West Hempstead Weekly Update

This week marked the launch of our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, and what unfolded was nothing short of WHonderful. Tables overflowing with donations, students carefully organizing and sorting contributions, staff members working side by side with our administrators, and smiles that reflected the true spirit of giving—this is who WHe are.

Our school and the larger community came together in a powerful display of compassion and generosity to support families during this season of gratitude. Students didn't just donate; they led, organized, and served. Our teachers and administrators worked alongside them, modeling the values of empathy and service that define West Hempstead. And our Board of Education rolled up their sleeves behind the scenes to join in this meaningful work, demonstrating that community begins at every level.

This food drive is more than an annual tradition; it's a reflection of our collective heart. It's a reminder that we rise together, not just in times of celebration, but especially when our neighbors need us most. As we enter this beautiful time of year, we do so knowing that our community is built on care, connection, and a shared commitment to lifting one another up.

To every community member who donated, every student and staff member who organized, every administrator who supported, and every Board member who participated—thank you. You've shown our community what it means to be WHonderful.

This is just the beginning of a season filled with gratitude, generosity, and the spirit that makes West Hempstead truly special.

#WHeRiseTogether

WHe are excited to remind our community that the PTA Reflections Program is now open for student submissions! This year's theme, "I Belong!", invites students to explore what belonging means to them through creative expression.

The Reflections Program is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents across a variety of art forms while reflecting on an important and timely theme. Entries will be reviewed based on interpretation of theme, creativity, and technique, and we look forward to celebrating the artistic achievements of our young people.

If your child is interested in participating, please submit their artwork to Brenda Garcia at bfuentes3024@gmail.com by December 3, 2025.

WHe encourage all students to take part in this meaningful program and share their unique voice through the arts.

This week, our Early Childhood classrooms were filled with joy, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences that laid the groundwork for future success.

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students had the wonderful opportunity to welcome special guests into their classrooms, creating authentic learning moments that brought new perspectives and excitement to their day. These visits reinforced the strong partnership between our school and community, showing our youngest learners that education extends beyond the classroom walls.

Throughout the week, students engaged in hands-on literacy activities, building essential vocabulary and language skills through interactive lessons. From exploring "h" words—happy, hello, hey, hi, heart, and more—to practicing reading strategies and phonics, our students are developing a strong foundation in literacy that will serve them throughout their academic journey.

Our early childhood educators continue to create nurturing, engaging environments where every child feels valued and excited to learn. The colorful classroom spaces, thoughtful learning centers, and developmentally appropriate activities reflect our commitment to meeting each child where they are and helping them grow.

Watching our youngest Rams discover the joy of learning reminds us why we do what we do. Thank you to our dedicated early childhood team and to our families for partnering with us in these critical early years of education.

What a delightful week at Chestnut Street School! Our youngest learners were treated to a spectacular PTA-sponsored Bubble Show that filled our gymnasium with wonder, laughter, and plenty of "oohs" and "aahs."

From mesmerizing bubble tricks to interactive demonstrations, our students sat captivated as they watched the magic unfold before their eyes. The joy on their faces was absolutely priceless! Events like these remind us of the importance of creating memorable experiences that spark curiosity and bring our school community together.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible PTA for sponsoring this special event and for their continued dedication to enriching the lives of our students. Your generosity and commitment to creating joyful learning experiences make our schools truly special places to grow and learn.

Here's to more magical moments ahead!

2026/2027 UPK General Interest/School Choice Survey

If you are a resident of the West Hempstead School District, and you have a child who will be four years of age by December 1, 2026, please scan the QR code in the flyer below and complete the survey to indicate your interest in the UPK program for September 2026.

• 26-27 UPK Survey Flyer

• 26-27 UPK Information Page

This week, Cornwell Ave. was alive with the energy and engagement that make our district so special. From collaborative learning in our library to warm meals shared in our cafeteria, and from outdoor play to new friendships formed on our playground, our students are thriving in environments designed to nurture their growth.

In our library space, students discovered the joy of reading together, sharing stories, and building literacy skills through peer collaboration. Our cafeteria staff continued to provide nutritious meals with smiles and care, creating welcoming spaces where students can refuel for afternoon learning. And despite the cooler weather, our playground remained a hub of activity where students built social connections, stayed active, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of play with friends.

These moments—quiet reading circles, lunch line conversations, and playground laughter—are the heartbeat of our schools. They remind us that education extends far beyond the classroom walls. Every interaction, every shared experience, and every supportive adult contributes to the well-rounded development of our students.

Thank you to our dedicated staff who create these meaningful experiences every single day, and to our families for your continued partnership in supporting our students' success.

This week, our classrooms came alive with engaged, purposeful learning that defines our district's commitment to every student. From small group instruction to collaborative projects, our educators created environments where curiosity flourishes and skills deepen.

In GW, students worked together on hands-on activities, tackling challenging assignments with focus and determination. Teachers moved seamlessly between whole-class instruction and targeted small group work, ensuring each child received the support they needed to succeed. WHe saw students actively participating in storytelling lessons, exploring the rich traditions of the Iroquois people, and developing their literacy skills through meaningful content.

Students demonstrated the power of collaborative learning as they worked together on projects, using technology to analyze data and support one another's understanding. Whether gathered around laptops or engaged in independent reading, students demonstrated self-directed learning that prepares them for future success.

What struck us most during our visits this week was the quiet intensity of learning happening in every corner of our schools—students writing, discussing, problem-solving, and growing. Our staff continues to build strong relationships with students, providing both academic challenge and emotional support.

These snapshots represent just a fraction of the excellent teaching and learning happening across our district every day. Thank you to our staff for their unwavering dedication, and to our families for their continued partnership in supporting student success.

Here's to another week of growth and achievement ahead!

This week, our students engaged in meaningful work across all disciplines. In our Spanish classes, students expanded their vocabulary through authentic contexts, building both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding. Geometry students explored the fundamental concepts of congruence, developing their spatial reasoning and proof-writing skills through hands-on problem-solving.

Our English classes delved into John Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men, examining themes of friendship, dreams, and the American experience that continue to resonate today. In Economics and Government, students analyzed the roles and functions of various government agencies, gaining insight into how public institutions shape our daily lives and the broader economy.

A special highlight this week was our AP Research students conducting IRB (Institutional Review Board) interviews—an important milestone in their independent research projects. These interviews represent the culmination of careful planning and ethical consideration, showcasing our students' growth as young scholars and researchers.

WHe are incredibly proud of the depth of learning happening in our classrooms and the dedication of our teachers in creating these rich educational experiences. Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Aladdin Jr. was an absolutely magical production from start to finish! A heartfelt congratulations and enormous thank you to everyone who helped bring the streets of Agrabah to life on our stage.

To our incredible cast—your energy, talent, and dedication shone brighter than any diamond in the Cave of Wonders. You transported our audiences to a whole new world with every song and scene.

To our amazing crew—the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes—thank you for the stunning sets, dazzling costumes, brilliant lighting, and seamless technical work that made the magic possible.

And to our directors, choreographers, and music directors—your vision, patience, and passion guided this production every step of the way. Thank you for believing in these performers and helping them discover the best in themselves.

This show was a true team effort, and every single person involved should be incredibly proud. Thank you all for making this production of Aladdin Jr. one for the ages!

Thank you to those who attended our West Hempstead Community Wellness Day this past Sunday at the WH Secondary School! From noon to 3 PM, our community gathered to focus on health, fitness, and overall well-being in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Our students, families, and staff had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of wellness activities. Cerebral Sports taught valuable strategies for building confidence and mental toughness both on and off the field. The Blackout Boxing Club energized participants with hands-on boxing fundamentals and conditioning. Certified trainers demonstrated practical strength training techniques designed to enhance power, speed, and prevent injuries. Valley Studio Pilates guided attendees through the fundamentals of this gentle yet effective practice, while NYU Langone Health's interactive "Truth or Trend?" zone tested wellness knowledge and offered important health screenings. Crossroads Farm shared insights on growing healthy food and sustainable nutrition, and Northwell Health provided valuable information on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices.

Thank you to all the incredible organizations and presenters who donated their time and expertise to make this event such a success. Special appreciation goes to our wellness committee and volunteers who coordinated this meaningful community gathering. Events like these strengthen the bonds that make West Hempstead such a special place to live, learn, and thrive!

X (Twitter)

"Want to boost your child's vocabulary? The answer is simple: more reading! Students learn 90% of their vocabulary through reading, not direct instruction. Every book is a vocabulary builder.

Instagram

"Level Up Your Vocabulary (Without Flashcards!)

Secret weapon for better grades, stronger writing, and sounding smarter? READ.

Every book you read teaches you new words in context—which means you actually remember and use them, unlike those vocab lists you cram and forget.

Mystery novels, graphic novels, fantasy series—they ALL count. Just read something you enjoy and watch your word power grow.

Facebook

The Vocabulary Gap: Why Reading Volume Matters

Let me share a statistic that should concern every parent: by 3rd grade, children from language-rich homes have heard 30 million more words than children from language-poor homes. This "word gap" directly impacts reading comprehension, academic success, and even future earning potential.

But here's the good news: reading is the great equalizer.

Students learn approximately 90% of their vocabulary through reading, not through direct instruction or vocabulary lists. Every book they read introduces new words in meaningful contexts, making those words stick far better than memorization ever could.

A student who reads just 20 minutes daily encounters approximately 1.8 million words per year. A student who reads only 5 minutes daily? About 282,000 words. That's a staggering difference in vocabulary exposure.

This week's focus: Increase reading volume, not reading difficulty. Ten easy books will build vocabulary faster than one frustratingly hard one.

Help your child find books they genuinely enjoy—even if they seem "too easy" or "not educational." Comic books, sports magazines, graphic novels—all reading counts. The goal is volume and consistency.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss

Let's give our children the vocabulary they need to go anywhere.

Website

Closing the Vocabulary Gap Through Independent Reading

As educators, we talk a lot about achievement gaps and opportunity gaps. But underlying many of these is something more fundamental: the vocabulary gap.

Research consistently shows that vocabulary knowledge in early grades is one of the strongest predictors of reading comprehension and academic achievement in later years. Students with larger vocabularies comprehend more, learn faster, and achieve higher outcomes across every subject area.

So how do we build vocabulary? Not primarily through vocabulary lists and weekly quizzes, though those have their place. The most effective vocabulary instruction happens almost invisibly—through wide, voluminous reading.

When students read extensively, they encounter words repeatedly in varied contexts. They develop an intuitive sense of word meanings, connotations, and appropriate usage. They build not just vocabulary, but the sophisticated language comprehension that separates strong readers from struggling ones.

The problem? Many of our students simply aren't reading enough. The average American student reads only 10-15 minutes per day outside of school. That's not enough exposure to build the vocabulary necessary for academic success.

Here's what makes a difference:

· Prioritize reading volume: Ten books at the right level beats one frustratingly difficult book

· Honor student choice: A book they'll actually finish beats a "better" book they'll abandon

· Count all reading: Magazines, graphic novels, audiobooks, online articles—it all contributes

· Create reading time: Make it non-negotiable, like brushing teeth

· Model reading: Let your children see you read for pleasure

This week, help your child set a reading goal—not based on difficulty, but on volume. Twenty minutes daily, every day. Track it. Celebrate it. Protect it from other activities.

Their vocabulary—and their future—will thank you.

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." - Frederick Douglass

Let's give every child this freedom through the gift of words.

#WHeRiseTogether#VocabularyDevelopment #ReadingVolume #LiteracyForAll

Studies show family meals are literally linked to better grades. According to a Columbia University study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), children who frequently share dinner with their families achieve higher grades in school. The data reveals that teens eating five or more family meals weekly are far more likely to earn excellent marks and demonstrate advanced communication and vocabulary abilities. This research underscores how routine family engagement fosters a nurturing, stable setting that enhances emotional well-being and self-assurance—vital factors in scholastic achievement. The advantages go further: shared mealtimes provide a secure forum for self-expression, absorption of family principles, and honing of analytical thinking. Notably, the study also shows that adolescents with more family dinners are markedly less prone to risky activities like smoking or alcohol use. In today’s world of packed agendas and digital distractions, these findings highlight how the straightforward act of dining together can significantly influence a child’s trajectory. [Columbia University, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). April 2025]

While the research is compelling, it's important to remember that the magic of family meals isn't just in the routine—it's in the joy. The laughter over a silly story from the day. The friendly debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. The inside jokes that get repeated at every holiday gathering. These moments of connection and fun are what make kids actually want to come to the table.

Family dinners don't need to be formal affairs with perfect table manners and gourmet cooking. Sometimes the best memories come from breakfast-for-dinner nights, taco Tuesdays, or letting the kids help make (and inevitably mess up) homemade pizza. The goal isn't perfection—it's presence. When families enjoy their time together, children naturally open up, parents stay more connected, and everyone benefits.

So as we head into the busy weeks ahead, I encourage our families to protect that dinner time when possible. Turn off the screens, share a meal, and enjoy each other's company. The grades and good decisions will follow, but the memories you create together? Those are priceless.

https://x.com/rainmaker1973/status/1988292559580315917?s=12

The Power of 15 Minutes

Just 15 minutes of reading together each day can transform your child's entire educational journey. Research shows that children who are read to for just 15 minutes daily are exposed to over 1 million words per year, compared to only 282,000 words for children who aren't read to regularly.

For more, see the PDF below or visit: https://www.whufsd.com/page/district-literacy

Dear West Hempstead RamFam,

As autumn leaves begin to turn and a new school year settles into its rhythm, there's a special energy in the air—one filled with fresh learning opportunities and the excitement of academic growth. At West Hempstead UFSD, we're thriving alongside your children as they deepen their knowledge and discover new passions this fall. Whether they're mastering foundational skills at Chestnut Street (PreK-K), building confidence as emerging learners at Cornwell Avenue (Grades 1-3), or taking on new challenges at George Washington (Grades 4-6), every student is making meaningful progress.

This season brings unique opportunities for families to support learning at home while

enjoying the cozy comfort that fall provides. From harvest-themed reading adventures to

writing about autumn discoveries, we're excited to share strategies that will help you continue

fostering your child's love of learning. Together with our dedicated educators, Director of

Humanities, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, let's make this fall a

season of educational growth and family connection. We're here to support you every step of

the way as we nurture curious minds and confident learners.

We believe that strong communication between home and school is essential for student success. The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a powerful tool that helps bridge this gap, providing real-time access to your child's academic progress.

Access Your Account

Visit the Parent Portal Link below. If you haven't set up your account, please contact the school office for your Access ID code.

Why It's Important

• Monitor grades and attendance
• View teacher comments and feedback
• Track assignments and due dates
• Communicate directly with teachers
• Stay informed about school events and announcements

By regularly checking the Parent Portal, you can play an active role in your child's education, addressing any concerns promptly and celebrating their achievements together.

We encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this valuable resource. If you need assistance with the Parent Portal, please don't hesitate to contact your child's main office.

Together, we can ensure every student reaches their full potential!

Parent Portal Link

https://powerschool.whufsd.com/public/

How to Video

https://youtu.be/eNZs_AloU-c

Main Office Phone Numbers

Chestnut Street - 390-3150

Cornwell Avenue - 390-3140

George Washington - 390-3130

Secondary School - 390-3218

We’ve teamed up with MySchoolBucks, an online service where you can easily and securely pay for school meals using a credit/debit card or electronic check.

Using MySchoolBucks you can:

● Add funds to your student’s meal account

● View meal balances & cafeteria purchases

● Receive low balance alerts

Get started in 4 easy steps:

1. Download the mobile app or visit myschoolbucks.com

2. Create your free account

3. Add your student

4. Add funds to your student’s meal account

If you have any questions about getting started with MySchoolBucks call (855) 832-5226. For any general questions please contact your child’s school.

ONEPAY from MySchoolBucks offers a one-time annual fee option to SAVE YOU MONEY!

• Annual savings plan offers reduced program fees when using MySchoolBucks for meal and school payments

  
  

• Allows user to pay program fees upfront from their bank account (e-checks), with unlimited payments for 12 months

• Offers a choice of two program fee payment packages:

• Single Student for $12.95 per year
• Family Plan for $26.95 per year (2 or more kids)

*Both plans cover 12 months from initial signup to ONEPAY

If you have any questions, please call the Food Service Office.

Nasrin Urmye, Food Service Director
(516) 390-3275
urmyen@whitsons.com

The Board of Regents has officially adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. This development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.

The Portrait of a Graduate is the result of extensive collaboration, incorporating feedback from educators, families, students, and community members across the state. It's grounded in research and evidence-based practices, drawing from successful models implemented by school districts nationwide.

This framework envisions education where rigorous academics meet the real-world skills students need to thrive in our rapidly changing society. Our goal extends beyond college and career readiness – we're preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

What This Means for Our District:

• Current graduation requirements remain unchanged
• The state will provide implementation guidance by summer 2027 through their NY Inspires plan
• Full statewide alignment begins with students entering 9th grade in the 2029-2030 school year
• Our district may begin reviewing our current practices against the Portrait framework as we prepare for implementation

This adoption aligns perfectly with our district's mission to provide every student with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need for lifelong success. We look forward to working with our school community as we explore how the Portrait of a Graduate will enhance our already strong educational programs.

More information about implementation will be shared as guidance becomes available from the state.

Recently, the Board of Regents approved the Portrait of a Graduate as a component of the state's new graduation measures. This portrait defines the six core attributes that students will possess upon graduating high schools in NYS. NYSED had created resources for educators and students to help them become familiar with the POG and how it will be integrated and rated by educators in the upcoming years. The statewide requirement for instruction to be aligned to the POG begins with students in the 2029 cohort (students entering grade 9 during the 2029-2030 school year). Below you will find a summary regarding the POG, along with some graphics:

Overall Vision

The NYSED Portrait of a Graduate presents a comprehensive, student-centered vision for success beyond high school. It emphasizes:

• Holistic development (academic, social, emotional, and cultural)
• Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE)
• Future readiness for college, careers, and civic life

Six Interconnected Attributes of a NYS Graduate

Every graduate is envisioned to be:

1. Critical Thinker
2. Creative Innovator
3. Effective Communicator
4. Reflective and Future-Focused
5. Culturally Responsive
6. Global Citizen

For Students

• Students are the center of the Portrait. Their voice, identity, and aspirations matter.

• Skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking will be developed through real-world applications.
• Growth is supported across academic, social, emotional, and cultural dimensions.
• Schools will assess student progress using performance tasks, portfolios, and presentations.

For Educators

• Educators play a critical role in implementing the Portrait through instruction, relationships, and assessment.

• Use local relevance—connect learning to community issues and student interests.
• Embed Portrait attributes into interdisciplinary and project-based learning.
• Align instruction with NYS Learning Standards, SEL Benchmarks, and the CR-SE Framework.

• Collaborate with families, administrators, and community partners to support student success.

• Rate student proficiency/progress on these attributes

For Administrators

• Lead by setting the vision, aligning systems, and fostering a culture that celebrates Portrait attributes.
• Ensure inclusive and evidence-based instruction across the district.
• Support educators in embedding Portrait skills and assessing student growth.
• Promote shared responsibility among educators, families, students, and community partners.
• Align district practices with state standards and frameworks.

Background

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is proposing amendments to Section 100.2 of the Commissioner’s Regulations based on recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures and the NY Inspires Plan. The goal is to ensure students graduate with essential life skills and knowledge for a changing world.

Key Changes

New Instructional Requirements:

· Personal Finance Education and Climate Education

· All public school students (K–12).

· Instruction must be completed by the end of each grade band:

o Elementary: Grade 4

o Middle: Grade 8

o High School: Grade 12

Phase-In Timeline

Requirement Middle & High School Elementary

Personal Finance 2026–2027 SY 2027–2028 SY

Climate Education 2027–2028 SY 2028–2029 SY

· Districts may implement earlier than required.

· Annual verification to the Commissioner during phase-in years.

Instructional Topics

Personal Finance: Budgeting, Credit/Debt Management, Earning Income, Risk Management, Savings & Investing.

Climate Education: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions for Climate Change.

NYSED will provide guidance to ensure culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate progression across grade bands.

Implementation Timeline

· Public Comment: Begins November 19, 2025 (60 days).

· Permanent Adoption: Anticipated March 2026.

· Effective Date: March 25, 2026.

What Administrators Need to Know

· Begin planning for integration of these topics into curricula.

· Prepare for annual verification requirements.

· Watch for NYSED guidance and resources to support implementation.

For more details, visit https://www.nysed.gov/

I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome as we embark on our 2025-2026 journey together. This year promises to be transformational as we unite under our powerful theme:

#WHeRiseTogether. This simple yet profound concept captures the essence of who we are and what we aspire to become as a unified educational community.

As we gather to begin this new chapter, I invite you to consider two fundamental questions that will guide our work together:

• Who is it you stand for?
• What is it you stand for?

These are not just philosophical prompts—they are the foundation of our collective mission to create schools where every student thrives.

#WHeRiseTogether embodies our commitment to the power of collective effort over individual achievement. In a world that often celebrates individual accomplishments, we choose to embrace the transformative potential of "We over me." When we prioritize our shared vision and work together as a cohesive team, we create a synergy that benefits everyone involved. Each educator, each staff member, and each student becomes a vital part of our collective success story.

This mindset requires a daily commitment to improvement, recognizing that small, consistent steps lead to significant progress over time. It requires the courage to step out of our comfort zones—individually and as a team—pushing boundaries and facing challenges head-on. This deliberate growth builds resilience and sharpens our collective awareness, preparing us to tackle even greater opportunities in the future.

Our Focus: At Least One Year's Worth of Progress

This year, we're committing to work that truly matters through three key results that will transform our learning environment:

Simplify Our Systems: We will eliminate redundant processes and reduce administrative burden, allowing you to focus on what matters most—teaching and learning. Our Burden Reduction Task Force will conduct monthly reviews to ensure we're streamlining rather than complicating your important work. Please see the email sent earlier in August for more information.

Strengthen Our Core Teaching Practices: We will provide protected collaborative planning time for grade-level and subject teams, renewed focus on the Plan-Implement-Evaluate cycle, and meaningful peer observation opportunities that honor your expertise and foster professional growth.

Support Innovation through Technology: We will integrate AI and technology tools that reduce administrative burden rather than increase it, providing professional learning that enhances your agency as educators and amplifies human connection rather than replacing it.

Navigating Change Together

As we implement these initiatives, I commit to leading with empathy, explaining the "why" behind our decisions, honoring the dedication that built our current systems, communicating early and often, and inviting ongoing dialogue. Your voice matters in this process—we need your wisdom and experience to succeed.

Creating Schools Where We All Rise

Together, we will create schools where:

• Work becomes great because curiosity drives it beyond obligation
• Students are seen, heard, and challenged to reach their full potential
• WHe have the time and support to focus on what matters most
• Collective triumph takes center stage over individual achievement

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe uses to engage students and close the aspiration gap. The framework encompasses several key principles aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students and staff:

The Designing Learning framework consists of: Connection Before Content, Acceleration not Remediation, Rethinking Success Criteria, Higher-Level Thinking, Student Agency, Authentic Work, and Technology Infusion.

1. Connection Before Content: This principle emphasizes building strong relationships and belonging in the classroom. It recognizes that when students feel connected to their teachers and peers, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn.

2. Acceleration, not Remediation: Rather than focusing solely on addressing deficits in students' knowledge or skills, this framework aspect promotes challenging students with content and tasks that allow them to excel and progress rapidly. It recognizes that students can achieve more when they are appropriately challenged.

3. Rethinking Success Criteria: This principle encourages educators to reconsider traditional notions of success and assessment. It involves clearly defining success in a given context and allowing for varied ways for students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery.

4. Higher-Level Thinking: The framework promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. It encourages educators to design learning experiences that push students to engage in deeper levels of thinking and analysis.

5. Student Agency: Empowering students to actively participate in their learning is a fundamental aspect of the framework. It encourages students to set goals, make choices, and take ownership of their educational journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility.

6. Authentic Work: This principle advocates real-world relevance in educational activities. It suggests that students should work on tasks and projects that have meaning and application beyond the classroom, making learning more engaging and practical.

7. Technology Infusion: Recognizing the role of technology in the modern world, this aspect of the framework encourages the thoughtful integration of technology into the learning process. It aims to leverage technology to enhance and expand educational opportunities.

By Art Costa, Bena Kallick, and Allison Zmuda

There is a growing recognition that mastering subject-area knowledge alone will not be sufficient to prepare your children for their futures. They will need deliberate practice and focused attention to grow their capacity as efficacious thinkers to navigate and thrive in the face of unprecedented change. Habits of Mind are a universal framework for thinking and are as essential now as when we first introduced them 30 years ago. Habits of Mind are dispositions people use when confronted with problems and situations to which answers are not immediately apparent. When we draw upon these intellectual resources, the results that are produced are more powerful, of higher quality and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those intellectual behaviors.

Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000

Articles and blurbs may be enhanced/written with various AI tools.