West Hempstead Weekly Update

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.

Centers play a pivotal role in the early childhood education of preschool and kindergarten students, serving as hubs of learning and development. These carefully designed spaces provide our youngest learners with opportunities for hands-on exploration, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. Students acquire essential skills and knowledge through various centers like art, science, literacy, and dramatic play and develop critical attributes such as creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Centers also cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student can engage with the curriculum in a way that suits them best. Moreover, these spaces promote the Habits of Mind, such as managing impulsivity and thinking interdependently, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, and enabling students to build a strong foundation from the start of their academic journey.

Student success criteria serve as the navigational compass guiding students toward their educational triumphs. Students with clear goals and well-defined milestones can chart their course toward excellence with purpose and determination. These criteria provide:

• A pathway.
• Allowing students to break down their aspirations into manageable steps.
• Fostering a sense of direction and focus.

By knowing what they are working towards and how to measure their progress, students can monitor their achievements, be consistent, and adapt their strategies when necessary. In this way, success criteria provide clarity and instill a sense of responsibility and self-motivation, ultimately paving the way for students to reach their potential.

George Washington Intermediate School is embodying the transformative power of words. Students are being encouraged to explore language's limitless potential as readers and writers within its walls. It's a place where the joy of reading and writing is celebrated as a gateway to a world of knowledge and boundless imagination. Students were gaining literacy skills and uncovering the profound impact that words can have on our lives. They were unlocking the doors to wisdom, empathy, and creativity through the pages of books and the strokes of their pens.

Student engagement and collaboration are the cornerstone elements that form the bedrock of a thriving learning environment. When students actively engage in their learning, they become enthusiastic participants in the learning process, absorbing and retaining information more effectively. This engagement often stems from a sense of relevance, personal connection, and curiosity, making the learning experience more meaningful. Furthermore, collaboration fosters community and teamwork among students, encouraging them to share ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Through collaborative activities, students learn from their teachers and one another, promoting a holistic understanding of the subject matter.

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe use 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.

Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000