West Hempstead Weekly Update
This week, WHe had the privilege of hosting our "Bright Spots" Showcase, inviting the administrative team into the classrooms of Chestnut Street School. They discovered remarkable learning environments that exemplify our commitment to excellence in education!
In Ms. Scully and Ms. Stewart's ICT model kindergarten classroom, visitors witnessed a masterful demonstration of collaborative teaching that creates an inclusive space where every child flourishes. Students worked confidently in thoughtfully designed learning centers, showing impressive independence and cooperation while receiving personalized support tailored to their unique learning styles.
Our ENL kindergarten co-taught classroom with Ms. Angelo similarly shined as a model of excellence. Students learning English as a new language engaged joyfully in hands-on exploration and meaningful social interactions. The carefully crafted centers fostered deep engagement and discovery, with each child visibly thriving in this supportive environment.
These showcase classrooms highlight our teacher's and instructional aides' dedication to creating extraordinary learning experiences for their students and generously sharing their expertise with colleagues across the district. Their willingness to open their classroom doors contributes significantly to our collective growth as educators.
The confidence, enthusiasm, and engagement demonstrated by our youngest learners stand as a testament to the nurturing community we've built together at Chestnut Street—where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to learn uniquely. What truly delighted the administrative team was when students eagerly debriefed with them afterward, eloquently sharing how much they love learning and the joy they find in their classroom discoveries each day.
Thank you to our amazing teachers and staff, who make Chestnut Street School such a special place for learning and growth every day!
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
