Where intentionality meets growth and teachers meet students exactly where they are.
This week, step inside @WHChestnut Street and you'll immediately feel the difference. From small-group instruction circles to individualized reading conferences, our educators are creating something remarkable: the conditions where real thinking happens.
What makes it work? Intentionality. Teachers aren't just teaching to the middle. They're meeting each student where they are, differentiating in real time, and providing the precise support to help them reach higher. Guided reading groups. One-on-one coaching. Learning stations where collaboration and challenge coexist.
This is what engaged learning looks like. This is what "mental sweat" actually means—students working hard, asking authentic questions, making connections, and tackling challenges that push their capabilities.
Here's what parents should know: Real growth isn't always comfortable. But our incredible team at Chestnut Street understands that discomfort is often the doorway to breakthrough. By combining challenge with the right support, we're building not just stronger readers and thinkers, but confident learners who embrace difficulty as part of the process.
The culture at Chestnut Street says: You're capable of more than you think. We believe in you. And we're here to help you get there.
That's the Chestnut Street difference.
Ready to learn more about what's happening in our classrooms? Connect with @WHChestnut Street or reach out directly. We'd love to share your student's story.
#WHeRiseTogether #ChestnutStreet #IntentionalTeaching #MentalSweat #RealLearning
Our students came ready to learn, lead, and laugh this week. From collaborative problem-solving to meaningful discussions to moments of pure joy, Secondary School is where young leaders are discovering their voices and supporting each other every step of the way.
Because the best education isn't just about academics—it's about growing into the people we want to become.
Our hallways buzzed with collaboration this week! Whether students were harmonizing in our music program, partnering on literacy activities, or working side-by-side on creative projects, one thing was clear: together, we achieve more.
A huge thank you to our amazing staff, hardworking students, and supportive families who make George Washington a place where teamwork thrives.
#WHeRiseTogether
Event Details:
📅 Date: Sunday, October 19th
🕣 Meeting Time: 8:45 AM
📍 Meeting Location: Parking lot between the Auxiliary Police Booth and the PAL Building
🧤 Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and cleanup tools (rakes, pickers, etc.)
Exciting things are happening in our third-grade classrooms! This week marked the beginning of a new chapter in literacy instruction as students began working in small groups designed to accelerate reading growth for all learners.
The energy in these classrooms was absolutely palpable—students were genuinely excited to work in their groups, and teachers were equally energized about providing targeted, personalized instruction.
Why Small Group Literacy Matters
This initiative embodies one of our district's core values: when we say ALL students, we mean ALL students—not some. Small group instruction allows our talented educators to:
* Meet each learner exactly where they are in their reading journey
* Provide targeted skill instruction based on individual needs
* Build reading confidence through appropriate challenges
* Foster a love of reading through engagement and success
The Power of Differentiation
Our third-grade teachers have worked diligently to create flexible groupings that respond to each student's unique needs. This approach ensures that every Ram receives the right level of support and challenge to grow as a reader.
"Watching the students settle into their groups and seeing the excitement on their faces reminded us why differentiated instruction is so powerful," shared one of our third-grade teachers. "Every child deserves to feel successful, and these groups allow us to make that happen."
Looking Ahead
This work represents our ongoing commitment to instructional excellence and equity. As we continue this journey, we'll be monitoring student progress, adjusting groups as needed, and celebrating the growth of every single reader.
We're incredibly #RamProud of our third-grade teams for their dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. This is Ram Resolve in action.
#WHeRiseTogether
The Literacy Journey: Progress Updates and Family Resources
Dear Families and Community Members,
I'm excited to share updates on our district-wide literacy initiatives and provide you with practical resources to support reading development at home.
Recent Highlights: Our teachers have been implementing enhanced literacy instruction across all grade levels. We're seeing enthusiastic participation in classroom reading programs, and our school libraries are bustling with student activity. Early indicators show positive momentum in student engagement with reading.
Spotlight on Support: We recognize that every child's literacy journey is unique. Our reading specialists are available to work with students who need additional support, and we're expanding intervention programs to ensure no child falls through the cracks.
Family Resource Corner:
Free Digital Library Access: Download the Sora app using your library card to access thousands of e-books and audiobooks
Reading Lists by Grade: Find age-appropriate book recommendations on our literacy resource page (https://www.whufsd.com/page/district-literacy)
Conversation Starters: Visit our website for questions to ask your child about what they're reading
Save the Date: Our Family Literacy Night is coming up on October 23rd from 6:00-8:00 PM at the district administration building.
Looking Ahead: In the coming weeks, teachers will share individual student reading goals during parent-teacher conferences. These conversations are valuable opportunities to discuss your child's progress and create a coordinated plan for continued growth.
Reading proficiency is a journey, not a destination. With consistent support from school and home, every student can develop the skills they need to succeed.
"Being a first year teacher in the West Hempstead School District has been more than rewarding these last couple of weeks. I have been given the most amazing students to teach who are more than eager to learn. Besides this, the other teachers, faculty, and board members have been so welcoming and kind. All of them are always there to answer any questions I have or without a doubt are there to help. The West Hempstead School District isn't just a job, but it feels like a family and a home with people I can go to in any situation. I am so lucky and grateful to have found such an amazing place to call home!"
