Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Community and family drive success at West Hempstead Secondary School.
Fostering community and creating a chosen family is at the heart of the West Hempstead Secondary School system on Long Island, according to Principal Joseph Pumo.
West Hempstead Secondary School, which serves grades seven through 12, offers numerous opportunities for older students to mentor younger ones. The school is a leading participant in the New York State Peer Mentoring Program, with nearly 150 mentors and mentees out of a student body of roughly 800.
West Hempstead students also participate in a Thanksgiving food drive, a tradition that has lasted nearly 20 years. Each year, students come together to create, box, and hand-deliver meals to families in the community.
Roughly 20 students participate in the Athletes Helping Athletes program, which trains high school leaders to address complex social issues. These athletes visit younger students in intermediate schools and serve as role models.
At West Hempstead Secondary School, we cultivate a civic community by prioritizing student engagement in real-world issues, fostering a sense of responsibility, and encouraging active participation in civic life, Director of Humanities Molly Geger said.
“A highlight is our commitment to the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, which provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become informed and engaged citizens and challenges them to enact change,” she wrote in an email.
“In our 7th grade Student Success class, students complete a Civics Capstone Project that promotes a hands-on approach to understanding civic responsibilities and the importance of active citizenship," Geger added.
"Additionally, the Civics Showcase, introduced last year, allows students to present their projects to their families, providing a platform for parents to witness firsthand the civic skills their children are developing,” she wrote.
For the seniors at WHSS, the Economics and Government class delves into the democratic process and civic responsibilities, preparing them for their roles as informed voters and active participants in society.
Civic community at the school means creating an environment where students feel connected, informed, and empowered to contribute positively to society. It’s about fostering a school culture that values informed dialogue, social responsibility, and active engagement in civic duties.
Through their programs and curriculum, students learn that their voices and actions can make a difference, both locally and globally. We aim to instill a sense of responsibility that extends beyond the classroom and into the broader community, preparing students to be thoughtful and proactive members of society.
Clubs and events at WHSS play a pivotal role in building a strong, inclusive community. They provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, explore interests, and develop leadership skills.
Many of the clubs are rooted in service and civic engagement, which encourages students to work together toward common goals and gives them practical experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and community building.
Clubs like Key Club, Inkblot, Wandering Minds, our school newspaper, The Rampage, bring together students, families, and faculty, highlighting student achievements and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
These activities strengthen the school’s civic spirit and encourage students to contribute to the school and local community in meaningful ways.
“Without having spoken to the students directly yet, I would say based on general conversations and feedback that the students appreciate the diverse opportunities available at WHSS that allow them to explore their interests, build new skills, and make a positive impact,” Geger wrote.
Many students express pride in their ability to take part in projects that promote social awareness and community engagement, and they feel supported by the faculty in pursuing their passions.
The chance to showcase their work in events like Family Literacy Night, STEMposium, and Community Arts Day allows students to gain confidence and recognition, and they enjoy the strong sense of connection these events foster among peers and the wider school community.
