West Hempstead Weekly Update

As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, I am filled with profound gratitude for each member of our school community. While our tables may soon be laden with traditional dishes, the true abundance of this season lies in the dedication and spirit I witness daily in our hallways and classrooms.

To our remarkable teachers and staff: Your commitment to our students continues to inspire. You transform ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for growth and learning. Your presence makes our schools more than just buildings – you make them communities of discovery and support.

To our families: Your partnership and trust in our educational vision and mission strengthen the foundation of everything WHe accomplish. The support you provide at home and your engagement in our school community creates the vital bridge that helps our students thrive.

To our students: You are the heart and purpose of our work. Your curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm remind us daily why we chose education as our calling.

As we pause to celebrate this season of gratitude, I encourage everyone to reflect on the genuine gifts we share as a community—the gifts of learning, connection, and support. These are the truest expressions of thanksgiving.

May this holiday provide you precious moments of joy with family and friends, time for reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose as we continue our educational journey together.

With appreciation,

Dan Rehman

Superintendent of Schools

This week, our secondary school was excited to host the Latin Iberian Show, an immersive celebration of music, dance, and culture from Latin America and Spain! This 70-minute program featured a rich array of performances, including traditional Mexican rancheras, the rhythmic samba of Brazil, and the elegance of Spanish classical dance. Highlights include interactive elements, where students can engage directly with the performers and learn about Spanish dance's unique elements, like castanets, fans, and mantons.

It was an incredible opportunity to connect with diverse cultural traditions through dynamic music and dance. Along with our school having the opportunity to participate, we hosted several other school districts from Nassau and Suffolk counties.

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.