West Hempstead Weekly Update

March 15th, 2024, will forever be remembered as Cornwell Avenue's First Annual Family Math Game Day! The turnout from moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and neighbors was something to marvel at. Students in grades 1, 2, and 3 set up and prepared to teach their visitors some games they play in their inquiry-based Investigations math. The smiles were endless; parents thanked teachers for what they do each day and for us, inviting them to share in it. One parent said, "The homework doesn't do it justice. To see her so excited to share this with me and to see what she's doing every day is more than I could have imagined. I'm so proud of her." Our students were so proud. They felt valued and empowered. They took ownership of their learning and shared it with their special people. We can't wait until next year!

WHSS Hack-a-thon team, the R.A.M. Writers, came in third for best Capitol Defense project and second for best logo and banner. The team, led by captain Luke, was able to overcome some technical challenges at the Oregon Trail-themed event and put in a solid performance, gaining them 8th place out of 13 teams. The team: far-right Coach Stahl-Van Brackle, top right Justus (7), captain Luke (8), Donovan (7), Hadassah (7), bottom right Taylor (7), Mohammad (7), Jeremy (7), and Orin (7). Not pictured are alternates Trevor (7) and Daniel (8), whose work on the Capitol Defense project made it a winner.

Creativity and joy are always alive at Chestnut Street, whether it's crazy hair day in the UPK or kindergarteners showcasing their creative talents. The school's vibrant atmosphere fosters a sense of fun and positivity, encouraging students to express themselves creatively and embrace their uniqueness. These engaging activities bring smiles to students' faces and create lasting memories and a sense of community within the school.

At Cornwell Ave, the students dive into their day engaged on multiple levels. Mentally, they exercise their critical thinking muscles during small group instruction, collaborating with peers to deconstruct challenging concepts. Others receive personalized, one-on-one guidance from teachers, allowing for deeper exploration tailored to their needs. The physical education class involves their bodies actively, raising their heart rates with a game of hockey that builds their physical stamina. In language arts, students connect emotionally with the texts they study, using critical self-reflection to relate the narratives to their own lived experiences. This powerful synergy of mental rigor in core academics, physical exertion during fitness activities, and emotional investment in their learning create an environment where mental sweat becomes the norm.

The students at George Washington actively nurture their intellectual, creative, and social growth. While some are rehearsing for the upcoming musical production, collaborating in groups to perfect their vocals and choreography, others are exploring their intellectual pursuits through small group instruction. The students are seizing opportunities to cultivate their talents and passions inside and beyond the classroom setting. This holistic approach to education fosters a vibrant community of well-rounded individuals poised to excel in their future endeavors.

The hallways have been abuzz with purposeful activity as secondary students diligently work on their civics projects. Groups of students work across the district, notebook and recording devices in hand, seeking insights from staff members on important school issues. They interview principals about the potential pros and cons of an open campus policy for juniors, weighing arguments around responsibility and safety. The discussion shifts to security as the students meet with the Superintendent to learn about recent upgrades to doors, locks, and badge entry systems that enhance school safety. Not stopping there, the students also survey their classmates and teachers, gathering opinions on a proposition - implementing an earlier start time for younger students and a later arrival for secondary schoolers more aligned with teenage biorhythms. Through this immersive process of face-to-face interviews and data collection, the students gain a comprehensive understanding of multifaceted topics that impact their educational experience. Armed with these diverse perspectives, they can develop well-rounded civics projects that thoughtfully examine potential policy changes.

AI tools support staff in saving substantial time on activities such as lesson preparation, grading, and student evaluation. These tools collect data, propose lesson strategies, and organize students based on their learning requirements, allowing teachers to spend more time learning with and about students. For instance, McKinsey & Company's research indicates that utilizing technology, including AI, in preparation tasks could reduce teachers' workload by approximately 20 to 30 percent, significantly enhancing the quality of teaching and student-teacher interactions.

AI can contribute to developing comprehensive curricula focused on artificial intelligence. With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in various industries, #WHe (students and staff) must begin to discuss and develop strategies to incorporate AI-related coursework into our programs. For example, tablets and smart assistants can introduce students to machine learning concepts. AI literacy aims to equip staff and students with the necessary skills and understanding for future technological advancements.

- Adapted from https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilsahota/2023/12/15/precision-education-how-k-12-schools-are-embracing-ai/?sh=38f338952a9d

https://new.nsf.gov/science-matters/ai-education-ai-education

https://hechingerreport.org/were-going-to-have-to-be-a-little-more-nimble-how-school-districts-are-responding-to-ai/

“The New York State Testing Program began transitioning to a computer-based testing model in 2016 when the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) started using Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM). DLM is a computer-delivered adaptive assessment measuring a student’s achievement of the ELA and mathematics learning standards at a reduced level of depth, breadth, and complexity. This assessment provides the opportunity to customize the assessment to the individual abilities and needs of the student, is designed to measure a wide range of proficiencies of students, is more efficient to administer and score, and provides useful information to teachers to inform future instruction for the student. The NYSAA Science transitioned to DLM in spring 2018.

The transition to computer-based testing for the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics testing program began with optional participation in computer-based field tests in 2016. This was followed by optional participation in CBT in the spring operational tests in 2017 and schools have been provided the opportunity to choose their testing format since that time.” - Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner

Please click here for more information.

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.

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.

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