Dear Chestnut Families,

January was a busy and productive month at the Chestnut Street School. The boys and girls transitioned smoothly into their daily routines after the holiday break. Chestnut Street School celebrated its 112th birthday on Jan. 10th. with the help of the West Hempstead Historical Society and our CS Team. The school rang the historic Meneely Bell at 2:50 p.m. and students also rang a replica bell, which was on display near the school’s entrance.

I hope February is a healthy month for all! Every school day is an important one. Please make every effort to have your child in attendance.

Your child(ren) has been given a heavy duty West Hempstead folder that goes home everyday and should always be returned to school the next day. This "homework" folder contains your child(ren)’s homework, completed work, important newsletters, reminders, and flyers about district and community events, etc. Please check your child(ren)'s folders every night, as important information will be coming home regarding the many celebrations taking place this month.

February is always a good time to gauge the progress of the students. Teachers and support staff members have been monitoring how much learning each child has been able to retain and acquire. Literacy and math assessments have been conducted by the teachers and the second quarter report cards were just sent home on Friday (1/31). As a school team, we want to monitor our instructional practices, curriculum, and pacing to best meet the needs of our students - all while embedding the Habits of Mind and growing our socio-emotional skills!

The education of your children is not a guessing game or a prediction. It is thoughtful, meaningful, and measured. Assessment, progress monitoring, and daily interactions help us to know your child’s educational needs and plan for the future. Parents are important partners in this process and I encourage you to connect with your child’s teacher should you have any questions.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out and call the main office -

#WHe are always here to help!

Dr. Lisa Minicozzi

• Play board games with your child(ren) to practice taking turns.
• When reading you can ask your student to guess the word by looking at the first sound and using the picture to help.
• Ask your child to identify sight words in the texts they see.
• When listening to music with your child, ask them to listen for rhyming words.
• Use a family calendar and show your child the date. Practice counting down to winter break or and upcoming family event.

• If your child will be absent, please call Nurse Angela before 8:30 AM at 516-390-3155
• Kindly ensure your child has a full change of clothes in the classroom.
• If there will be a change in your child's afternoon transportation, please write a note or email to the teacher. For last-minute changes, please call Mrs. Ventura or Mrs. White before 2:00 PM. 516-390-3150
• Please select your child's daily lunch order on the printed menu by circling or highlighting the choices and return it to school ASAP. The link for the menus is below. Please note, at times the item listed on the menu may not be available and your child will be offered an alternative option.
• Please do not block the driveways of the homes around our school. Our neighbors have reached out to express concern about their driveways being blocked during drop-off and dismissal. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you or someone you know has a child who is eligible for PreK or Kindergarten for 2025, please call Mrs. Ventura today at 516-390-3150 to find out about our upcoming registration. We still have some remaining spots for this year open. Eligibility requirements: resident of the WHUFSD and born between 12/2/2019 and 12/1/2020.

1/31: Report Cards sent home

2/5: Global Play

2/10: Kindness Day

2/11: BOE Mtg. @ 7:30 SS VCR Room

2/13: CS 100th Day of School Celebration

2/17-2/21: Winter Break/Schools Closed

The Habits of Mind are an identified set of 16 problem solving, life related skills, which contribute to creating a healthier learning environment. The habits are cross-curricular and applied throughout the West Hempstead UFSD, in all grades and levels. Currently in kindergarten, we are focusing on Managing Impulsivity.

This Habit of Mind is important for students to understand because it helps students recognize the control they have over their bodies and actions- and provides them with skills and solutions to help regulate some of their impulsive behaviors. Whether it be impulsive decisions or impulsive body movements, students benefit from explicit instruction in this Habit of Mind to ensure that they develop a deeper understanding of the fact that they are in control of their bodies and the decisions they make.

Impulse control is such an important self-management skill to teach children. Many kids need practice with these life skills. Linked below are some of my favorite videos for teaching self-control to kids. In this list, you'll find interactive activity and freeze dance videos, explainer videos, animated videos, videos with songs about self-control, and read aloud books for self-control.