West Hempstead Weekly Update
Our fifth-grade students had an incredible opportunity when Assemblyman Edward Ra visited to teach them about New York State government! During his engaging presentation, Assemblyman Ra explained how the NYS Legislature operates and walked students through how a bill becomes a law in our state.
Students learned about legislation's journey from initial proposal through committee review, floor debate, and final passage. Assemblyman Ra shared real examples from his experience in the Assembly, making the democratic process come alive for our young learners.
The students were captivated as Assemblyman Ra, representing the 19th Assembly District, explained his role as an elected official and answered their thoughtful questions about state government, civic responsibility, and how citizens can participate in democracy.
This visit perfectly complemented our social studies unit on government and citizenship. The fifth graders left with a deeper understanding of how their state government works and how they can make a difference in their communities as future voters and civic leaders.
We're grateful to Assemblyman Ra for sharing his time and expertise with our students. His visit truly inspired our next generation of engaged citizens!
Our secondary school team returned from this week's regional hackathon with huge smiles and valuable new experiences! While they didn't take home the top prize, our students enthusiastically and creatively took on the challenge, working collaboratively to develop innovative solutions alongside their peers.
The real victory was watching our team connect with students from other schools, share ideas, and learn from different approaches to problem-solving. They came back energized and had already brainstormed ideas for next year's competition. The experience reinforced exactly what we hope to see from our students—curiosity, resilience, and the joy of learning through hands-on collaboration.
We're incredibly proud of how they represented our school and embraced the spirit of the event. Their positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges exemplify the best of our school community.
WHe are proud to announce remarkable achievements from our music students at this year's NYSSMA evaluations. Our 7th and 8th-grade students made history by earning their first-ever Level 2 Gold award, demonstrating exceptional musical growth and dedication. Meanwhile, our high school students (grades 9-12) continued their tradition of excellence by earning a Level 4 Silver award, showcasing the advanced musical skills they've developed.
These achievements reflect our students' hard work and our music faculty's outstanding guidance. Congratulations to all participants for their commitment to musical excellence.
WHe are also thrilled to celebrate Ben Mora, who has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This prestigious recognition comes from the nation's oldest Greek-letter sorority, founded by African-American college-trained women, established in 1908. The scholarship acknowledges Ben's academic achievements and potential for future success.
These accomplishments highlight the diverse talents and dedication of our student body. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students and look forward to their continued
WHe are excited to share the success of our recent collaboration with George Washington Intermediate School! This week, our dedicated team helped register approximately 150 students and their teachers for new public library cards in what proved to be a seamless and welcoming experience for all involved.
Ms. Perlow, Ms. Andrejko, and Ms. Milliner expressed their heartfelt appreciation for our staff's patience, organization, and enthusiasm throughout the registration process. This partnership represents more than just new library cards—it opens up a world of reading and learning opportunities for students in our community. It strengthens our shared commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a genuine love of books.
WHe are proud of our team's efforts in making this large-scale registration both efficient and enjoyable, and we look forward to seeing these new young patrons explore all our library has to offer. This collaboration perfectly embodies our mission to serve as a vital educational resource for West Hempstead's students and families.
Our community partnerships continued to shine at Cornwell Avenue School's Field Day! Students enjoyed a fantastic day of outdoor activities, including classic games like tug-of-war on the painted playground course, hula hoop competitions on the grass field, and cornhole tournaments. The beautiful weather provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of physical activity and school spirit.
The event showcased the energy and enthusiasm of Cornwell Avenue's students as they participated in various team-building activities and friendly competitions throughout the day. It was wonderful to see our young community members engaged in healthy, active fun while building lasting memories with their classmates, Athletes Helping Athletes from the secondary school, and teachers.
This week, the secondary school hosted a successful Bright Spot learning walk focused on "Student-Driven Discussion Protocols." Educational leaders and staff observed innovative teaching practices in Ms. Wilkens' 8th Grade Algebra class and Mr. Bourazeris and Mr. DiBenedetto's co-taught Global 10 ENL class. Hat tip to Mr. Mills for supporting the class.
The learning walk showcased key educational strategies including clear discussion protocols, student ownership of dialogue, use of academic language and evidence, and teachers serving as facilitators rather than directors. Students demonstrated critical thinking skills and took active ownership of their learning process.
A highlight of the event was a student panel where participants shared their perspectives on this learning approach, discussing what they find engaging and challenging about student-driven discussions, and how this method differs from traditional classroom experiences.
This learning walk exemplifies our district's commitment to innovative teaching practices that put students at the center of their educational experience, fostering deeper engagement and critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
This week, we're proud to spotlight our outstanding student-athletes who were honored at the Varsity Sports Awards ceremony. Our Rams have truly exemplified excellence throughout the season, delivering memorable moments that include clutch game-winning goals and record-breaking performances that will be remembered for years to come.
These dedicated young athletes have demonstrated the values we hold dear - unwavering commitment, exceptional teamwork, and the drive to push beyond their limits. Their achievements on the field, court, and track represent countless hours of training, perseverance through challenges, and the support of our incredible coaching staff and athletic program.
We celebrate not just their victories, but the character and sportsmanship they've shown throughout the season. These student-athletes serve as inspiring examples of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication, both in athletics and in life.
Congratulations to all our honored athletes and thank you to our coaches, families, and community members who continue to support our exceptional athletics program. Here's to continued success as we look ahead to future seasons!
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
Consistency: Success isn’t built in a day; it’s built by stacking one good day on top of another. This year, focus on making each day count. Whether in lesson planning, student interactions, or professional development, let’s commit to consistent, daily progress. It’s the small, incremental gains that will lead to significant long-term achievements for our students and ourselves.
The Obstacle is the Way
Resilience: Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise. When obstacles arise—and they will—let’s face them head-on, knowing that overcoming these challenges will make us stronger and more effective educators. Embrace problems as pathways to growth, and let’s model this resilience for our students.
CHESTNUT STREET SCHOOL, DISTRICT #27
From little acorns, mighty oaks grow.
From a four-room schoolhouse known as the Chestnut Street School, which served 86 children, District #27 has grown over the decades.
Around the turn of the century, the children of West Hempstead and Franklin Square shared a one-room school.
This was located at the junction of Nassau Boulevard and Dogwood Avenue. In 1911, the 29 families living in West Hempstead considered the need for a school for their children.
To receive state aid, Union Free School District #27 was formed in 1912. It covered 1650 acres, and the schoolhouse was to be built as near to the center of the District as possible. The site chosen for the school was Lot 6 and 8 Block 1, Hempstead Gardens Map. It was purchased for $3500. This was the start of the Chestnut Street School.
While the construction of the school building was going on, school was conducted in temporary quarters in a house on Ted Duryea's property on Woodfield Road. District #27 borrowed desks, seats, and blackboards from the Hempstead School District to conduct classes.
The members of the Board of Education for the year 1912 were Mr. P. Ohrtman, Mr. H.W. Rickmeyer, Mr. E. Losee, and Mr. W. Brenneke. The principal was Miss Mary A. Davern; the two teachers were Misses Elizabeth Van Vlick and Edith Slocum.
Toward the end of 1912, the school building was almost completed. It was now time to purchase some of the necessary supplies. The purchase orders read - 12 Arithmetics, 2 boxes of dustless crayons, and 3 Dictionaries, not to exceed $1.50 each. Another matter needed attention. An advertisement in a Hempstead newspaper stated that the School District had for sale "FRUIT TREES AND GRAPE VINES" on the Chestnut Street School site. There was only one bidder. The outcome was never mentioned.
In January 1913, the new four-room school building was completed. Miss Davern was given the assignment of arranging the classrooms. The "Intermediate" class was in the East Room, and the "Primary" was in the West Room on the lower floor. Miss Davern occupied the upper East Room; it is assumed that she taught the older pupils. The West Room was left vacant for the time being. Sometime early in February 1913, the students moved from the temporary schoolhouse to the Chestnut Street School.
Coal was used to heat the building. It was purchased for $4.50 a ton for pea coal and $6.50 a ton for furnace coal.
Hat tip to the Historical Society and Ms. McAvoy for sharing this information.
About Us
Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000
