Washington Whirl

🖤💛 A Message from the Principal💛🖤

Dear GW Families,

As we turn the calendar to November, I want to take a moment to reflect on a wonderful October at George Washington Intermediate School! This past month was filled with learning, creativity, school spirit, and opportunities for our students to come together as a community. From Red Ribbon Week and pumpkin decorating to our Book Character Parade, it was exciting to see our GW Rams participating, celebrating, and making memories together.

As we enter November, a month often associated with gratitude and reflection, I encourage our students to recognize not only their accomplishments but also the effort, perseverance, and kindness that contribute to their growth. At GW, we believe in crediting the work, not just the credentials, and celebrating the small moments of progress that lead to meaningful success.

I am grateful for our dedicated staff, supportive families, and, most importantly, our incredible students who make GW such a special place. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to make this a year of learning, growth, and belonging for every Ram.

Wishing all of our GW families a wonderful start to November!

Warmly,

Jessica Rivera

🧠 Habits of Mind: Growing Together at GW

Throughout October, our GW Rams focused on Managing Impulsivity, learning the importance of pausing, thinking before acting, and making thoughtful choices. Whether navigating friendships, responding to challenges, or participating in classroom discussions, students practiced recognizing that taking a moment to think can make a big difference.

As we enter November, we are excited to introduce our next Habit of Mind: Listening with Understanding and Empathy.

This habit encourages students to listen not just to respond, but to truly understand another person's thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. At GW, we want our students to recognize that everyone has a voice worth hearing and that listening is one of the most powerful ways we show respect and kindness.

Try it at home! During a family conversation, encourage your child to listen without interrupting and then share what they heard before offering their own thoughts. It's a simple way to practice empathy and strengthen communication skills.

Together, we are helping our Rams develop habits that will serve them far beyond the classroom! 🖤💛

At GW, we want our students to understand that success is about more than grades, awards, or recognition. It is about the effort, persistence, and growth that happen along the way.

This month, I have seen students challenge themselves, ask thoughtful questions, support their classmates, and continue working even when something feels difficult. These are the moments that deserve recognition.

As families, we can reinforce this message by shifting some of our conversations from "What grade did you get?" to "What did you learn?" or "What are you proud of working hard on?"

When we recognize the process rather than just the outcome, we help children develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

11/2: Evening Parent teacher conferences 5:30-9:00 pm

11/3: Daytime PT Conferences 8:30 am- 2:30 pm

11/6: Early Dismissal- Dismissal at 2:55.

11/11: School Closed- Veteran's day

11/16: End of Thanksgiving food drive for student council

11/17: PTA pie ordering deadline. See flyer attached.

11/20: Report Cards sent home

11/26-11/27: School Closed- Thanksgiving

GW Internet & Social Media Platforms - Stay Connected

Please make sure you stay connected with our community by using the following platforms to receive information:

• GW X (Formerly Twitter) Account
• George Washington Website / WH Website
• West Hempstead App
• We now have instagram! Follow us: @WHGWrams

If you need any assistance with any of these platforms please do not hesitate to reach out to us by calling the Main Office.

NWEA scores were mailed home last week, please be on the lookout for them.

All flyers that are backpacked home are now on our website!

Click here: https://www.whufsd.com/o/george-washington/documents/flyers/31083296

🚗 Dismissal Changes: Important Reminder

To ensure a safe, smooth, and organized dismissal for all students, all dismissal changes must be communicated to the main office by 2:00 PM.

Last-minute changes can create confusion and make it difficult for our staff to coordinate dismissal procedures safely and efficiently. With many students transitioning to buses, parent pick-up, and after-school activities, having accurate information ahead of time is essential.

We kindly ask families to plan ahead and communicate any changes as early as possible. Changes received after 2:00 PM may not be accommodated, except in emergency situations.

Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in helping us keep dismissal safe and orderly for all of our GW Rams! 🖤💛