West Hempstead Weekly Update

April 17, 2023

2023-2024 Budget

West Hempstead Union Free School District

The Board of Education adopted the budget on Tuesday, April 18. The proposed spending plan for 2023-24 reflects a tax levy increase of 1.99%, which is below the allowable tax levy cap of 2.432%. This is within the tax cap for the 12th consecutive year.

Unlike New York City and other areas of the country, New York's locally elected Boards of Education are required to present a spending plan each year to the voters of their community. This year, the annual budget vote and trustee election will be held on Tuesday, May 16, from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. at West Hempstead Secondary School in the North Gymnasium. To participate, you must be a registered voter. If you have questions about your current registration status or need further information about voting, call the District Clerk, Theresa Bryant, at 516-390-3107 during business hours. The last day to register to vote is Thursday, May 11.

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 our graduation rate has improved from 83% to 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.

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Secondary School

Preparing for assessments and exams in school can be daunting, but it is important to remember that learning is a continuous process that extends beyond results. To prepare, students should prioritize studying, practicing with past papers, and seeking help from teachers or peers. However, it is equally important to find joy in the learning process. This can be achieved by setting goals and celebrating achievements, exploring personal interests related to the subject, engaging in discussions with classmates, and using creative methods such as games or visual aids to reinforce understanding. By finding joy in learning, students can develop a deeper appreciation for the subject matter and foster a lifelong quest for learning.

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George Washington

The importance of student ownership of learning cannot be overstated. When students take ownership of their own learning, they become more motivated, engaged, and invested in their learning. By setting their own goals, making choices about what they want to learn, and taking responsibility for their own progress, students develop a sense of autonomy and agency. This leads to a deeper understanding of the material and a more personalized and meaningful learning experience. In addition, student ownership promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, as students are encouraged to think independently and come up with their own ideas. Ultimately, student ownership of learning leads to better outcomes, not only in terms of academic achievement but also in terms of personal growth and development.

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Cornwell Ave

Did you know that learning occurs 24/7? Of course, you did. But did you know we have staff who take every moment of class time to support student learning? Ms. Monzert's class was learning where their snacks came from as they enjoyed a snack break. Learning 24/7 is a concept that emphasizes the importance of Kaizen (continuous learning). It recognizes that learning does not only take place within the confines of a classroom or during designated study times but, rather, is an ongoing process that happens every day, all day. By adopting a mindset of learning 24/7, students are encouraged to seek out new information, ideas, and experiences and to engage in continuous self-improvement. By embracing the concept of learning 24/7, students can unlock their full potential, expand their knowledge and skills, and fulfill their potential.

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Chestnut & PreK

Movement plays a crucial role in a student's development, especially during their formative years at Chestnut Street. It helps children improve their gross motor skills and enhances their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Movement in Chestnut Street can take many forms, including physical activities like running, jumping, and climbing, and creative play such as dancing and pretending to be different animals or characters.

Regular movement can help children develop their coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. These skills can be applied to other areas of their lives, such as sports, dance, and even academic tasks that require fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Movement also helps children burn off excess energy, improving their focus and concentration in class.

In addition to physical benefits, movement can also enhance children's social and emotional development. For example, collaborative physical activities and games can help students learn to work together and build relationships with their peers. Through movement, students can also develop a sense of self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-expression.

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UPK Lottery Completed 1/11/23 - Seats Still Available - Registration is Underway

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.