; they're actively discovering, questioning, and growing together.

As we wrap up another exciting week, we're proud of our students' dedication, supportive classroom communities, and endless potential. Keep inspiring us, George Washington scholars!

Excitement filled the halls of Hauppauge MS this week as our Grade 7/8 students participated in a hackathon! Teams of young innovators, proudly sporting their matching Ram Gear, collaborated enthusiastically around tables laden with laptops and snacks.

The "Rambunctious Rams" brought their A-game to the coding challenges, demonstrating impressive problem-solving skills and teamwork throughout the event. Witnessing our next generation of tech talent developing their skills through friendly competition was truly inspiring.

Events like these provide valuable opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge creatively while building essential collaboration and critical thinking abilities that will serve them well in the future.

Congratulations to the Rambunctious Rams for winning the Capital Defense Project!

Congratulations to all participants for making this event such a success!

WHe are incredibly proud to announce the outstanding performance of our student entrepreneurs at the Long Island Regional Tradeshow held today at Lynbrook High School. In a competitive field of fifty firms from across Long Island, our teams demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and professionalism.

At Your Service (VE) emerged as a true powerhouse, securing three prestigious Gold Awards:

• Gold in Sales Material
• Gold in Impact Marketing
• Gold in Best Booth Design

Activ8 (VE) also made a significant impact, winning Gold in Impact Marketing.

True Bliss (VE-JV) rounded out our success with a Silver Award in Firm Spirit.

These achievements reflect the dedication, hard work, and innovative spirit of our young entrepreneurs. We congratulate each team member for their remarkable accomplishments and their ability to compete at such a high level.

This week, our secondary students have been demonstrating the power of collaborative learning across various classrooms. From interactive group discussions to hands-on, collaborative work, students actively engage with course material and support each other's learning.

Our flexible classroom spaces facilitate dynamic interactions, allowing students to work together in small groups, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. Whether it's working on group projects, participating in class discussions, or supporting peer learning, our students consistently demonstrate remarkable teamwork and intellectual curiosity.

These moments of collaborative learning not only enhance academic understanding but also develop crucial interpersonal skills that will serve our students well beyond the classroom. We're proud of the supportive and interactive learning environment our students and educators are creating together.

Parents, get ready for convenient, flexible child care for students in Pre-K through 6th grade! SCOPE Education Services is offering comprehensive before- and after-school programs at multiple West Hempstead school locations.

Choose from full-time or part-time schedules:

• Before school care from 7:00 AM until school start
• After-school care from dismissal until 6:30 PM
• Full-time monthly rates start at $308 for before school and $390 for after school
• Part-time options available with flexible day selections

Early bird registration begins March 1, 2025, for current SCOPE students and incoming kindergarteners. Open registration starts May 3, 2025.

An annual registration fee of $40 applies, with sibling discounts available. Subsidies are also available for income-eligible families.

Register now at scopeonline.ce.eleyo.com and secure your child's spot for the upcoming school year!

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.