West Hempstead Weekly Update
Get ready to witness innovation in action! This Friday, May 30, our talented secondary school students will showcase their creativity and technical skills at the KidOyo Hack-a-thon event.
We're thrilled to announce our exciting collaboration with HP, which has generously provided cutting-edge computers and laptops to power our students' coding adventures. This partnership demonstrates the strong community support behind our Rams and their pursuit of STEM excellence.
Throughout the day, teams will work together to develop innovative solutions, think outside the box, and bring their digital ideas to life. Our students will surely impress with their ingenuity and collaboration.
The energy is building, the code is ready to be written, and our Rams are prepared to show what they can accomplish when creativity meets technology.
Good luck, Rams!
Our Family STEAM Night, featuring "STEMagination: The Art of Discovery," was held on Thursday, May 29th at West Hempstead Secondary School, and it was another fantastic evening of hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities that sparked curiosity and creativity throughout our community.
What made this event truly special was watching our older students step into leadership roles, guiding and mentoring our younger learners through engaging experiments and projects. It was WHonderful to see our secondary students share their knowledge and enthusiasm while building meaningful connections across grade levels. These student-led activities not only reinforced learning for our older students but also inspired our younger ones to explore STEAM subjects with confidence and excitement.
Thank you to all the families who joined us for this evening of discovery, collaboration, and fun. The energy and enthusiasm from both students and families made this 9th annual event one to remember!
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
