West Hempstead Weekly Update
WHe recently gathered for our annual Tenure Tea, a cherished tradition that honors our academic community's remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment. This special celebration recognized three distinct groups whose contributions have shaped our institution's success.
WHe RamProudly congratulated our newest tenured faculty members, welcoming them into the ranks of those who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, teaching excellence, and service to our academic mission. Their achievement represents years of dedicated research, innovative pedagogy, and meaningful contributions to their fields.
WHe also celebrated our twenty-year employees, recognizing the invaluable expertise and institutional knowledge they bring to our community. Their two decades of service reflect not only professional longevity but also a deep commitment to our shared educational values and goals.
Finally, we honored our recent retirees, expressing our heartfelt gratitude for their distinguished careers and lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. Their scholarship, mentorship, and service legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The evening was filled with warm conversations, shared memories, and well-deserved recognition. These milestone moments remind us of the strength that comes from honoring both achievement and service, celebrating the past while looking forward to continued excellence in the years ahead.
We're thrilled to celebrate our outstanding multilingual scholars at this week's Seal of Biliteracy luncheon! Twenty-four of our secondary school students earned this prestigious recognition on their diplomas, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in English and world languages.
This year's cohort achieved remarkable diversity in their language accomplishments, with several students earning seals in multiple languages. We're especially proud to recognize our first-ever recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy in Arabic, Hebrew, and Hindi, marking an exciting milestone for our school community.
The Seal of Biliteracy honors these students' dedication to language learning and recognizes the valuable skills they bring to our increasingly global society. Their multilingual abilities will serve them well in higher education and future careers.
Please join us in congratulating all our seal recipients for their hard work, cultural curiosity, and commitment to excellence. Their achievements reflect the strength of our world language programs and the dedication of our incredible language educators.
Congratulations to all our bilingual and multilingual graduates!
Our secondary Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) students in Ms. Gulisano's class brought smiles and creativity to Chestnut Street Elementary this week through a delightful intergenerational learning experience. The high school students partnered with kindergarteners to create adorable monster dolls in a hands-on sewing and crafting project.
This collaborative activity gave our secondary students valuable opportunities to practice patience, communication, and teaching skills while working with young learners. The kindergarten students were thrilled to have their "big buddies" guide them through the creative process, from designing their monsters to bringing them to life with fabric and stuffing.
The project beautifully combined academic learning with social-emotional development. Our FACS students applied their textile and design skills while developing mentorship abilities, and the kindergarteners practiced fine motor skills, following directions, and creative expression. The joy and pride on both groups' faces as they worked together was heartwarming.
These meaningful partnerships between our secondary and elementary students demonstrate the power of peer learning and community building within our district. Thank you to Ms. Gulisano for organizing this wonderful cross-curricular experience and the Chestnut Street staff for welcoming our students with open arms. Hat tip to Ms. Klafter for her work in organizing the opportunity.
The finished monster dolls will serve as lasting reminders of this special collaboration!
This week, WHe proudly celebrated our annual Student-Athlete College Signing Day, recognizing the outstanding achievements of our graduating seniors who have committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. The ceremony honored students who demonstrated exceptional dedication in the classroom and on the field, court, and track throughout their high school careers.
Our student-athletes signed with colleges and universities across the region, representing various sports and academic programs. The event brought together families, coaches, teachers, and fellow students to celebrate these remarkable young people who have balanced rigorous academic coursework with intensive athletic training and competition.
WHe extend our congratulations to all our signing student-athletes and look forward to following their continued success at the next level. Their commitment to excellence inspires younger students and reflects the strong foundation of support provided by our coaching staff, teachers, and families. WHe wish them all the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their educational and athletic journeys.
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
