West Hempstead Weekly Update

I am writing to address a recent disturbing incident that has affected our community. The district maintains a steadfast stance against any form of hate. Our commitment to fostering an environment of respect for all human beings remains unwavering.

The recent act of vandalism has deeply concerned us, and it is vital to emphasize that these matters are treated with the utmost confidentiality and are only discussed with those involved. Any incident that falls under the jurisdiction of the authorities and the affected families shall remain in their purview. The district respects and supports the necessary involvement from both these avenues in addressing such situations.

It is important to underline that our schools do not tolerate such behaviors. I will ensure that addressing hate is a priority and that this serves as a crucial teachable moment. I am committed to responding proactively.

Rest assured, the district will take a comprehensive approach to addressing any form of hate, focusing on educating the student body. I am dedicated to addressing this issue appropriately within the school environment.

I encourage open dialogue and a collective effort from students, parents, and staff to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and acceptance within our community. Together, we can stand against hate and create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Thank you.

Dan Rehman

Superintendent of Schools

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.

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.

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.

Higher-level thinking encompasses cognitive skills that extend beyond basic comprehension and recall. This framework aims to cultivate abilities that involve critical analysis, problem-solving, and creative thinking. It prompts students to delve into deeper levels of understanding, analysis, and evaluation.

Critical thinking within this framework encourages students to question, analyze, and evaluate information rather than simply accepting it at face value. It involves examining arguments, identifying biases, and recognizing logical fallacies. By fostering critical thinking skills, students learn to approach problems systematically, make informed decisions, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex concepts.

Problem-solving is another crucial aspect of higher-level thinking. It involves the ability to tackle challenges, both routine and complex, by employing various strategies, logical reasoning, and creativity. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to find innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Moreover, higher-level thinking nurtures creativity. It prompts individuals to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and explore unconventional approaches. This creative thinking is not limited to the arts but extends to problem-solving across various disciplines. It encourages students to explore multiple perspectives, experiment with solutions, and adapt their thinking to novel situations.

Educators play a pivotal role in designing learning experiences that promote higher-level thinking. They create environments that foster questioning, exploration, and the application of knowledge. By designing activities that challenge students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, educators facilitate the development of these critical skills. These activities include debates, case studies, research projects, collaborative problem-solving tasks, and open-ended assignments encouraging students to think independently and creatively.

By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, students become better prepared to navigate challenges, adapt to changes, and contribute innovative solutions in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

Centers play a pivotal role in early learning by providing a rich, diverse, and interactive environment for student's educational development. These centers encompass various areas such as art, literacy, science, math, dramatic play, and more, designed to cater to different learning styles and interests. They offer students opportunities to explore, experiment, and engage in hands-on activities, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth. By interacting with peers in these centers, students learn valuable social skills such as cooperation, sharing, and communication. Additionally, centers encourage problem-solving and critical thinking, laying a strong foundation for future academic success. Through these varied experiences, students can discover their interests and talents, fostering a lifelong love for learning. Centers in early education are not just physical spaces but essential environments that nurture holistic development, setting the stage for future academic achievements and overall well-being.

Each day arrives with its unique excitement woven from the vibrant discoveries and the promise of learning. It's a symphony of anticipation, an ever-unfolding narrative that beckons us to explore the unknown. The quest for knowledge is persistent, weaving through the fabric of daily experiences. From the subtlest nuances to the grand revelations, learning persists. Each day brings opportunities to delve into uncharted territories, fostering continual mental sweat. Embracing the day's enthusiasm while grasping the chance to absorb something new, we want to continue the cycle of continuous learning, broadening student's horizons.

Empowering students to take ownership of their learning in literacy through a gradual release of responsibility is a pivotal step toward fostering a lifelong love for reading and writing. When students feel a sense of autonomy and control over their learning, they are more likely to engage deeply with the material and develop a genuine passion for literacy. Encouraging students to set their reading goals and providing opportunities for independent writing projects not only builds their skills but also nurtures their creativity and critical thinking. By offering a supportive environment where students feel their voices are heard and their choices respected, educators can inspire a sense of responsibility and dedication in students to participate in their literacy journey. This ownership cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment, leading to a more profound and meaningful understanding of the written word and its significance in their lives. Ultimately, when students own their literacy learning, they are better equipped to navigate the world of information, express themselves confidently, and become enthusiastic, lifelong learners.

At a secondary school, the diverse learning landscape unfolds in various settings, catering to individual, small-group, and whole-group dynamics. Throughout the building, one can witness the individual pursuit of knowledge, where students engage with personalized learning tools or seek teacher guidance during one-on-one sessions. These moments exemplify tailored education, addressing specific needs and learning styles. Small groups collaborate on projects, discussions, or problem-solving tasks. These interactions foster teamwork, critical thinking, peer-to-peer learning, enhancing social skills, and mutual understanding. In the chorus room and auditorium, the "symphony" of education plays out on a grand scale. Here, whole group learning occurs, with teachers delivering lessons and collective discussions that shape the intellectual fabric of the entire cohort. This multi-dimensional educational approach at a secondary school cultivates diverse learning experiences, accommodating all students in various instructional formats.

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.

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