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West Hempstead Weekly Update
September 19, 2022
Managing Impulsivity and the Habits of Mind
It is incumbent upon the "village" to provide the tools to handle adversity. It's about teaching. If you cannot manage your impulsivity, you can create fragility, respond out of fear, suppress what you feel, and attempt to press onward, no matter the situation or demands. When we manage our impulsivity, we push ourselves to work with our bodies and mind instead of against them. We face the reality of the situation and what we can do about it, use feedback as information to guide us, accept the emotions and thoughts that come into play, and develop a flexible array of ways to respond to a challenge. Managing impulsivity is having the space to make the right choice under discomfort.
Chestnut Street
I can learn and eat? "Count" me in!
The Fall brings with it beautiful opportunities to learn and grow, both physically and mentally. When diving into some delicious apples and conducting taste tests, students learn new words, write, read, and learn about colors, tastes, smells, etc. Besides using their senses, students practice their motor skills, express emotions, state preferences, follow directions, and make predictions.
Cornwell Ave.
Building Foundational Skills - Building the Mind and Body
I witnessed a lot of phonics, and foundational literacy skill work this week at Cornwell Ave. Students were developing their reading skills by working on their "basics." Phonics is a part of our literacy philosophy. What can you do to support our work here at school? Read to your child(ren) daily, of course! Ask your child or teacher if you need a book recommendation. You can also visit the public library.
West Hempstead Public Library Hours
Mon – Thu: 9 am – 9 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Also pictured is our physical education class working on their gross motor skills. Movement is an important part of what we do. Grow the body and the mind!
George Washington
Skip Counting, Multiples, and More
Part of our students' mathematical development in the intermediate years is the move from additive to multiplicative thinking. This move allows students to understand more advanced mathematical concepts. Do you remember learning about fractions and proportions? A strong foundation allows these concepts to be developed more easily. I witnessed students skip counting and use their 100s and 300s charts to practice and look for patterns and factors. Skip counting is introduced in kindergarten to develop their counting skills and build their knowledge of multiples. Students learn to skip count through repetition and song. They eventually internalize their knowledge of multiplication facts.
How can you help?
You can:
- Count the value of nickels, dimes, quarters, etc.
- Use a clock to count by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc.
- Use blocks to count by any number as a visual aid.
West Hempstead Secondary School
Game Theory and Decision Making
Game Theory studies mathematical models of strategy and decision-making, allowing students to engage in various game types. Most of this course will be hands-on, allowing students to understand the mathematical relevance of several games and participate in the theories in a dynamic and student-centered approach. In addition to utilizing Game Theory within games, students will evaluate and apply the theorems to outside topics, including political science, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and military strategy (adapted from our course catalog).
When making a group decision, the administrative team likes to use the "Get Stuff Done Wheel" as our process. This includes listening, clarifying, debating, deciding, persuading, executing, and learning. The process allows the best ideas to surface, open and honest debate to occur, and time to reflect on the process and result. For example, when persuading, we are aware of the listener's emotions and ensure we manage our impulsivity. This is important if we are truly after the "best" answer.
Below, Ms. Wilkens's class is watching a video clip as a precursor to their lesson.
PreK
"Why is preschool so important? The answer is obvious: The young mind is wonderfully malleable, able to develop new habits with relative ease." - Wired - March 5, 2012
Have you joined SEPTA, PTA, and PTSA?
Everyone involved is a volunteer focused on meeting student needs. The difference between a great school and a wonderful school community is the strong relationships between teachers, administrators, staff, and parents.
Why join?
- You can have your voice and perspective heard.
- You can fundraise to support programs and initiatives.
- You can learn about the school community, and they can learn about you.
- You can be “reflective.” Your children can submit their work to The National PTA’s Reflections program. This 50-year-old program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts. Students submit artworks in several categories based on the year’s theme.
Join today and follow on social media!
PTA Join: https://whepta.memberhub.com/store Twitter and Instagram @WHEPTA
SEPTA Join: https://1966.memberhub.com/store Twitter @WHSEPTARocks Instagram @WHSEPTA
PTSA Join: https://whptsa-10-285.memberhub.com/store Twitter and Instagram @WHPTSA
West Hempstead Alma Mater
Upcoming Events
9/19 7 PM Open Campus Meeting for Seniors and Parents
9/19 7:30 PM PTA Meeting - CA Cafeteria
9/20 7:30 PM BOE Meeting - SS VCR
9/23 2 PM PTA Welcome Tea - CS
9/23 Pep Rally - SS
9/23 Picture Day for Students and Staff - Grades 7 & 8
9/24 Homecoming - Parade begins at 12:30 PM at CS - Carnival and Football game to follow
9/26 & 9/27 School Closed
10/1 SAT
10/5 Schools Closed
10/7 Progress Reports Viewable on PowerSchool
10/8 November SAT Registration Deadline
About Us
Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY, USA
Phone: 516-937-3000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhufsdRams
Twitter: @WhufsdRams