West Hempstead Weekly Update

Dear School Community and Staff,

This week, WHe celebrate one of education's most beautiful truths: Core Principle #3: Every Child is Different. Just as a garden thrives when each plant receives what it needs to flourish, our schools succeed when we honor and nurture each child's unique learning profile.

Understanding the Garden Principle

Imagine trying to grow roses, sunflowers, and ferns using identical conditions. Some would wither while others might survive, but none would truly thrive. Smart gardeners know that understanding each plant's needs – such as sun versus shade and frequent watering versus drought tolerance – is the key to a magnificent garden.

What Honoring Differences Looks Like in Practice

In Our Kindergarten Classrooms:

• Some children learn letters through songs and movement
• Others need to trace letters in sand or write them repeatedly
• Visual learners thrive with colorful charts and pictures
• Kinesthetic learners need to build letters with blocks or their bodies

In Our Elementary Years:

• Math concepts click for some through visual patterns and manipulatives
• Others need to talk through problems or hear explanations
• Some students work quickly and need extension challenges
• Others need time to process and prefer step-by-step guidance

In Our Secondary School, Northside:

• Some students excel in collaborative discussions and group projects
• Others produce their best work through independent research and reflection
• Visual note-takers create mind maps and diagrams
• Auditory learners benefit from recorded lectures and verbal processing

In Our Secondary School, Southside:

• Some students thrive with open-ended creative assignments
• Others prefer structured frameworks and clear expectations
• Competitive learners enjoy academic challenges and recognition
• Collaborative learners seek peer feedback and group problem-solving

Preparing for Differentiated Excellence

Our approach to honoring differences while maintaining high expectations:

Week 1-2: Learning Profile Discovery

• Multiple intelligence surveys: Identifying strength areas (musical, logical, spatial, etc.)
• Learning style inventories: Understanding how students best receive and process information
• Interest assessments: Discovering what motivates and engages each learner
• Work habit observations: Noting how students approach tasks and organize their thinking

Week 3-4: Responsive Teaching Systems

• Flexible grouping: Students work with different peers based on learning goals
• Choice boards: Multiple paths to demonstrate understanding
• Tiered assignments: Same learning objectives, different complexity levels
• Learning contracts: Personalized goals and timelines

The Art of Universal Design

Differentiating doesn't mean lowering expectations – it means providing multiple pathways to reach the same high standards. Think of it like a mountain with many trails: some are steep and direct, others wind gradually upward, but they all reach the summit.

For Our Teachers: Differentiation Strategies

Content Differentiation:

• Provide texts at various reading levels on the same topic
• Offer multimedia resources (videos, podcasts, infographics)
• Create learning menus with required and optional activities
• Use pre-assessments to adjust starting points

Process Differentiation:

• Vary group sizes and compositions
• Provide choice in research methods and tools
• Allow different amounts of time for task completion
• Offer various ways to organize and present thinking

Product Differentiation:

• Multiple options for demonstrating learning (presentations, written work, artistic creations)
• Technology integration based on student comfort and interest
• Real-world applications that connect to student experiences
• Self-reflection components that honor individual growth

For Our Families: Celebrating Your Child's Uniqueness

Recognize Strengths: Help your child identify and celebrate their natural talents and preferred learning styles

Embrace Challenges: Different doesn't mean deficient – some areas will always require more effort, and that's okay

Communicate Observations: Share what you notice about how your child learns best at home

Advocate Thoughtfully: Work with teachers to ensure your child's needs are understood and addressed

Looking Ahead: A Thriving Learning Ecosystem

When we truly honor each child's differences, magical things happen:

• Students develop confidence in their abilities
• Class discussions become richer with diverse perspectives
• Peer learning flourishes as students share different strengths
• Everyone feels valued for their unique contributions

This Week's Reflection Questions

For Staff:

• How will you discover each student's learning preferences and strengths?
• What systems will you create to offer meaningful choices in your classroom?
• How will you ensure high expectations while providing different pathways?

For Families:

• What have you observed about your child's learning preferences?
• How does your child best process new information at home?
• What strengths does your child bring that might not show up on traditional assessments?

Coming Up Next Week

Next week, we'll explore Core Principle #4: Learning Happens Through Relationships and discuss how strong connections fuel academic and personal growth.

Enjoy the first week,

The RamFam Leadership Team

As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, we pause to honor the memory of those we lost and reflect on the resilience that defines our community. This day reminds us of the profound impact of tragedy, but also of our capacity to come together in support of one another.

We encourage staff and community members to take a moment of remembrance in whatever way feels meaningful to you—whether through quiet reflection, participating in local memorial events, or simply reaching out to support those around you. In times of remembrance, we're reminded that our strength lies not only in our individual contributions but in our shared commitment to building a compassionate and connected community.

Thank you for continuing to embody the spirit of service and community that helps us honor the past while building toward a better future.

https://www.911memorial.org/connect/commemoration/24th-anniversary-commemoration

https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/9-11-anniversary

https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Remembering-September-11-2001/

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/september-11.htm

Our Chestnut Street students are discovering that foundational skills can be both essential and exciting! Whether they're practicing letter formation and early literacy skills at their colorful learning centers, gathering on the rainbow carpet for interactive story time, or celebrating learning milestones with enthusiastic waves and smiles, these young learners prove that building strong academic foundations is anything but boring.

From quiet concentration during independent work to joyful group activities, our students demonstrate that when foundational skills are taught with creativity and care, learning becomes an adventure. These bright faces and engaged minds remind us every day that the fundamentals of education—reading, writing, and communication—are the stepping stones to lifelong success and curiosity.

At Chestnut Street, WHe believe that every "aha!" moment, every carefully formed letter, and every shared story creates the strong foundation our students need to soar!

Crayon Craft Ideas for "The Day the Crayons Quit" Story Time

Perfect for ages 4-8 to accompany Dr. Minicozzi's virtual story time!

1. Crayon Letter Writing Station

Materials: Paper, crayons, envelopes (optional)

• Have children write their own letters to their favorite crayon colors
• Encourage them to apologize for overusing certain colors or promise to use neglected ones
• Let them draw pictures showing how they'll treat their crayons better

2. Melted Crayon Art

Materials: Old crayons, paper, hair dryer (adult supervision required)

• Tape broken crayon pieces to the top of paper
• Use hair dryer to melt crayons and create colorful drip art
• Adult supervision required for heat source

3. Crayon Resist Art

Materials: White crayons, watercolor paints, paper

• Draw pictures with white crayon (pressing firmly)
• Paint over with watercolors to reveal the "invisible" white crayon drawings
• Great way to show kids that every crayon is important!

4. DIY Crayon Making

Materials: Broken crayons, silicone molds, oven (adult supervision)

• Peel paper off old crayon pieces
• Sort by color families or mix for rainbow effect
• Melt in oven-safe molds to create new shapes
• Adult supervision required for oven use

5. Crayon Character Puppets

Materials: Craft sticks, construction paper, glue, markers

• Create crayon-shaped characters from the story
• Add faces and personalities to match the book
• Use for retelling the story or creating new crayon adventures

6. Color Wheel Craft

Materials: Paper plates, crayons, brad fastener

• Create spinning color wheels showing primary and secondary colors
• Teach color mixing while celebrating all crayon colors
• Great way to show how every color is needed

7. Crayon Box Diorama

Materials: Shoe box, construction paper, small toys/figures

• Transform shoe box into a crayon box scene
• Create different "rooms" for different colored crayons
• Add tiny furniture and accessories for the crayon characters

8. Texture Rubbings with Crayons

Materials: Crayons (with paper removed), paper, textured surfaces

• Place paper over textured surfaces (leaves, coins, textured walls)
• Rub side of crayon over paper to reveal textures
• Show how crayons can create different effects beyond regular coloring

Safety Notes:

• Adult supervision required for any activities involving heat
• Check that all materials are age-appropriate
• Have wet wipes handy for easy cleanup

Extension Activities:

• Read other crayon-themed books
• Discuss feelings and problem-solving like the characters in the story
• Create a classroom or family "crayon peace treaty"

It's WHonderful to see our students at Cornwell Avenue fully embracing literacy across all aspects of their learning! This week, our classrooms have been buzzing with engaged readers and writers who are developing essential skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey.

Our students are diving deep into the writing process by creating personalized writer's notebooks, giving them a special place to capture their thoughts, ideas, and creative expressions. Meanwhile, our younger learners are building strong foundations through focused phonics instruction, developing the decoding skills they need to become confident, independent readers.

What's particularly exciting is seeing the books students choose to read during independent reading time and even incorporate literacy into their mathematics learning. This cross-curricular approach demonstrates how reading and writing skills enhance understanding across all subject areas, making our students more well-rounded learners.

The dedication of our teachers in creating literacy-rich environments where students can explore, practice, and grow is truly commendable. From small group instruction to whole class discussions, every moment is being maximized to support our students' literacy development.

This week at GW, our commitment to rising together as one unified learning community was evident in every corner of our building. From classrooms where students engaged in rich discussions about historical cultures to collaborative problem-solving sessions as young mathematicians tackled factoring challenges, our learners demonstrated the power of working together.

Our read-aloud sessions came alive as students gathered on carpets, sharing stories and building connections through literature. These moments of shared discovery remind us that learning is not just an individual journey, but a collective experience that strengthens our entire RamFam.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated staff continued their own collaborative learning journey, meeting to discuss innovative strategies and create meaningful opportunities that will open new doors for every student. Their commitment to professional growth and student success exemplifies what it means to rise together as educators.

Whether we're exploring the past as historians, solving equations as mathematicians, or planning for the future as a team, GW stands united in our belief that when WHe support one another, WHe all achieve more. #WHeRiseTogether isn't just our hashtag—it's our promise to each other and our community.

Thank you for being part of our GWRamFam, where every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and rise together.

This week, I had the privilege of witnessing various learning experiences across the secondary school that exemplify our district's commitment to educating the whole child.

In our ceramics program, I observed students engaged in far more than pottery-making. They are developing patience, unleashing creativity, and experiencing the profound satisfaction of transforming raw clay into personal masterpieces. The pure joy on their faces when admiring their completed works reminds us why hands-on learning is so powerful. On our tennis courts, each serve and rally represents lessons that extend far beyond athletics. Our student-athletes are internalizing the values of perseverance and resilience while discovering that genuine success stems from consistent practice, unwavering dedication, and the courage to persist through challenges.

In our Spanish classrooms, we're witnessing the beautiful intersection of traditional language learning and 21st-century innovation. Students are utilizing Canva to develop dynamic, multimedia projects that demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated technology can transform educational experiences and deepen cultural understanding. Within our science laboratories, tomorrow's researchers are actively collecting data, constructing graphs, and formulating critical questions. Rather than simply absorbing information, they are developing the analytical thinking skills and scientific curiosity that will serve them throughout their academic and professional careers.

These snapshots represent the heart of our educational philosophy: when passionate, dedicated educators collaborate with curious, engaged students, extraordinary learning occurs. We are not merely preparing our students for standardized assessments—we are equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to thrive as citizens, leaders, and lifelong learners.

Instagram

Teacher Tip Monday with Ms. Levitt! Students are creating writing response journals with Ms. Andrejko's support to deepen their connection to what they read. Watching them reflect on characters, plot, and their personal reactions helps them become more thoughtful readers! How do you encourage students to respond to their reading? #TeacherTips #RamLiteracy #WritingResponse #WHeRiseTogether

X

Calling all #RamFamilies! Share your child's reading milestone using #RamLiteracy - first chapter book, 100th picture book, reading to a sibling... we celebrate it ALL! Let's flood the feed with reading wins! #RamFamConnect #CelebrateLiteracy #WHeRiseTogether

LiveFeed

READING HEROES SPOTLIGHT

Ms. Johnson's class transformed their learning space into an interactive storytelling adventure! Students actively participated in animated discussions, bringing characters to life through thoughtful questions and creative predictions. The energy and engagement were truly inspiring to witness. Ms. Milliner will be launching a new book club. Stay tuned for more information. Know someone who's making reading magical? Share their story with us! #WHeRiseTogether

Dear West Hempstead RamFam,

Imagine your child curled up with a book, lost in a world of adventure, or penning a story that sparks their imagination. At West Hempstead UFSD, WHe are passionate about nurturing lifelong readers and writers, and it starts at home with YOU! Our schools—Chestnut Street (PreK-K), Cornwell Avenue (Grades 1-3), and George Washington (Grades 4-6), along with our Director of Humanities and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum &Instruction, are here to share practical tips to make literacy a joyful part of your family’s daily life. Let’s dive in and explore how you can inspire your child to love reading and writing.

WHe have created a district webpage that can be found on all district sites, where we will share strategies and ideas that will help you support your child(ren). As well, we will create a monthly newsletter to keep you abreast of the latest happenings.

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

The Board of Regents has officially adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. This development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.

The Portrait of a Graduate is the result of extensive collaboration, incorporating feedback from educators, families, students, and community members across the state. It's grounded in research and evidence-based practices, drawing from successful models implemented by school districts nationwide.

This framework envisions education where rigorous academics meet the real-world skills students need to thrive in our rapidly changing society. Our goal extends beyond college and career readiness – we're preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

What This Means for Our District:

• Current graduation requirements remain unchanged
• The state will provide implementation guidance by summer 2027 through their NY Inspires plan
• Full statewide alignment begins with students entering 9th grade in the 2029-2030 school year
• Our district may begin reviewing our current practices against the Portrait framework as we prepare for implementation

This adoption aligns perfectly with our district's mission to provide every student with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need for lifelong success. We look forward to working with our school community as we explore how the Portrait of a Graduate will enhance our already strong educational programs.

More information about implementation will be shared as guidance becomes available from the state.

I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome as we embark on our 2025-2026 journey together. This year promises to be transformational as we unite under our powerful theme:

#WHeRiseTogether. This simple yet profound concept captures the essence of who we are and what we aspire to become as a unified educational community.

As we gather to begin this new chapter, I invite you to consider two fundamental questions that will guide our work together:

• Who is it you stand for?
• What is it you stand for?

These are not just philosophical prompts—they are the foundation of our collective mission to create schools where every student thrives.

#WHeRiseTogether embodies our commitment to the power of collective effort over individual achievement. In a world that often celebrates individual accomplishments, we choose to embrace the transformative potential of "We over me." When we prioritize our shared vision and work together as a cohesive team, we create a synergy that benefits everyone involved. Each educator, each staff member, and each student becomes a vital part of our collective success story.

This mindset requires a daily commitment to improvement, recognizing that small, consistent steps lead to significant progress over time. It requires the courage to step out of our comfort zones—individually and as a team—pushing boundaries and facing challenges head-on. This deliberate growth builds resilience and sharpens our collective awareness, preparing us to tackle even greater opportunities in the future.

Our Focus: At Least One Year's Worth of Progress

This year, we're committing to work that truly matters through three key results that will transform our learning environment:

Simplify Our Systems: We will eliminate redundant processes and reduce administrative burden, allowing you to focus on what matters most—teaching and learning. Our Burden Reduction Task Force will conduct monthly reviews to ensure we're streamlining rather than complicating your important work. Please see the email sent earlier in August for more information.

Strengthen Our Core Teaching Practices: We will provide protected collaborative planning time for grade-level and subject teams, renewed focus on the Plan-Implement-Evaluate cycle, and meaningful peer observation opportunities that honor your expertise and foster professional growth.

Support Innovation through Technology: We will integrate AI and technology tools that reduce administrative burden rather than increase it, providing professional learning that enhances your agency as educators and amplifies human connection rather than replacing it.

Navigating Change Together

As we implement these initiatives, I commit to leading with empathy, explaining the "why" behind our decisions, honoring the dedication that built our current systems, communicating early and often, and inviting ongoing dialogue. Your voice matters in this process—we need your wisdom and experience to succeed.

Creating Schools Where We All Rise

Together, we will create schools where:

• Work becomes great because curiosity drives it beyond obligation
• Students are seen, heard, and challenged to reach their full potential
• WHe have the time and support to focus on what matters most
• Collective triumph takes center stage over individual achievement

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.