December 4, 2020

What it means to be a strong culture by Michael Morgan

Culture is one of those terms that, when asked to define, is extremely difficult to put your finger on. It’s the fabric woven in our everyday beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. Unseen, but ubiquitous.
November 6, 2020

Explorers Mural in NY campus

This mural features Henry Hudson (the school’s namesake), Zheng He, Matthew Henson, Amelia Earhart, and Ponce de Leon. Students selected which Spanish explorer to feature based on research and discussion considering the accomplishments, character, and personal qualities of several possible candidates.
June 30, 2022

Global Seal of Biliteracy 

For the first time HWIS awarded students the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a credential recognized in 41 states by high schools, colleges and employers that celebrates language skills and expands future opportunities for its recipients. Students receive a certificate which is numbered and can be tied into students’ Linked In profiles and put on their resumes.
June 22, 2022

Grade 8 Graduation – NY

On June 14 our NY community came together to celebrate HWIS’ first 8th grade graduation recognizing the achievements of Charles Doyle, Jack Perkins and Renzo Lau in the Mandarin program.  The celebration began with advice from Head of School Nelyda Miguel, followed by each graduate reflecting on his journey at HWIS delivered in both English and Mandarin. 
May 16, 2022

More technology, less sleep, less outdoor time and in-person social time = more depression

Parents have asked about technology and their children, particularly the use of smartphones, video games, and sites like TikTok. The New York Times is publishing a very good series on adolescent health. While direct proof is scarce, there are strong correlations between the rise of technology, less sleep, less in-person social life, and less outdoors with more depression among kids. 
April 1, 2022

Spanish and Mandarin Skills in Demand

85% of US employers are reliant on Spanish followed by 34% on Chinese. One in four employers lost business opportunities due to a lack of language skills. A study commissioned by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages interviewed 1,200 HR professionals reported that this need will continue to increase. Read the full report.
January 30, 2022

A Summary of HWIS’ webinar on Readers & Writers Workshop led by Donna Skolnick

On January 5, we held a webinar for parents led by Donna Skolnick, to discuss HWIS’ approach to developing writers. She discussed ways teachers and parents can encourage students to express themselves through writing and outlined a 4-step process whereby students pre-write, draft, review and edit in completion of a final piece. We highly recommend all parents review the video.
January 30, 2022

Scholastic® Literacy Pro

HWIS has purchased Scholastic® Literacy Pro, which provides 24/7, personalized access to over 2500 titles for students and teachers to set and monitor reading goals. Data on time spent reading, comprehension and level advancement helps students, parents and teachers support students’ reading advancement.