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West Hempstead Weekly Update

September 25. 2023

West Hempstead Weekly Update September 25. 2023

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe use 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.

The "Rethinking Success Criteria" principle represents a paradigm shift in education that challenges traditional notions of what it means to succeed and how to assess student learning. This principle encourages educators to adopt a more flexible, inclusive, and student-centered approach to defining success and evaluating student performance. Here's a deeper exploration of this concept:


  • Reevaluation of Success: This principle begins by prompting educators to examine and redefine the criteria for success in education critically. Instead of relying solely on standardized tests, grades, or narrow benchmarks, it asks teachers to consider what success truly means in a specific learning context. Success can encompass academic achievement, personal growth, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations.
  • Clear Definitions: To implement this principle effectively, educators must establish clear criteria for success within their teaching objectives. This involves specifying the learning outcomes they aim to achieve and communicating them to students. When students understand what is expected of them, it can motivate and guide their learning efforts.
  • Diverse Assessment Methods: "Rethinking Success Criteria" encourages using diverse assessment methods. Instead of relying solely on exams, educators can incorporate projects, presentations, group work, portfolios, essays, and performance-based assessments. These assessment tools allow students with different learning styles and strengths to showcase their understanding and skills.
  • Authentic Assessment: Authentic assessment is an integral part of this principle. It involves evaluating students' abilities in real-world, relevant contexts. For example, instead of memorizing facts and regurgitating them on a test, students might be asked to apply their knowledge to solve practical problems or complete meaningful tasks that mimic scenarios they may encounter outside the classroom.
  • Formative Assessment: Continuous feedback and formative assessment (i.e., conferencing) are emphasized in this framework. Instead of relying solely on summative assessments (i.e., tests) at the end of a unit or course, educators are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback and opportunities for students to revise and improve their work. This helps students learn from their mistakes and promotes a growth mindset.
  • Individualized Assessment: Students often have diverse strengths, interests, and learning paces. "Rethinking Success Criteria" supports individualized assessment approaches that acknowledge these differences. It allows for customized evaluation methods that cater to each student's unique abilities and needs.
  • Cultivating Critical Thinking: This principle strongly emphasizes cultivating critical thinking skills. Success is not solely based on rote memorization but on a deep understanding of the subject matter, analyzing and synthesizing information, and critical problem-solving skills.
  • Holistic Development: Success is viewed holistically, where academic achievement is only one facet of a student's overall development. Social and emotional growth, as well as character development, are also considered important aspects of success.
  • Lifelong Learning Skills: "Rethinking Success Criteria" aims to equip students with the skills and attributes necessary for lifelong learning. Success is not just achieving a particular grade but developing a passion for learning, adaptability, and the ability to learn independently.

BOE Recognition

Below are the words shared by Laila Sales, Director of Fine and Performing Arts with the Board of Education.


Your unwavering support of programs that enrich students' lives year after year allows them to nurture their creativity, discover hidden talents, and expand their horizons through various educational disciplines. Your commitment provides students with skills that reach far beyond these subjects, shaping them into empowered, compassionate citizens of the world.


What you have done—are doing—and will continue to do is genuinely invaluable. Your dedication to ensuring our schools have the resources, enrichment opportunities, academic and artistic pathways, and, yes, instruments our students need and desire to thrive is the heartbeat of our district. Your belief in the importance of a holistic education for the growth of students is inspiring.


Words cannot fully capture the gratitude WHe feel for all you do. The simple phrase "thank you" comes up short, but please know it represents a depth of appreciation beyond measure.


And, as a small token of thanks, I am honored to introduce one of our exceptionally talented students, Dalia Zavala, who will perform for you tonight. Dalia - we are so proud of you. Happy Birthday!


In closing, from the bottom of my heart, thank you again for being champions of education in our district. Please know your support unlocks creativity, passion, and opportunity for generations of students to com

BOE Intro
BOE 1
https://youtu.be/ahiRVWYLI90

Chestnut Street

THANK YOU WEST HEMPSTEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT!

Cornwell Ave.

Word play is of utmost importance in first-grade education. It is a foundational tool for young learners to develop strong language skills and a love for reading and writing. Through word games, rhyming, and creative activities, students not only enhance their vocabulary but also grasp the fundamental building blocks of language. Wordplay fosters curiosity and imagination, making learning engaging and fun. Moreover, it lays the groundwork for effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, essential for a student's academic and social growth. In first grade, wordplay is not just play; it's a vital stepping stone for a lifetime of literacy and learning.

George Washington

Holistic instruction plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of learning across the curriculum. This pedagogical approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of knowledge and skills, encouraging learners to grasp the underlying principles that apply universally. By fostering a mastery approach to subjects, holistic instruction enables students to see the broader picture, recognizing how they've learned can be applied in different situations. This transfer of learning occurs as students become adept at drawing analogies, adapting strategies, and transferring insights from one area of study to another. #WHe know we are on our way, as two students proudly said during band, "We are musicians."


YES!


They are musicians, authors, scientists, mathematicians, artists, historians, and more!

GW Drums

Secondary School

AP Scholar School!

The secondary school has earned a place on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll for the 2022-23 school year!


The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.


Research shows students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. The students who enter four-year colleges with credits from AP accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success. Even for those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.


This takes a significant schoolwide effort—dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents—to make AP access a priority.

Career Day

Career Day at the secondary school proved a resounding success, leaving students and faculty excited for the future. The event featured diverse presenters, from accomplished professionals in fields ranging from medicine to tech innovation, giving students a broad spectrum of potential career paths to explore. What truly set this day apart was the level of engagement exhibited by the students. Their curious minds led them to ask thought-provoking questions, digging deep into the realities of these careers and gaining valuable insights.


The program's outstanding success attracted the media's attention, resulting in Good Morning America's decision to feature it on their broadcast slated for November 2. This unexpected exposure promises to inspire even more young minds to dream big and pursue their passions, making this Career Day an event that will be remembered for years. A big thanks to the entire Career Day Inc. team for their partnership and collaboration!


For more on Career Day Inc:


"Career Day Inc. organizes a program that aims to change the lives of young adults by introducing high school students to the paths others have taken to reach their career goals. By working in partnership with a variety of professionals and school staff, Career Day Inc.'s program creates an atmosphere of acceptance and opportunity for all students at every academic level. Our program emphasizes the importance of setting goals and using education to achieve aspirations by providing a forum for every student to feel valued and more confident. It is the philosophy of Career Day Inc.™ that when a student is presented with the opportunity to hear information directly from professionals about their experiences, it can have a significant impact on their confidence, direction, and long-term success."

Mental Health and Play

Below is an excerpt from a web article that you may find interesting. In the piece, the author states, "Its becoming apparent that the results of this shift are devastating. For a new paper​ published in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers compellingly argue that “a primary cause of the rise in mental disorders [in youth] is a decline over decades in opportunities for children and teens to play, roam, and engage in other activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults.”


Here is a link to the article: https://thegrowtheq.com/stop-hovering-and-let-kids-play-their-mental-health-depends-on-it/

AI in Schools

Ideas for using AI for various purposes in school:


  • Generated templates for writing letters of recommendation for students applying to college
  • Generated interview questions for positions that might not be familiar to the interviewer
  • Generated PowerPoints with a certain number of slides on a given topic,
  • Generated a synopsis of a 20-minute YouTube video
  • Aligned a district writing rubric with state standards

#WHe

zoom_out_map

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.
West Hempstead UFSD
www.whufsd.com
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