For the next month, we are going to discuss numbers both "large" (millions of dollars) and "small" numbers like one.

We are one community. We are one district. We serve each student in their best interest.

You will hear that there are 1,500 + students. You may also hear there are 1900 + students. Both are correct. One relates to State aid, and one is the number of district students we are responsible for.

Did you know that 18% of the budget leaves the district campus to support school-aged students in the WH community?

Did you know we run over 120 bus routes to over 100 schools?

Did you know transportation has doubled in 9 years and accounts for 11% of the budget?

If we include all the school-aged children in our district, did you know that the total number of students would almost double?

You will hear that our elementary test scores are not where they should be. I agree. No excuses, the work needs to continue. And we are doing that work.

Did you know that "numbers" in ELA and Math have stabilized (as per a comparison of the NWEA assessment Winter of 18-19 to this past Winter)?

Did you know that our graduation rate has improved from 83% - 96% in just over a decade?

Did you know that 60% of our students graduated with an advanced regents diploma last year?

I leave you with these thoughts:

Did you know that we had one student who left a shelter in El Salvador in first grade and is now proficient in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in fourth grade?

Did you know that we have one student who is one of 74 to qualify for the NYS Mathletes Competition?

Did you know that we have one senior who has multiple acceptances to colleges and universities and will be the first person in her family to attend higher ed?

Did you know that we have one set of twins attending Yale on what basically amounts to a full scholarship?

We are one. And it takes all of us to become one.

The synchronization of teachers, teaching assistants, and aides is crucial in achieving successful student learning outcomes. Each team member brings a unique skill set and perspective to the table, and when they work together seamlessly, they create a dynamic learning environment. This synchronization is essential to effective communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision for student success. Teachers, teaching assistants, and aides must coordinate their efforts to ensure that they are all working towards the same goals, using consistent approaches, and providing feedback to each other. By working together, they can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students. It is wonderful to see this in action regularly and as a part of the #RamCulture.

While teaching to standards is important, it's also crucial for teachers to focus on each student as an individual and not rely solely on standardized methods. Effective teaching includes finding ways to help each student exceed expectations, reach their full potential, and feel valued as a unique contributor. Teachers who take the time to understand their students' individual learning styles and capabilities can provide a more personalized, engaging, and motivating educational experience that meets the needs of all learners. Ultimately, the goal is to help students not just meet standards but to exceed them and develop skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Through this approach, teachers can inspire a love for learning and empower students to realize their full potential.

Hands-on and kinesthetic learning experiences are essential components of effective education. These types of learning experiences allow students to engage with the learning in an active, dynamic, and personal way. Rather than simply reading about a concept or hearing someone else explain it, students can interact directly with the learning, using their senses and bodies to explore and understand. This type of learning is particularly valuable for students who struggle with traditional classroom instruction, as it provides them with alternative ways of accessing and internalizing the learning. Moreover, hands-on and kinesthetic learning experiences help to develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. By engaging with the material meaningfully, students can make connections and draw conclusions that they might not have been able to do through more passive forms of learning.

The lottery has been completed. If you registered, you have received a letter home. There are seats available. You can still register at https://www.whufsd.com/o/chestnut-street/page/universal-pre-kindergarten and call 516--390-3150.

If you have not registered for the 2023-2024 school year, please call 516-390-3150 to schedule an appointment.

4/6 - 4/14 School Closed

4/8 SAT Registration Deadline

4/15 ACT Exam

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Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY, USA
Phone: 516-390-3000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhufsdRams
Twitter: @WhufsdRams