At Chestnut Street, WHe recognize that morning routines, play, and student voice are foundational to early childhood development. Structured morning rituals help young learners build predictability, independence, and self-regulation skills, while purposeful play creates critical opportunities for social-emotional learning, creativity, and cognitive exploration. By intentionally amplifying student voice—allowing children to share perspectives, make choices, and contribute to classroom experiences—we empower our youngest learners to develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a genuine love of learning, transforming education from a passive experience to an engaging, collaborative journey of discovery.

Students immersed themselves in creative and sensory-rich learning experiences at Cornwell Avenue. Whether exploring digital storytelling, expressing their creativity through art on tablets, or engaging in hands-on activities, the classroom was alive with excitement and innovation. Our young learners proudly showcased their artistic projects, with each piece reflecting their unique perspectives and boundless imagination. Moments like these remind us of the power of technology and creativity in fostering a joyful and inclusive learning environment. Keep up the amazing work, Cornwell Avenue!

At George Washington Intermediate, WHe know that true learning goes far beyond test scores and academic performance. Our students are developing into well-rounded young people who make thoughtful choices across all areas of their lives—social, emotional, and academic.

As these students navigate their educational journeys, they are learning that growth sometimes means making mistakes and working to improve. This holistic approach to learning prepares them for lasting success, not just in the classroom but in all aspects of their lives.

I'm proud of the work happening at George Washington Intermediate, and I'm excited to see these students continue to blossom into the confident, capable leaders of tomorrow. Keep up the great work, GW staff and community!

Last week, our secondary school's English as a New Language (ENL) program hosted its much-anticipated annual luncheon, a heartwarming celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Students and staff came together to prepare a delicious meal, transforming the event into a collaborative and enriching experience. Beyond sharing food, the luncheon became a platform for personal stories and original poetry, giving a voice to the diverse experiences within our school. The heartfelt student-written poetry captivated the audience, offering profound insights into their journeys and dreams. This cherished tradition continues to foster understanding, respect, and connection, reminding us of the beauty in our shared humanity.

During our annual STEM Alumni Day, current students connect with graduates who share their collegiate and professional journeys, offering invaluable insights into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. These alumni illuminate the complex pathways from classroom learning to real-world application, candidly discussing their achievements and challenges in various universities and industries. By presenting their diverse experiences—from research to navigating workplace dynamics—they inspire our students to envision their potential futures in STEM fields. This tradition provides practical college and career development knowledge and creates meaningful mentorship connections that can spark students' curiosity and ambition.

Hat tip to Mr. Cangemi for organizing the event.

Congratulations to the following teams, which the NYSPHSAA considers scholar-athlete teams. To receive Scholar-Athlete team recognition, the average GPA of the top 75% of the roster must be greater than or equal to 90.00.

• Girls Volleyball

  
  

• Girls Tennis

  
  

• Girls Swimming

  
  

• Boys Soccer

  
  

• Girls Soccer

  
  

• Boys Volleyball

  
  

• Boys Cross Country

The West Hempstead Elementary PTA knows that a strong partnership among our families, school leaders and community members is important to the success of our students and school. That’s why we are participating in the National PTA School of Excellence program, which grows partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.

We need your help! As part of the process outlined by National PTA, we are requesting feedback from families, administrators and teachers at two points in the school year—the beginning and the end. Using the community feedback, we will build an Excellence Action Plan to strengthen family-school partnerships.

Please take 5-10 minutes to reflect on your experience at this school and complete this survey. Please complete this survey by December 13, 2024.

La West Hempstead Asociación de Padres y Maestros sabe que contar con una alianza sólida entre nuestras familias, los líderes escolares y los miembros de la comunidad es importante para lograr el progreso de nuestros estudiantes y la escuela. Por eso estamos participando en el programa National PTA School of Excellence (Escuela de Excelencia), el que incrementa las colaboraciones entre PTA y la escuela para enriquecer la experiencia educativa y el bienestar general de todos los estudiantes.

¡Necesitamos su ayuda! Como parte del proceso, solicitamos la opinión de las familias, los administradores y los maestros en dos momentos del año escolar: al principio y al final. Utilizando las opiniones de la comunidad, desarrollaremos un plan de acción Excellence para fortalecer la colaboración familia-escuela.

Por favor tómense entre 5 y 10 minutos para reflexionar sobre su experiencia en la escuela y completar la encuesta. Por favor envíe la encuesta completa antes del 13 de diciembre de 2024.

Spanish

https://forms.gle/JQcDAcPSKoUuA8pW8

English

https://forms.gle/DTAiFyYPf9QYJ6z86

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.