Dear Hastings Families and Staff,

“We made it!” 

Gus Renzin, Valedictorian, Class of 2023

“I love you.” 

Julien Amsellem, Salutatorian, Class President, Class of 2023

Six words, shared among many at last evening’s glorious HHS Graduation, convey the theme for the end of this school year. Gus opened with his three words, signifying shared accomplishment; Julien closed with his three words, signifying the deep connections among long-time classmates.

School years always have ups and downs, good and bad, dunks and near misses, smooth runs and stumbles, happiness and frustration (with each other), well-played notes and audio discord, goals achieved and, well, not…the list goes on. Gus and Julien reminded us last night that ultimately we should embrace two things: shared accomplishment and each other – that is what carries us forward.  

In that spirit, let me turn to the final Friday letter for the school year, providing a wrap-up compendium of shared accomplishments and celebrations of each other.  

Seventh Graders Get a Letter from the President & First Lady

After a few months of studying the creation and foundations of the United States government, seventh graders in Devita Cruz's social studies class wrote essays proposing two amendments to the Constitution. The top 10 students who composed the strongest arguments for change were chosen to have their essays mailed to Congressman Jamaal Bowman. A second set of essays mailed to the White House received a letter of response from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The students chosen were: Niamh Lynch, Jason Kass, Akansha Muthukrishnan, Emma Boudrias, Tabitha Smith, Christian Pinero, Ella Tadmor, Maria Arnon, Rory McKinnon, and Eli Sundheim. Click here to read the letter from the White House.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Unveils New Learning Commons Space at Hillside

With the snip of a pair of oversized scissors, Hillside Elementary School’s newest addition opened on Monday, June 12, in a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, staff and families across the district. The addition, called the Learning Commons, includes a collaborative makerspace and library with comfy, functional areas for students and teachers to explore books and other resources. Click here to watch a video of the ceremony, including photos of the new space, featured in the 6/15 Hastings Happenings.

Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony 

Congratulations to Hillside's Kindergarteners, who are on their way to first grade in September. They were honored on Thursday, June 15, in a Moving Up Ceremony in the Multi-Purpose room–complete with cheering and waving family members, wonderful singing by the students, and doting teachers and staff. Look for a photo montage of the event in the final Hastings Happenings of the school year (6/27).

Hastings High School's Community Scholarship & Award Night 

Last Thursday evening, June 15, Hastings High School held its Annual Community Scholarship & Award Night. Hastings Alumni Association awarded a total of $33,750 in scholarships for 21 Hastings High School students. Many other families and agencies also gave scholarships, several named for lost loved ones, signifying the remarkable care Hastings residents and families have for our schools and students. Nancy Gagliardi, who will be retiring this year, deserves a standing ovation for her careful and expert stewardship of the scholarships and awards program over many years.  

• Click here to view a video segment from the event. 
• The official program for the evening, listing all the scholarships and awards, is included in the HHS Commencement Program. 

FMS Grecian Festival (Grade 6)

As part of their Ancient History unit, Farragut Middle School’s sixth grade learned about ancient Greece in their social studies class this past month. Exploring the Parthenon and participating in plays about ancient Greek mythology were just two of the activities bringing to life ancient civilization. The unit culminated with the annual Grecian Festival on Friday, June 16, during which students competed on teams in knowledge-based challenges. 

Kudos to Barabara Richman for organizing and ensuring effective delivery of the Grecian Festival for the 23rd year. Ms. Richman was quick to thank several colleagues for a great day, and I quote:

• Jessica in the cafeteria for the Grecian style lunch.
• Mike Rubino for coming up with the idea of Greece has Talent and with John Carini running the first ever 6th grade talent show with about 25% of the 6th grade sharing a talent and others acting as commentators.  
• Ezra Elliot for presiding over the pottery project which began a month ago with a pottery workshop in art class and continued with the Met Museum visit and ends when students pick up their twice fired pots in the fall.  
• The PE department–with the assistance of Chris Lembo and Anthony Soscia and two other former sixth graders who are now interns–who pivoted to bring the Olympics indoors and added a new event to the line-up, the vertical jump.  
• Sixth grade team teachers who ran activities in the morning and covered classes. 
• Patrick Theodule for AV support.
• Jennifer Spirelli, Kamilah Dawkins, Michele Avila and Alison O’Leary for helping with coverages and other logistics.

Stay tuned for photos in the upcoming Hastings Happenings (6/27). 

Hillside Field Day

Hillside celebrated the end of the school year with Field Day on Friday, June 16, facilitated by Hillside's Physical Education team. Students in all grades took on physical activity and other friendly challenges. They competed on color-coded teams while participating in sack races and problem-solving activities, all while cheering on their classmates and their school before summer arrived. A photo montage of the day will be included in the final Hastings Happenings of the school year (6/27). Kudos to the Hillside Physical Ed team for a superb, action-filled day–managed carefully to not let rain or thunder diminish the joy.  

Annual Eighth Grade Career Day

On Tuesday, June 20th, eighth graders at Farragut Middle School participated in Career Day. This is the culminating unit in the Home & Career Skills class. The program heightens awareness of the world of work, assures students that all school subjects are necessary for a successful career, raises awareness about careers that are important to our society, and provides insights into the personal goals and values necessary to inform career choices. Click here to view the brochure, which includes a list of the speakers and presenters. More information and photos will be included in the next Hastings Happenings 6/27.

Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony & Senior Clap Out

A ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 21, to celebrate fourth graders’ transition to FMS in the fall. From the procession guided by On My Way (Phil Collins) and the students’ original performance of How Far I'll Go, to the joyful recessional, decorations, and gathering of families afterwards, the event was a wonderful send-off for the Class of 2031, honoring all of their accomplishments at Hillside. 

The Moving Up ceremony gave way to the Annual Senior Clap Out, a tradition that connects the district’s younger students to the graduating seniors, nearly all of whom attended Hillside. Elementary students lined the hallways holding up signs that read "Good Luck" and "Congratulations!" while seniors in Class of 2023 White T-Shirts strutted along, met at each step with high fives and cheers. 

Farragut Middle School Recognition Night – Class of 2023

On Wednesday evening, the HHS Auditorium was packed with adoring family, friends and staff for the FMS Recognition Night – Class of 2023, celebrating the eighth grade class as they completed FMS and moved on to HHS. The 2023 slideshow entertained the gathering crowd until the students paraded in, led by faculty. Smoothly emceed by Mr. James Adamo (Mr. Ken Cotrone, Class Advisor, was at his daughter's high school graduation), the program included inspirational speeches by Ms. Jennifer Spirelli and Maxwell Silva Steeves (Student Speaker). The class strode out in rhythm to Celebration (Kool and the Gang) and, after hugs from family and friends, headed to Cochran Gymnasium, which had been converted by the PTSA into a veritable nightclub of food, refreshments, games and dance. Please join me in thanking Jennifer Spirelli for guiding the eighth grade class over the past three years to the next step in their educational career.   

The Ultimo – Hastings High School 115th Commencement

Last night, the Class of 2023 was launched into their future by a glorious ceremony, held this year in the Cochran Gymnasium. (Major thanks to the Building & Grounds team for creating a beautiful layout for the ceremony.) The Band/Orchestra (led by Eric Day) played as the class arrived to cheers and applause. The National Anthem, performed with grace by the Chorus (led by Jon Riss), and the Pledge of Allegiance (recited by Junior Barney Smith) started the program. A heart-felt speech by Mr. Lou Adipietro came next, followed by wonderful speeches by Julien Amsellem, Dr. Kern Mojica (HHS Class of 1999) and Gus Renzin. Through each speech, the seniors smiled, laughed, nodded knowingly, and applauded with gusto. The Final Act, the presentation of diplomas, was 139 moments of a gymnasium bursting with pure joy.  

Go Well, Stay Well, Class of 2023!

Final Word

Here’s to a restful and relaxing summer, which I also know will include learning and growth for each of us. See you in August (staff) and September (students).

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff,

“Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!” Glancing at his watch, down the rabbit hole the White Rabbit went, followed with great curiosity by Alice. (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 1, Lewis Carroll, 1865).

The White Rabbit was me at this time last year. Today, I am a Pooka version of the White Rabbit, attempting to keep up with the remarkable pace of the final days of school for 2022-23. So, to slow it down, as I typically advise seniors in their final week, I will extend this week’s review into a full on, end-of-year Friday letter next week. Please look forward to my take on:

• Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony
• HHS Community Scholarship & Award Night 
• Hillside Field Day
• FMS (Grade 6) Grecian Festival
• HHS Graduation
• Several Surprises

In the meantime, be sure to see yesterday's Hastings Happenings for multimedia highlights of Hillside's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Learning Commons, a Hillside trip to Harvest on Hudson, Hastings’ Metro Award winners, and a Letter from the President (7th grade social studies).

Juneteenth – Recognized on June 19 with District Closure 

We are fully closed on Monday, June 19 in recognition of Juneteenth, which “commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.” Please take time on June 19 to consider the significance of Juneteenth and the continued need for us to find ways (often new ways) to study, understand and respect the full history of our nation. The resources provided here are a good starting point, opening with the statement: 

“Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War was over and that enslaved people were free. While the day has been celebrated in many communities ever since, it was only recognized as a Federal holiday in 2021.”

Pride Month – June 2022

Starting with the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969, Pride Month commemorates and celebrates the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community through the years. Educational organizations across the country, joined by the Hastings public schools and Village of Hastings, have been recognizing Pride Month. As we move towards the end of June, please take a moment to avail yourself of educational resources organized by the Library of Congress.  

Final Word

We have worked hard this year–all of us–with lots of product and growth. Here’s to an upbeat, energetic (White Rabbit-like) final week of school. The final Friday wrap will arrive on June 23, the day after school ends.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

A week marked by troubling environmental conditions brought to the fore the need for us to be responsive, flexible, thoughtful, and patient–with ourselves and each other.  Soon after we had the impact of COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror, in rolls dangerous smoke-filled air from the north.  Who among us had planned for either situation?  Fortunately, what occurred for educators and schools with COVID-19 prepared us for the smoke of this week.  Most importantly, there was cohesion among professionals within the district, and across the region, who connected quickly on best approaches, all with the intent of maximizing teaching and learning, and keeping students and staff healthy and safe.  We drew on proven systems for communications among educators and with staff and families.  Never perfect, for sure, but we did well, with my biggest thanks to students and families, who were responsive, flexible, thoughtful, and patient.

To close the week, I focus on FMS in two ways, shift to a feature on Science Research, bring in Hillside arts and music, and end with a commitment to fostering student voice and leadership in the new school year (2023-24).   Read on, please.

FMS Moving Forward

A detailed update on the Action Plan for FMS was provided at the June 6 BOE Meeting.  The presentation is posted in BoardDocs under the relevant agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting. Melissa Szymanski led the presentation, joined by Kamillah Dawkins, Tesfa Stewart, Jenice Mateo-Toledo, Danielle DalCero and Jocelyn Perez.  (Jennifer Spirelli, who has led the development and implementation of the Action Plan, was at a BOE Meeting for her new district, where they voted on her appointment.)  While only in early stages, the Action Plan, and the initial work underway these several months, is centered on fostering a school culture where students value intellectual, social and emotional growth, and treat each other with dignity and respect. 

As the leaders stressed, and several of us echoed, FMS is a safe and healthy school, with the vast majority of students engaged in their learning and supporting each other.  At the same time, we know improvements are needed in the intellectual work and behavioral patterns among students. This will be our focus moving into the new school year, with a revised FMS Action Plan tied into the emerging Portrait of a Hastings Learner action steps:

1. Enhanced authentic learning opportunities, including interdisciplinary lessons/units. 
2. An advisory-like opportunity to support SEL and students’ sense of belonging.
3. A community charter around behavioral expectations
4. Restorative practices 

FMS Superintendent Outreach  

I have been conducting a series of roundtable discussions with FMS faculty, parents and students.  The guiding question for my outreach is, “To get FMS to the next level of work with students, what do we need to be examining?  What questions do we need to answer?”  I am open-ended in the “definition of work with students,” prompting participants to consider all aspects of the student experience at FMS.  

I have met over the past month with Team Coordinators (faculty) and two sets of parents (totaling nearly 20 individuals).  These discussions have been far-ranging, open and constructive. I believe my “appreciative inquiry approach” has been well received.   Melissa Szymanski has joined me in the roundtables.  I will be expanding my outreach to students before the school year closes, as well as to additional sets of parents over the next couple of months.  When school resumes, I will schedule regular roundtables with FMS faculty, parents and students.  I will periodically share themes from what I am hearing in the roundtables. 

Hastings Science Research Program – An Inspiring Overview

Tuesday’s BOE Meeting opened with an inspirational presentation by Melissa Shandroff and three of the students in the Science Research Program, which she has created and led with remarkable rigor and output since 2007.  Ms. Shandroff led off with a slide deck providing a valuable history of the Science Research Program.  Please take time to review her slide deck.  It highlights the ability of Hastings students, guided by an expert teacher, to undertake sustained research on challenging and relevant topics.  Please note the growth in the number of students in the program (from four in 2007, to 29 currently, to 41 for next year), and the recommendation that we expand the program from a two year to three-year opportunity.

The featured students are listed below, along with their research topics.  The advanced nature of the listed topics was matched by the students’ sophisticated, accessible explanation of their research and findings.  A nice moment was hearing about their personal paths to particular topics. To put it technically, Wow!

• Sarah Korosi: "Factors Affecting Outcomes of Surgical Interventions for Occlusive Isolated Popliteal Artery Disease"
• Julia Rotiroti: "Examining the Accumulation and Displacement of Toxic and Essential Metals in the Kidney, Heart, and Liver of Mice Exposed to E-Cigarette Aerosol"
• Paul Sliker: "Utilization of Pyrogenic Carbon to Boost Decomposition of Matter and Microbial Activity in the Presence of Microplastics" 

Hillside’s Night of the Arts – First-Ever, Now Always

A schedule collision forced me to miss the first-ever Hillside Night of the Arts on Tuesday evening (it was directly opposite the above noted BOE meeting), combining student art and musical performances.  I have heard spectacular reports since Tuesday about the event–both for the quality and range of the art, and the spirit and enthusiasm of the community of students, teachers and families it gathered.  Please see the latest Hastings Happenings (June 8, 2023) for a colorful, celebratory article on the program.  Let me give a special shout out to Hillside Art Teacher, Zerlina Panush for spearheading the first-ever and, I would predict, now-always, program.  

The gallery walk of over 1,100 student pieces led to the Spring Concert, where students performed in the Grade 3-4 Chorus, Grade 4 Orchestra, Grade 4 Little Kids Rock (guitar), and Grade 4 Grade Band.  The students were directed with expertise and creativity by Chris Campbell, John Carini and Mike Rubino. 

HHS Student Leadership for 2023-24

A priority for me in the new school year (already looking ahead) will be cultivating student voice and leadership, especially in FMS and HHS.  Fortunately, HHS has well established structures and forums for student voice and leadership, some of which I have been able to tap the past two years.  I will redouble my listening outreach with students at HHS and provide similar opportunities for FMS students.  For now, as the year winds down, I want to list the formal HHS student leaders recently announced for the coming year.

9th Grade
President - Will Tenthoff
Vice President - Max Silva Steeves
Secretary - Ellie Esposito 
Treasurer - Maya Sanzel 

10th grade
President - Emily Taylor
VP - Michael Leyden
Treasurer - Siri Rosenberg
Secretary - Tavia Seitz

11th grade:
President - Jack Maney
VP - Nitin Kodali
Treasurer - Natalie Garson
Secretary - Miles Cupal

12th grade:
President - Sonya Lasser
VP - Austin Schiffer
Treasurer - Shira Oppenheimer
Secretary - Lisa Ramos

Student Union:
President - Barney Smith
VP - Erik Ghalib
Treasurer - Elianna Carvalho
Secretary - Maya Tadmor

Student Liaisons to the Board of Education:
Elianna Carvalho – Senior
Kaia Dirksen - Junior

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff: A short week begets a short Friday roundup.  I must say, the refreshed and energized students and staff I have encountered across the district since Wednesday speaks to the upside of our uncommonly extended Memorial Day Weekend.   Senior Prom Let me start with a quick shout-out to a glorious Senior Prom, held on Tuesday evening along the shores of Long Island Sound at Glen Island Harbour Club (New Rochelle).  I joined Lou Adipietro, Melissa Hardesty, Nancy Gagliardi, Greg Smith, Tim O’Brien, Christine Geller, Chris Repp and Joanne Cipollina in greeting 160 students as they arrived on three coach buses for fine refreshments, food, dancing and bonding ahead of their fast approaching graduation.  Having seen all the students around the halls these past two years, I was impressed with their stylish attire and manner.  Kudos to Senior Class Advisors Greg Smith and Nancy Gagliardi for engineering a night for our students to remember. National Honor Society Inductees – 2023 On Thursday evening, 60 juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society. Students are selected for the National Honor Society (NHS) based on achieving high standards of scholarship, leadership, service and character.  During the ceremony, the inductees' pledge to “maintain and encourage” these high standards as they continue their schooling.   Lou Adipietro and I had the opportunity to celebrate the 60 inductees and their families.  For my part, I focused on Leading with Character, picking up on one of the four NHS pillars (Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character).  I am thinking about character a lot these days, especially the character of leaders.  As I shared with the inductees, any close read of history tells us that the character of our leaders has always been a hot topic. We have been marked by a persistent struggle to follow the “better angels of our nature,” to quote Abraham Lincoln. I offered the inductees a character checklist, asking them to consider regularly the extent to which they demonstrate: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.   Having come to know many of the juniors, I was confident in telling the 60 inductees: You evidence through word and deed the best of what we hope for in our students and young people.   You are pace-setting examples of blending intellectual rigor, big hearts and a helping hand.   The National Honor Society can be assured that you will be superb flag-bearers. I closed by thanking NHS Faculty Advisors Maria Rudolph and Faye Barenfeld for guiding these 60 students to a pinnacle of success.  Joined by all the students, I offered special thanks to the families for their dedication and support.   Multicultural Book Fair – Year Seven Thursday and Friday the Cochran Gym was converted into a vibrant literary space for the Seventh Annual Multicultural Book Fair.  Walking the Fair with organizer Dr. Jenice Mateo-Toledo, I was struck by the breadth of material and the sensitivity to developmental needs (grades K-12).  At the Book Fair’s core is the rigorous view that the written word is a powerful path to understanding our diverse histories, cultures and experiences.   If you missed the Book Fair this year, please be sure to come out next year–you will be rewarded with many good reading options for your student(s).  To wit: I expanded my Kwame Alexander collection, buying a hardback copy of The Door of No Return (2022).  So enthused, I tripped up the stairs while reading on the way back to my office. Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

A much-anticipated extra-long weekend is here–to rest, relax and, I hope, take a thoughtful moment to remember the U.S. Military personnel we honor on Memorial Day for their ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation.

Abraham Lincoln had a profound insight about contrasting truths, which buoyed him as he moved through unimaginably difficult times and decisions. Simply put, and I paraphrase, we are not all good nor all bad; we must strive to have our better sides outweigh our lesser sides.

Let me continue to raise up Hastings' better sides–our ongoing accomplishments as an educational community.

Honoring Hastings 2023 Tenure Recipients 

On Tuesday evening, the BOE meeting kicked off with a celebration of five teachers receiving tenure this year. Following a reception for the teachers and their families, friends and colleagues, we moved upstairs to the FMS Auditorium to hear detailed and inspirational testimonials from each teacher’s principal and assistant principal. BOE members added their personal reflections about the honorees, before voting unanimously to award tenure. As many remarked, this is an annual pinnacle for the district, when we honor superb educators with good words and cheers for achieving tenure in the Hastings Public Schools.  

Please join me in congratulating these five outstanding teachers:

• Jamie Bragg, First Grade, Hillside Elementary School
• Amanda Peisel, Fourth Grade, Hillside Elementary School
• Linda Tam, Fourth Grade, Hillside Elementary School
• Eric Day, Music, Farragut Middle School & Hastings High School
• Faye Barenfeld, Science, Hastings High School

Hastings Students Receive 2023 National Merit Commendations 

In late April, we learned that 13 Hastings High School juniors were named 2023 National Merit Commended Scholars by the College Board. Last year, seven HHS juniors received this honor. “The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year.”  Students are recognized based on their PSAT scores. Less than five percent of test takers receive commendation from the National Merit Program. Simply put, the following 13 juniors are in rarified company nationally:

• Justin Baldassarre
• Robert Burdick
• Hazel DePreist-Sullivan
• Erik Ghalib
• Jacob Goldman-Wetzler
• Sonya Lasser
• Harin Lee
• Miles Levine
• Owen Linder
• Maya Madajewicz
• Lionel Muench
• Katharine Strutton
• Zixuan Wang

Race Matters Committee 2023 Art Contest Winners

The Race Matters Committee (RMC) recently announced the 2023 Art Contest Winners and Honorable Mentions.  

HHS 
Winner – Emma Gelman - 11th Grade
Honorable Mention – Brandon Pintado - 10th Grade

FMS
Winner – Noah Smith - 6th Grade
Honorable Mention – Prita Berry - 7th Grade

Hillside
Winner – Ira Nivarthi - 4th Grade
Honorable Mention – Abby Lumalcuri - 4th Grade

Images of the winners' pieces may be viewed here, and will be on full display at the 7th Annual Multicultural Book Fair on June 1-2, 2023. The artwork will also be featured in the PTSA Calendar. 

Now in its seventh year, the RMC Art Contest is a partnership of the RMC, PTSA - Inclusion Working Group (PTSA-IWG), and the Art Department. This year, students were asked to create works reflecting a quote from Diane Nash, “Freedom, by definition, is people realizing that they are their own leaders.” In July 2022, Ms. Nash was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her leadership of the American Civil Rights Movement, including being one of the original “Freedom Riders.”  

Dr. Jenice Mateo-Toledo, DEI Coordinator, expressed special thanks to the Art Department for their support, especially Ezra Elliott, Chairperson, and Zerlina Panush, Hillside art teacher, who took the lead in supporting our students as they designed artwork. Winners were selected by members of the RMC and PTSA-IWG. 

Spring Athletics Finishing a Good Run

The Spring athletic season is nearly completed, with a few select student-athletes still in postseason competition. As we head into a long weekend, it is a good moment to review accomplishments from a season well run.

Eight of Hastings Spring Varsity Athletic Teams earned the NYSPHSAA Team Scholar-Athlete Award. For the entire school year, 24 of our 26 Varsity Teams have earned this prestigious recognition. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team, the team’s grade point average (GPA) for 75% of the roster must be greater than or equal to 90.00. The eight recognized teams are: Boys Tennis, Girls Lacrosse, Baseball, Boys Track & Field, Girls Track & Field, Boys Golf, Girls Golf, and Softball.

"Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for excelling in the classroom and on the playing field. Hastings is proud to have you represent the Yellow Jackets," said Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics Drew Wendol. "I also want to thank the Hastings teachers and staff for doing a great job educating all of our Hastings student-athletes. This honor would not be possible without your hard work, dedication, and caring nature. You are crucial to the overall development of the children of Hastings."

Last week, junior Caitlin Thomas had a personal best time of 10:18.27 in the Girls 3000mm to win the Westchester County Championship. Run Caitlin Run! We are cheering you on!

For more details, names and inspiration, please visit the Section 1 Interscholastic Athletics Spring Sports Sectionals summary and the 2023 Spring Athletic Highlights. Both pages on the Athletics Department website are regularly updated.

Remembering a Reminder: Extended Memorial Day Weekend

Please remember that Memorial Day Weekend has been extended by two days (due to the give-back of the unused inclement weather days). There is no school on Friday, May 26, Monday, May 29 and Tuesday, May 30, 2023. 

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

“Run Lola Run…Run Lola Run…” 

Watching these final weeks of school, I can’t get the dominant image (and percussion rich soundtrack) of the 1998 German “experimental thriller film” out of my head. The frantic, non-stop pace–Lola’s running to a driving beat–is what I see and feel. Arguably, the film ends in a good place (after racing through dark moments).  

Our frantic pace is evidenced this week by my dash through a rush of highlights. Lace up your Keds, let’s go! We, too, will finish in a good place.

Seniors Off to Internships

An annual Rite of Passage began this Monday for the Class of 2023–the Seniors are Off to Internships. Friday before school ended, the HHS lobby was overwhelmed by a range of emotions as Seniors concluded their final “regular school day” in the building.

The Senior Internship Program is managed by John Buchanan and draws on many faculty, as well as mentors in the field for the internships. I want to raise up, thanks to guidance from Mr. Buchanan, all those helping the Class of 2023 finish their HHS run in applied fashion.

In addition to the mentors who advise the students on a regular basis, there are supervising teachers who check in with both the mentors and students once a week to make sure everything is going all right. Here is a list of the supervising teachers: Jeff Conwisar, Brad Hunt, Cory Merchant, Sorin Mihalcescu, Tim O'Brien, Peter Scotch, Greg Smith, Lorienne Solaski, Greg Stephens, Sarah Walters, Trina Weitman and Joe Willie.

The students will be on the internships for four weeks from May 15 to June 9. They put in 20 hours a week. Some of the internships, as you may observe, are self-designed; others through various organizations in our community and even throughout the country (One student, Hannah Kirshbaum, for example, is working at a YMCA camp for the Sioux community in South Dakota!)

On June 12, the seniors will return and give short three-minute presentations to the underclassmen in order to inspire their classmates to think about their internships in successive years.

Juniors Moving On Up

Surprise! There was a Junior Moving Up Ceremony on Monday at lunch, with free ice cream sundaes for all juniors. Guided by Maria Rudolph (Junior Class Advisor), the celebration was planned by Barney Smith (president), Erik Ghalib (vice president), Lucy Richer (secretary), and Sonya Lasser (treasurer), who combined to send me this review:

The Junior Moving Up Ceremony was AMAZING!! Starting on Thursday, May 11th, Junior Student Union representatives generated excitement and anticipation for "something special" with cryptic hints on Google Classroom. When on Monday morning we announced a “Junior Only Emergency” over the loudspeaker, our grade was thrilled to see an “Ice Cream Emergency” truck parked in the courtyard, decorated like an ambulance and attended by workers in scrubs. The juniors all sat together during lunch in the balloon-and-streamer-laden courtyard, enjoying our ice cream sundaes to the tune of some celebratory music! We'd like to give a HUGE thank you to Ms. Rudolph, our grade advisor, for putting this together with us, and to the PTSA for providing a grant to cover almost all of the cost! We're so excited to establish this ceremony as a fun tradition for future incoming seniors. 

FMS Mountain Workshop

Energy was flowing in all the correct ways when I dropped by the FMS Mountain Workshop on Monday afternoon. No, I did not climb a mountain to find the students; they were spread across Reynolds Field, moving in well choreographed activities by leaders with the organization, Mountain Workshop. Faculty organizer Scott Shapiro sent me the following summary, to help bring to life what I was lucky to witness in person.

On a beautiful Monday, May 15, seventh grade students took the field and participated in a variety of team building activities led by Mountain Workshop. One of the STEM-inclined challenges included designing and building a drivable go-kart made of PVC plumbing pipes, axle rods and wheels. The activity culminated in a marketing presentation and a grand-prix style race. Other games included Tic,Tac,Toe Relay; Pass, Catch, Dance; On-Target Slingshot; Fruit Loop Football; Hula-Hoop Can Jam; Poop Deck; and 1 Fish 2 Fish, Guess Who?

The program aimed to demonstrate the value of diversity and teamwork. Indeed, the students were highly engaged and collaborative as they rotated through the different stations. 

Thanks again to the PTSA for partial funding of this event. 

FMS/HHS Art Show

The annual FMS/HHS Art Show was mounted this week, to great acclaim by students, faculty, families, as well as community members who took in the show while here on Tuesday to vote. The show opened Monday evening in the Cochran Gym–half of the space was converted into an art gallery, displaying hundreds of pieces in all possible mediums by FMS and HHS students. On Tuesday, teachers brought their classes to view the show during the school day. That same day, on the other side of the Gym, separated by a big curtain, was the Budget and BOE Vote; all day and evening people could look at the art and then vote or vice versa. 

Walking the show on Tuesday evening, I noticed a fascinating interplay between the art and community members–they were fixated on the work, drawing inspiration from the remarkable range of our students’ artistic talent. One senior couple remarked, “Will this be up tomorrow? I want to come back.” Good news: Selected works from the show are on display in the High School Lobby. Kudos to our FMS and HHS art teachers for making it happen. Thank you, April Browne, Ezra Elliott, Cory Merchant, Nate Morgan and Lorienne Solaski.

Academic Field Day

Exercise the mind and body–an ancient tradition that keeps being reborn as schools roll forward. With the Seniors away, and AP Exams done, this Wednesday marked HHS’s spring tradition of Academic Field Day. From early morning until lunch, students exercised their minds and body in three different 50 minute workshops. Over 35 choices were offered, including red carpet and male fashion (separate workshops), ballroom dancing, weight lifting, Wordle-Nerdle-Worlde…, becoming “SuperHuman,” java programming, Karaoke song selection, college comedians, the film Baraka, Soccer..Futbol..The Beautiful Game, history through musicals, and exploring Hillside Woods. I returned with an updated version of the workshop, “So You Want to be a Superintendent (Maybe)?”  

Echoing what I witnessed last year, the morning allowed for a creative, well-organized release, fostering connections among and between students, teachers and administrators. Speaking personally, whether or not my two groups learned much about being a superintendent, we got to know each other better, which will be a boost headed into next school year.

Kudos to Josh Blum, English Department Chair, for guiding Academic Field Day with energy and grace.

Spring Concerts – With Rhythm

Packed houses were treated on Tuesday and Thursday nights to the 7-8th Grade and HHS Spring Concerts. Several hundred singers and instrumentalists performed in their respective bands, choral groups, orchestras and jazz bands. Deftly directed by Eric Day and Jon Riss, the musicians covered a wide range of pieces, at once challenging and joyful. As impressive as the 7-8th graders were Tuesday night, their older counterparts on Thursday demonstrated the remarkable growth of our students as musicians as they advance through FMS and HHS. Families, siblings and friends strode out from both concerts with a contagious rhythm in their steps and smiles. Play On, Sing On, Hastings!  

(NB: The music continues this Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the HHS Auditorium with the 5-6th Grade Spring Concert under the direction of Mike Rubino.) 

Budget Vote –Thank You

A wise person once told me, “sometimes, few words mean the most.” So, regarding the Budget passage Tuesday, with voter turnout surpassing neighboring districts, I say simply, “Thank You!”  

I see two truths in the vote: an endorsement of the work to date; and, the expectation to do even better.  

A Closing Reminder: Extended Memorial Day Weekend

Please remember that Memorial Day Weekend has been extended by two days (due to the give-back of the unused inclement weather days). There is no school on Friday, May 26, Monday, May 29 and Tuesday, May 30, 2023.  

Take the opportunity to recharge for our final run. “Run, Lola, Run”

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

Heritage–the concept and reality–is my through line this week. Work with me on this; by the signature line you will see I am underscoring a fundamental connector for us as an educational community, even as we naturally struggle at times to be unified across differences.  

Heritage is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture. Most important, it is the range of contemporary activities, meanings, and behaviors [from which] we draw…Heritage includes, but is much more than preserving, excavating, displaying, or restoring a collection of old things. It is both tangible and intangible, in the sense that ideas and memories–of songs, recipes, language, dances, and many other elements of who we are and how we identify ourselves–are as important as historical buildings and archaeological sites. (The UMass-Amherst Center for Heritage & Society)

Most relevant for Hastings, heritage “is the range of contemporary activities, meanings, and behaviors from which we draw. “

I open with an immediate example of Hastings’ heritage, then shift to two national conceptions of heritage being celebrated this month, both of which resonate with who we are in Hastings. I close with a final reminder on the upcoming Budget and BOE Candidate Vote on–May 16.

HASP 2023 Graduation Ceremony

On Wednesday morning, the five seniors graduating this year from Hastings Alternative School Program (HASP) were feted in their own ceremony on Reynolds Field. (The five seniors will join the full Class of 2023 for graduation on June 22.) Having witnessed two years of HASP graduations, I can attest to its centrality in our heritage as a school community. The ceremony is a touchsource of meaning and behavior from which we draw inspiration.  

Established in 1985, HASP is an alternative education program within Hastings High School. Started for 11th graders, it gradually expanded to provide opportunities for 9th-12th grade students. The Mission:

HASP promotes a sense of family and a philosophy of “voluntary involvement.” Through small classes, regular Community Meetings… HASP seeks to provide a foundation of engagement, commitment, and an enriched education for every child. Students are challenged to realize their highest potential in a small-community atmosphere that emphasizes learning and achieving success.

HASP’s graduating seniors gather each year in mid-May with fellow HASP students, teachers and administrators, and family members to celebrate graduation. The ceremony’s signature is individual remarks by each senior about their journey to graduation.  

This year’s five seniors shared their journey with a personal blend of emotion, clarity, insight and maturity–once again marking the HASP ceremony as a source of our meaning, heritage, and school community. Gratitude was expressed by each senior for their classmates and friends, specific teachers and administrators, and their parents and families. Most inspiring were five statements (shared randomly here):

• Remember the people you have…
• Try not to take moments for granted…
• My friends…you bring me so much laughter, it becomes a mini-Ab workout when we are together…
• Believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself…with never ending support and unconditional love…
• HASP has been a blessing and shaped me into who I am…

While the students featured many faculty and administrators, let me echo their most common praise, first for Peter Scotch, in his 18th year teaching in HASP, and second for Christina Repp, who was featured by each student for her tireless compassion and care as HHS Social Worker. In this week of staff appreciation, Peter and Chris epitomize what is best about so many of our staff and teachers.

Please join me in applauding the HASP Class of 2023:

• Julian Cerino
• Luca Dimnet
• Miranda Mosco
• Kai Owens
• Joaquin Pelaez

Honoring the Heritages Among Us

Hastings is strong for the varied heritages that come together in our schools. In the midst of academic demands and extracurricular activities, we attempt to explore, examine and honor the diversity among us. In a small way, I want to make sure families take a moment this month to pay tribute to Asian Pacific American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, established in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush to “honor the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Native Hawaiians.” Among many possible sources, I would recommend perusing a website hosted by The Library of Congress for readings, videos and events.  

Jewish American Heritage Month

May also is Jewish American Heritage Month, established in 2006 by President George W. Bush, “to pay tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture and society.” I would direct you to another website hosted by The Library of Congress for readings, videos and events.  

Final Reminder: Annual Budget Vote and BOE Trustee Election – May 16, 2023

The Annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election is fast approaching–May 16, less than a week from today. Everything you need to guide your decision may be found at a “one-stop-shop” on the District’s website. The page includes links to: the Budget Book; the Budget Newsletter; School Budget Vote & School Board Election Information; School Board Candidate Information; BOE Budget Presentations; and, recordings of the just completed PTSA/SEPTA Budget Forum (May 9) and The League of Women Voters Virtual Candidate Forum (May 10).

Please take time on Tuesday, May 16, to vote your conscience regarding the 2023-24 School Budget and BOE Candidates. Thank you.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in our school district and community! The true source of our heritage. 

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

Drop the pen, set down the pencil, stop the keystrokes.  Give up writing in haste and editing in leisure.  I turn today’s Friday Letter over to budding poets (before closing with a reminder about the upcoming Budget Vote).

Second Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge – Ta Da!

The Second Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge has brought forth a bevy of wonderful submissions.  Numbering 33 (leaping from six last year), spanning Kindergarten through 12th grade; touching on topics light and dark, celebrating nature, friendship and departed family, as well as the arts, music, sport and favorite foods.  Most in English, with a series in Spanish.  Free verse, Haiku, rhymes, word play and creative layouts.  All presented to the public exactly as submitted over the past month.

Take time to soak in the poetry of our students.  Your emotions will be touched, as will your mind.  A tall thank you to the emerging writers in our midst, who took the risk to step up and share.

Here is the Hastings Poetry Challenge – In Honor of National Poetry Month – April 2023.

Read on. Read on.

Annual Budget Vote and BOE Trustee Election – May 16, 2023

The Annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election is fast approaching–May 16, less than two weeks from today.  Everything you need to guide your decision may be found at a “one-stop-shop” on the District’s website.  The page includes links to: the Budget Book; the Budget Newsletter; School Budget Vote & School Board Election Information; School Board Candidate Information; BOE Budget Presentations; and, Upcoming Events, including the PTSA/SEPTA Budget Forum (May 9, 6:30 p.m, Hillside Multi-Purpose Room) and The League of Women Voters Virtual Candidate Forum (May 10, 7:00 p.m., Virtual).

Given your busy lives, at least take a moment to study the Budget Newsletter, which brings to life what the budget provides for students and families through stories and visuals.  

¡Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff: Let me write fast this week–conveying the energy I drew from four pivotal events since last Sunday.  I slow down at the close, emphasizing new communications about the upcoming Annual Budget Vote (May 16). They Had Me at “Welcome to the Renaissance” I rushed back to Hastings on Sunday afternoon to catch the final performance of the Hastings Theatre Program’s rendition of Something Rotten.  From the opening number (“Welcome to the Renaissance”), I was enthralled and at times emotional, reveling in the remarkable singing, music, acting, comedic timing, dancing, costumes, staging and sound–woven creatively and tightly into a breathtaking show. Why emotional? Because the production evidenced the best of Hastings’ high school students, backed up by expert and caring adults, sharing their gifts with gusto.   The production marked the final high school run for nine seniors: Luca Dimnet, Luke Dunn, Joe Hock, Sam Kennedy, Sander Markley, Miranda Mosco, Gigi Richer, Eli Rothstein and Vivian Smith.  Each deserves extra applause for what they have brought to the Hastings Theatre Program. What did the cast and crew think of the production? I sought their perspective through Erik Ghalib, a Junior, who still in character as Brother Jeremiah, rounded up a series of reflections: From Sander Markley, a Senior, who played Shakespeare: "I loved everything and everyone involved in the show. I felt like all the puzzle pieces really fit together, and I’m definitely happy to be leaving on such a high note." From Sam Kennedy, a Senior, who played Nigel Bottom: "It was a super fun experience to work with so many brilliant and funny people. Acting in HHS productions has been one of the highlights of my high school experience and this show was the perfect capstone to my experience with the theatre program." From Maya Tadmor, a Junior, who was Stage Manager of the show: “My experience with Something Rotten was amazing!  I loved learning the ins and outs of an advanced, fast-paced show. It can be very hard to mesh tech with acting, but this show was one of the smoothest tech transitions I have ever witnessed.” From Luca Dimnet, a Senior, who played Nick Bottom: “I am so grateful that Something Rotten was the last show that I got to be a part of before going away to college. Though we had a few bumps in the road, we managed to pull through it all together. With the hard work and dedication of the entire company and director Laurie Walton, we were able to create a very special show that I will never forget." From Gigi Richer, a Senior, who played Bea: "Something Rotten was a BLAST - I don’t think there was a single rehearsal where I didn't end up in stitches. And, I got to do this super fun show with the people I love! All in all, it was a really great way to end my time in the Hastings theatre program. I'm so incredibly proud of what we accomplished, and so lucky to have had this experience.” Flowers and cheers were shared at the close of the Sunday matinee for the seniors. The actors then turned to celebrate Laurie Walton, Director/Choreographer, Bob Walton, Musical Director, Gillian Husovsky, Technical Director, and Phyllis Udice, Production Coordinator.  Well earned affection and praise, indeed. To add details and color to my quick work of this wondrous production, please see the Virtual Playbill.  Then, turn to an article, complete with a montage of photos, in yesterday’s Hastings Happenings.   Coming Together to Learn Educators like to toss around the phrase, “Learning Community.”  Well, let me toss it again, since it aptly describes three events I observed this week.  My rapid highlights below belie their significance as examples of faculty, administrators, families and students coming together to learn. Gender Workshop – Hillside Elementary School – Monday, April 24 Roughly 60 Hillside parents met on Monday evening for a Parent Gender Workshop. Hillside’s age-appropriate K-4 grade-level gender lessons, which will be shared with students this spring, were introduced by the Hillside Gender Team and consultants from WJCS Center Lane. The Workshop concluded with three roundtables for parents, faculty, administrators and Center Lane consultants to discuss questions and concerns about the emerging work.  I was impressed with the forthright and substantive discussions and exchanges among and between all attendees.  Post workshop evaluations have come back with high ratings and a request for additional sessions. The Workshop followed an earlier Dimensions of Gender presentation, which introduced the three dimensions of gender and the New York State Education Department’s Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education Framework. Racial Equity Day – Farragut Middle School – Wednesday, April 26 Wednesday was Racial Equity Day at Farragut Middle School, with the focus on the intersection of environmental justice, race, ethnicity and socio-economic status. Students attended a half-day set of workshops featuring keynote speaker Maria Lopez-Nuñez, an environmental justice organizer with Ironbound Community Corporation. Lopez-Nuñez has played a major role in activating and uplifting her community, while pushing for policies to address environmental injustice locally, regionally and nationally.  Two multi-grade assemblies were paired with a documentary on Ms. Lopez-Nuñez. Observing the 7-8 grade assembly, I was taken by the range of questions from students and Ms. Lopez-Nuñez’s inspiring approach. Indeed, after technical questions about environmental issues, several students sought advice on, “How to get started in the work you do?” and “How do you keep your motivation?” Yesterday’s Hastings Happenings has a detailed article on the program, including links to the videos the students watched. Family University – FMS and HHS – Wednesday, April 26 Families and students came out Wednesday evening for a combined Family University at FMS and HHS.  An evening of education on a range of health and wellness topics, Family University is in its third year (after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19). The keynote speaker for parents was clinical psychologist Dr. Caryn Baruch-Feldman, who spoke about her research, writing and work in building resilience in children and adults. Workshop topics for parents included screen time and social media, proactive parenting, updates on marijuana, goal setting and time management, and how to spot signs of drug use by walking through a mock teen bedroom. Students chose from workshops on managing stress through mindfulness or DBT, college success, queer history and healthy relationships. Family University requires intensive work to organize, so a tall thank you is due to the lead sponsor, The W.A.Y.  (Working Alliance for Youth) Coalition, and the partnership of the PTSA, SEPTA and school administrators, faculty and staff.  Annual Budget Vote and BOE Trustee Election – May 16, 2023 The Annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election is fast approaching. To ensure that you have everything you need to make an informed decision on May 16, we have created a “one-stop-shop” on the District’s website. The page includes links to: the Budget Book; the Budget Newsletter; School Budget Vote & School Board Election Information; School Board Candidate Information; All Budget Presentations; and, Upcoming Events, including the May 9 PTSA/SEPTA Budget Forum (6:30 p.m, Hillside Multi-Purpose Room). In the least, please peruse the just-released Budget Newsletter, which has taken a big step forward in design and content, giving extra attention to visuals and stories that bring to life what the budget provides for students and families.  Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

Four items – serious and technical.

Four items – theatrical, athletic, celebratory and poetic.  

Such is the content of this week’s Friday letter.  

Read on.

BOE Adopts Proposed Budget for 2023-24 School Year

By a unanimous 7-0 vote on April 18, the BOE adopted the Proposed Budget for 2023-24. For details on the budget, please see the dedicated budget page on the district website. We will distribute a detailed budget newsletter to the community, highlighting financial summaries and analysis, as well as representative stories bringing the budget to life. Here are the remaining steps ahead of formal budget approval by Village residents:

• PTSA/SEPTA Budget Forum: May 9, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
• Public Budget and BOE Trustee Vote: May 16, 2023

Disciplinary Philosophy, Policy & Procedures

We must understand that our students do treat each other in a positive, respectful and dignified fashion. At the same time, I am asking all members of our community to double down on their care and compassion for each other as we move through the final two months of the school year.   

I have been asked to clarify our disciplinary philosophy, policies and procedures with families and staff. The governing document for our disciplinary philosophy, policies and procedures is the District Code of Conduct, which is reviewed annually by the Board of Education (BOE) and is formally adopted as District Policy. With Leadership Team input, I have created a a summary of the District Code of Conduct. .  I also incorporate the school-specific disciplinary regulations and guidelines for Hillside Elementary School, Farragut Middle School and Hastings High School. 

We must be patient with the inherent complexity of disciplinary policies and procedures. We hope this summary will help guide families and staff to the sections of the District Code of Conduct pertinent to their particular questions and concerns. Families and staff should also avail themselves of the school-specific materials for their particular building.

We will continue to consider ways to clarify and provide a wide understanding of the district’s disciplinary philosophy, policies and procedures. Feedback is welcomed; ideas and suggestions should be submitted to your specific building principal or the superintendent.

Improving Ability to Report Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination 

Based on requests from families, Melissa DeLaBarrera identified a stop-gap way to better use the website as a means for reporting bullying, harassment and discrimination. She has modeled the approach on what area districts are doing.  

Last Friday, we modified the homepage with a visible icon linking to procedures and resources for reporting acts of bias, hate and bullying. Below is a copy of the icon as it appears on the homepage, with the associated links. 

Dignity For All Students (DASA)

Report Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination

Covid Weekly Counts – Last One 4.14.23

We will cease providing weekly Covid count notices for the rest of the school year.  The administration and Health Office will continue to monitor the weekly counts, but we will not send them out to families and staff unless warranted by an increase in confirmed cases. 

HHS Spring Musical –  Something Rotten – April 21-23, 2023

On Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday, April 23, at 2:00 p.m., high schoolers in the Hastings Theatre Program will perform their spring musical Something Rotten, the last production of the 2022-23 school year.  Something Rotten takes place in 1595 in London, England. The Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel are trying to find success by writing plays, but are outshined by the rock-star playwright of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare. Desperate to find success, Nick gets help from a soothsayer for the next big hit. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and free for senior citizens.  I am excited to take in the show Saturday night.  Click here for the virtual playbill. 

Chariots of Fire – Hastings Style

You want to feel good, put a kick in your step, smile?  Go out and see our student athletes, whether winning or losing, going full on with the sporting opportunities we provide.  Camaraderie stands out–Hastings plays together. (Friday Letter, 4.14.23)

I followed my own advice and went back out several afternoons this week for inspiration from our student athletes.  JV Baseball caught my eye, as did JV Tennis, Varsity Boys Lacrosse and Modified Girls Lacrosse.  Let me highlight the Track & Field team, which is breaking team and individual records this season. 

One standout is the blazing 4X100M relay team (Noah Angoff, Leo Burdick, Liam Painter and Barney Smith), who last Friday evening in Suffern broke the school record, dropping the time from 46.80 to 46.18.  I watched the foursome scorch another race yesterday, with a wide-margin victory against Woodlands, Greenburgh and Children's Village.

Another standout is Caitlin Thomas, a Junior, who ran a 7:33.82 in the 2000 Steeplechase at Mountie Madness, setting a school record.

Making the Grounds, Fields, Track & Courts Ship-Shape

Be you spectator, student athlete, or just walking around the schools, the dedicated and expert work of our grounds crew is obvious. A tall shout out goes to the entire Building & Grounds Department, with special mention of Terry Franck and Nick Frascone. Please join me in thanking them for their tireless industry and high quality product.

Last Call – Second Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge 

There is one more week remaining in the Second Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge.  Submissions are flowing in and are of great variety.  Short poems written by students or staff should be submitted by Friday, April 28 to me  (mckersiew@hohschools.org) and Melissa DeLaBarrera (delabarreram@hohschools.org). All submissions will be published in a digital compendium on Friday, May 5.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

We have leapt from Spring Recess straight into a veritable summer. Inspired by these days of sun and warmth, I am staying solely positive this week, rolling from the light to the technical, with a closing reminder about poetry.

Sunshine and Attire

Greeting students Thursday morning at Hillside, basking in the smiles and hellos from our K-4 budding scholars, I was approached by a second grader (I believe). “May I ask you a serious question, Mr. Superintendent?” Bending down to eye level, “yes, for sure.” “Well,” she said, “can you explain why you are wearing long sleeves, a tie and pants on such a hot day, why not shorts and a t-shirt? It would be better for you!” Off she trotted to the doorway, leaving me to privately praise the bold empathy of one of our youngest community members. 

Sunshine and Sport

Softball, Girls Lax, Track & Field (practice), Tennis (practice), Baseball, Softball again, Baseball again, Girls Lax again…JV for sure, and a bit of Varsity.  Today is Girls Flag Football.  Such has been my three-day, late afternoon lineup–Hastings in action!  You want to feel good, put a kick in your step, smile?  Go out and see our student athletes, whether winning or losing, going full on with the sporting opportunities we provide.  Camaraderie stands out–Hastings plays together.

Technical Update #1 Proposed Budget for 2023-24 School Year

As I reported in mid-March, the BOE has been working intensively with the Leadership Team on the Proposed Budget for 2023-24. A dedicated page on the district website has been created, including each of the three major budget presentations by Maureen Caraballo, Business Official. The culminating presentation was shared at the BOE’s April 11 Budget Work Session. The BOE is posed to vote on budget adoption as scheduled on Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Soon after that vote, we will distribute a detailed budget newsletter to the community, highlighting financial summaries and analysis, as well as representative stories bringing the budget to life.  

Here are the remaining essential dates in the budget process:

• Board Adoption of the 2023-24 Budget: April 18, 2023
• PTSA/SEPTA Budget Forum: May 9, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
• Public Budget and BOE Trustee Vote: May 16, 2023

Technical Update #2 – Developing the School Calendar

While the 2023-24 School Calendar is now final, and we will not turn to developing the 2024-25 School Calendar until next year, I want to provide clarity on the annual process for developing the School Calendar. I am responding to a series of good questions from families during the just completed calendar process. 

Inspired by Scarsdale, we have prepared the aptly named document, Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD – School Calendar Development, which will be posted in the School Calendar section of the website as a resource for families and staff. It explains the major factors that go into developing the School Calendar, addresses many of the frequently asked questions, and outlines the calendar development process we will use next year. 

Closing Reminder – Second Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge

April is National Poetry Month. For the second year running, I am challenging Hastings students and staff to share their poems. Poetry is a powerful form of expression. Let’s see if Hastings can use poetry for the good–to connect us through written ideas, emotions, images and feelings. 

Short poems written by students or staff should be submitted by Friday, April 28. (We have extended the deadline from April 21.)  

For inspiration, look beyond the “Friendly Confines” of Hastings. Frank Messina, as Mets fans will know, is the longtime “Mets Poet.” My house is filled with Red Sox fans; Hastings, I know, is an amalgam of Mets, Yankees and possibly BoSox fans. Regardless, Mr. Messina may inspire you to write. Here is a poignant father-son piece. 

Please send your poems electronically to me (mckersiew@hohschools.org) and Melissa DeLaBarrera (delabarreram@hohschools.org). We will share them in a digital format on Friday, May 5. 

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

Welcome to the start of Spring Recess.

We have had an intensive week. Rest, relaxation and rejuvenation are necessary. I hope students and staff will truly take a break in the coming week.

When we return on April 11, we will give first attention to the wellbeing of students and staff as we head towards the final day of school on June 22. Dignity and respect must be Hastings’ signature, with an open and constructive commitment to addressing any shortfalls in how we treat each other. Two truths must guide us: we are a place that embraces all individuals; and, we are a place that must get better.

A Beacon of Success for an Entire Community

I have featured our Science Research Program frequently. Led with expertise and dedication by Melissa Shandroff, the Program gives the entire district much to celebrate. Let me center today’s letter on the latest news about the remarkable accomplishments of Ms. Shandroff’s students. Nearly all of these high school students started here in kindergarten–proof that their awards result from years of excellent teaching and support.

On Saturday, March 18, HHS's Science Research students participated in the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair at Somers High School. More than 550 students from 40 schools throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties participated in the fair. Students showcased their work through poster presentations, which were judged by local experts in the fields of life science, physical science, environmental studies, psychology and engineering. The awards ceremony was held at Somers High School on Thursday evening, March 23. All of the Hastings students who participated in the fair won awards: 

• Julien Amsellem: 3rd Place in the Category of Animal Science and the Bedford Audubon Award
• Frances Canant: 4th Place in the Category of Animal Science
• Luke Dunn: BASF Expanding Knowledge in Science Award
• Lucca Forrest: 1st Place in the Category of Mathematics
• Zeke Manly: 4th Place in the Category of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Zach Navarette: Environmental Perspiration Award
• Gus Renzin: 3rd Place in the Category of Environmental Science and Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Engineers Award
• Julia Rotiroti: 3rd Place in the Category of Medicine and Health
• Ione Shih: Honorable Mention in the Category of Neuroscience
• Jonah Sills: 2nd Place in the Category of Environmental Science and the NASA Earth Science System’s Award

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff: We are one week away from Spring Recess, which I want to remind everyone has been extended by two days (no school on Friday, March 31 through Monday, April 10).  Please review the updated calendar and remind your family and friends of the changes–specifically, the additional school vacation days around Spring Break, Memorial Day Weekend and the last day of school being shifted from June 23 to June 22.  Today’s letter starts with two distinct April look-aheads–the Proposed Budget and the Second Annual Poetry Challenge.  I then celebrate an essential community partner.  I close with updates on Kindergarten registration and the “Whom Do I Contact with Questions and Concerns?” document. Proposed Budget for 2023-24 School Year The Board of Education has been working intensively with the Leadership Team on the Proposed Budget for 2023-24.  A dedicated page on the district website has been created, including the first major budget presentation by Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, on March 7.  The second major presentation will be at the Tuesday, March 28 BOE Meeting (7:30 p.m.).  The budget sessions are public, visible virtually and are recorded, with locations and access explanations posted on the BOE section of the website. Please review the following important dates in the budget process, especially the public vote on May 16, 2023: Superintendent’s Detailed Budget Presentations: March 7th and March 28th, 2023 BOE Budget Work Sessions As Needed: April 1-18, 2023 Board Adoption of the 2023-24 Budget: April 18, 2023 Public Budget and BOE Trustee Vote: May 16, 2023 Second Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge April 1 is the first day of National Poetry Month. For the second year running, I am challenging Hastings students and staff to share their poems for public consumption.  Poetry is a powerful form of expression. Let’s see if Hastings can use poetry for the good–for Us.  Short poems written by students or staff should be submitted by Friday, April 21.  Please send your poems electronically to me (mckersiew@hohschools.org) and Melissa DeLaBarrera (delabarreram@hohschools.org). We will share them in a digital format on Friday, April 28.  Last year’s Poetry Challenge resulted in six poems from middle school students. We assembled them in a digital compendium. The poems range in topic, style, message and imagery–as is poetry’s want.  My hunch is that more students and staff from each school will share their poetry this year. May the Muse be with you, Hastings; write early, often and freely.  Write on! Well Earned Recognition for the HPD We are fortunate to have a close relationship with the Hastings Police Department, who set the safety, security and well-being of our students and staff as their utmost priority.  HPD officers are present daily in and around our schools to build connections and support our wellbeing.   Chief David Dosin and his officers recently earned major recognition from the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Program.  Police Departments from across the state are eligible to participate in this voluntary program, which is designed to improve an agency’s effectiveness, efficiency, and professionalism, as well as promote training, and foster public confidence in law enforcement.  Successful applicants must meet 110 standards in three categories: Administration, Training, and Operations. Chief Dosin, along with Det Sgt Robert Gagliardi, Sgt Sam Brecker, and Ptl. Peter Meyers, were honored on behalf of the HPD in Albany on March 9th.  Fittingly, Dosin, Gagliardi, Brecker and Meyers are products of the Hastings schools.  Please join me in congratulating our essential community partners–and alumni!  Whom Do I Contact? Based on several staff changes, we have updated the guidance document, “Whom Do I Contact with Questions and Concerns?”  To review, we established this resource last year, pushed it out again in August 2022 and have posted it visibly on the district website.  Our intent is to help families and staff know where to turn with any questions and concerns.  Page one of the document contains a four/five step sequence that we request families and staff follow.  We are finding that this sequence helps us address questions and concerns as effectively and efficiently as possible, especially for students and families.   "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” Kindergarten registration is well underway. With Kindergarten screenings right around the corner this spring, this is a gentle reminder to register your incoming Kindergarten students. All children who will turn five on or before December 1, 2023, are eligible to begin Kindergarten in September 2023. Please pass the word. In the least, I look forward to reading our newest Kindergartners The Napping House (Audrey Wood & Don Wood) – an annual tradition. Be Well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff: This week’s Friday letter, sent one day early, focuses solely on the updated 2022-23 School Calendar. Please take time to read the letter and study the revised 2022-23 School Calendar. Background The 2022-23 School Calendar includes six emergency closure days (inclement weather days). Per agreement with the HTA, we “give-back” any unused inclement weather days. School would be closed for both students and employees on these days.   As of March 16, 2023, we still have five emergency closure days. It is not likely that all five days will be used before the close of school on June 23, 2023.  The Board of Education voted on Tuesday night (March 14, 2023) on a modified 2022-23 School Calendar to add in five school vacation days. The new vacation days have been selected to extend existing school breaks, thereby minimizing the impact on instructional time and quality. The new vacation days will not change the assignment of “Letter Days.” New School Vacation Days  Friday, March 31, 2023 and Monday, April 10, 2023 – Spring Recess Spring Recess will be from March 31 - April 10, instead of April 3-7, 2023. Friday, May 26, 2023 and Tuesday, May 30, 2023 – Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day Weekend will be from Friday, May 26 through Tuesday, May 30. Friday, June 23, 2023 – Last Day of School & Regents Rating Day The last day of school will be Thursday, June 22, coinciding with HHS Graduation. (We are able to cover the Regents Rating Day requirements with minimal staff.) Very Important – Plan for Additional Emergency Closure Days In the event that the Hastings Public Schools need to close for emergency reasons (i.e., inclement weather, power outages, etc.), we will need to return the “give back” days in the following order: 1st Day - School would be in session Tuesday, May 30, 2023 2nd Day - School would be in session Friday, May 26, 2023 3rd Day - School would be in session Friday, June 23, 2023 We do not expect to have more than three emergency closure days between now and the close of school. Thus, we have not included the extended Spring Break days (March 31 and April 10) in this listing of “give-back” days eligible to be shifted back to regular school days. Please be assured that we will update staff and families immediately with any school calendar changes due to additional emergency closure days. If you have any questions, please be in touch with your school administrator.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

There’s a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of a rolling wind
Can be turned away
An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It’s enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you.

So sang Hillside’s Fourth Graders on the opening night of The Lion King (Kids) as they melted the hearts of the packed Multipurpose Room with a soaring rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”  Well known to the entire audience, the song appears as the musical turns toward its uplifting ending.

I planned another “technical update” this week, until I took in the musical last night from a top row, where I could see and absorb the joy, laughter, smiles and pride being shared between and amongst the performers and the audience.  Even analytical Dr. McKersie had his heart softened, realizing that this weekly letter must again be a reminder of the unique culture in Hastings, where “Just to be with you” is our path to calm in frenzied and heated days.

Kudos to the ensemble of all Fourth Graders–backed up and guided by Hillside staff, faculty and administrators–for mounting a wonderful production.  “Pride Rock,” as portrayed in the show, is now another touchstone for Hillside as a caring and vibrant school.

“Can You Feel the Love” – Sweethearts & Heroes Program

The power of what I witnessed last night at Hillside reinforced a different set of events earlier in the week.  Different, for sure, but with the same purpose: fostering connections, caring and wellbeing.

The Sweethearts & Heroes Program, an innovative anti-bullying program, was in Hastings on Monday and Tuesday (3/6 and 3/7), thanks to a generous grant from the Hastings Education Foundation.  Yesterday’s Hastings Happenings has a full report on the two days, complete with photos, videos and interviews.  Let me add that I was impressed with how the high school assembly moved from the extreme consequences of bullying to hopeful ways to ensure social and emotional wellness for students.  I was equally pleased by the grade-specific assemblies at Hillside, followed by classroom sessions connecting elementary students with high school mentors as trainers. The assemblies and materials were tailored with great care to be developmentally appropriate and highly sensitive relative to the varying cognitions and emotions of our younger versus older students. 

Examining Systemic Approaches to Wellbeing

For the past three days, I have been part of a 17-member visiting team critically reviewing the systemic approaches the New Canaan Public Schools (CT) has been using for over five years to promote the wellbeing of students and employees.  The visiting team emanates from the Tri-State Consortium, which we benefit from in multiple ways, including leadership networks and site visits among member districts.  

At a later date, I will share highlights from what has been an intensive, illuminating and inspiring visit, consisting of document review, interviews of students, staff and families, and analytical work sessions with visiting team colleagues. My immediate conclusion: school districts across the nation have much to learn from New Canaan about how to strive for a balance of intellectual rigor and social-emotional wellbeing. For now, soak in the Essential Question, which New Canaan asked the visiting team to consider in our review.

A Systemic Approach to Wellbeing

Essential Question: To what extent is our intentional commitment to wellbeing embedded in our school communities and practices?

By Well-being, we mean, the ability to develop and apply the skills to manage emotions, empathize with others, build and maintain relationships, make responsible decisions, and solve problems effectively in order to strive for and achieve social, academic and personal goals.

By Embedded Practices, we mean, a wide range of ongoing, ingrained and intentional interactions, activities, and programmatic approaches.

By School Community, we mean, our families, students and staff.

A Technical Note: Budget Review Underway

On Tuesday evening, the Board of Education and administration launched the formal review of the Proposed Budget for 2023-24.  Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, made the first of two extensive presentations.  The second presentation will follow at the March 28th BOE Meeting.  The PSTA/SEPTA is sponsoring a Budget Forum on March 30 at 7:00 p.m.  Additional public discussions and reviews will continue until April 18, when the BOE votes on the entire recommended budget.  Village residents ultimately vote on the budget on May 16, 2023.

A Closing Reminder: Inclement Weather Days in 2022-23

To review, the BOE considered initial ideas at its January 24th meeting for managing unused Inclement Weather Days this school year. Per agreement with the Hastings Teacher Association, we “give-back” any unused inclement weather days, with school closed for both students and employees.  The BOE will decide on “give-back” days at its March 14th meeting, with decisions announced to families and staff immediately.  

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

Welcome to March and a new approach to these Friday letters.  For the time being, I will focus these weekly missives on essential technical updates, encouraging families and staff to turn to the weekly Hastings Happenings for multi-media stories on the extensive good news from across the district.  

Mid-Year Report on the State of the HOH Public Schools  – 2022-23

For the second year in a row, the Leadership Team is providing a mid-year and end-of-year report on our collective work to advance the intellectual and social-emotional growth of all students K-12.  The Mid-Year Report is posted for the Board of Education (BOE) to review at its March 7th meeting (a rescheduling of the February 28th BOE Meeting).  The closing report for 2022-23 will be presented at the July 11, 2023 BOE meeting. 

As last year, the reports are qualitative, listing goals and reflections from the administrators in each school and major department.  The reflective process of preparing these reports adds value for understanding and improving our work with students, providing a basis for discussions in Leadership Team meetings as we move through the remainder of the year.  Our aim is to promote coordination, cohesion and ideally systemic thinking and action.

Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar – An Update

The BOE will consider a revised proposal for the 2023-24 School Calendar at its March 7th meeting.  Revisions were made based on the BOE’s first review of the calendar at its February 7th meeting.  We distributed the revised proposal to staff and families on Monday, February 27.   The final decision on the 2023-24 school calendar will be shared with families and staff following the March 7th BOE meeting.

Inclement Weather Days in 2022-23 – An Update

The BOE considered initial ideas at its January 24th meeting for managing unused Inclement Weather Days this school year. Per agreement with the Hastings Teacher Association, we “give-back” any unused inclement weather days, with school closed for both students and employees.  The BOE will decide on “give-back” days at its March 14th meeting, with decisions announced to families and staff immediately.  Thank you for your patience with what must be a flexible process as we juggle the school calendar and weather. 

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff,

We all need a break. I have been asked to keep today’s weekly letter short, so we get to our break ASAP. Happy to oblige.

National Merit Finalists

Big news arrived this week for three seniors, who moved into rarefied intellectual air as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. From an initial pool of over 1.5 million students, 50,000 qualify for recognition based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores, which leads to a semifinalist pool of 16,000 and a finalist pool of 15,000. Scholarship awards will be determined in the spring.

Listed below, Hastings’ three finalists each attest to the long run of excellent teaching and support that helped them achieve significant national recognition. While featuring three of our seniors, this recognition reaches from K-12 and across all students.

• Emilia Anderson
• Liam Painter
• Gus Renzin

Intellectual and Social Fun – All at Once – And in Latin

Wednesday evening I bumped into high schoolers celebrating Lupercalia in the cafeteria. Hosted by Magistra Driscoll (HHS Latin Teacher) and Magistra Katz (Irvington HS Latin Teacher), the evening was at once intellectually challenging and fun, with food, games and other competitions bringing to life ancient Roman culture, literature and language. See yesterday’s Hastings Happenings for a colorful story on the evening.   

Winter Athletics Turns the Corner to Sectionals

I have enjoyed being in the stands for many of the contests for our modified, junior varsity and varsity teams this winter. (I apologize to ice hockey and track & field for not making a contest.) Win or lose, middle school or high school, new to the sport or on the verge of college-calibar play, Hastings athletes deserve applause for effort, spirit and, that timeless adage, sportsmanship. Kudos to our coaches for teaching and guiding our athletes so well.   

Our varsity teams are headed into Sectionals (post-season play). I direct you to “It’s Sectional Time,” Drew Wendol’s detailed rundown on the status of each varsity team at the start of the playoffs.

Students Step Up to Ensure the Health of Hastings Students & Families 

Students in Larry Cerretani's first period class (David Lopez, Lucas Leveque and Olivia Allan), along with their senior buddy (Gus Renzin), helped the Health Office prepare families for the mid-winter recess by sorting and labeling Covid-19 take-home tests. Yesterday morning, they bagged and distributed the tests to all of the homeroom classes in Farragut Middle School (within the first 20 minutes). On behalf of the Health Office and all Hastings families, students, and staff, I extend a tall thank you to the students for stepping up for the health of their classmates.

Technical Updates

• Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar

The Board of Education (BOE) will be considering a revised proposal for the 2023-24 School Calendar at its February 28, 2023 meeting. The revisions are based on discussions in the first public review at the February 7 BOE Meeting. We will distribute the revised proposal to staff and families immediately after break, just ahead of the February 28 BOE Meeting.

• Inclement Weather Days in 2022-23

We brought inital ideas to the BOE on January 24 for how to manage unused Inclement Weather Days this school year. Per agreement with the Hastings Teacher Association, we “give-back” any unused inclement weather days, with school closed for both students and employees. We will return to the BOE with specific recommendations at the March 14, 2023 BOE Meeting. (We had intended to discuss the topic on February 28, but we need to see what weather emerges during early March.) Hastings families and staff will be informed of any school calendar changes as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience with what must be a flexible process until we are into March.

Have a safe, healthy and fun February Break.

Be Well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff,

Every week, I bring forward the good work underway across our schools. My intent is to be substantively upbeat and forward-looking. Today, I must first look global with somber compassion. I would ask that we take a moment to consider the immense loss of life and misery in Turkey and Syria following this week's massive earthquake and after-shocks. My thoughts are with the families directly affected, including residents of Hastings and our wider region who have family and friends in Turkey and Syria. I know that many people are stepping up to provide support for those suffering in Turkey and Syria through relief organizations. 

Black History Month – Looking Within Hastings

Two influential former residents of Hastings, Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark, were responsible for research that led to the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown vs. Board of Education.

This statement opens a display running the length of the wall outside the Central Office, containing a half dozen poster-size renditions of a Hastings Historian article by David Willis McCullough (Winter 2006) celebrating “Kenneth Clark: A Quiet Man Who Made a Difference.” Hundreds of us race past this display every day, rarely slowing down to take in its significance–for Hastings and the nation. This morning, I stopped to re-read the article; I replay here the first two paragraphs, as a reminder of life-changing history rooted in Hastings.  

After Kenneth B. Clark died in his home in Hastings on May 1, 2005, The New York Times ran a lengthy obituary that began with a few simple statements of fact. Dr. Clark was “the psychologist and educator whose 1950 report showing the destructive effect of school segregation influenced the United States Supreme Court to hold that school segregation was unconstitutional.” He was “the first black to earn a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University, the first to become a tenured instructor in the City College system of New York and in 1966, the first black to be elected to the NYS Board of Regents.”

Dr. Clark moved to the Pinecrest neighborhood of Hastings in 1950 with his two young children–Hilton and Kate–and his wife, Mamie. She was also a Dr. Clark, the second black to earn a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University and her husband's lifelong professional collaborator. Indeed, she was the originator of the famous “doll test” that he used so effectively to demonstrate the psychological damage that racial segregation inflicted on black children. Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark died in 1983.

Hastings Happenings – A Weekly Review of Inspiring Highlights

Let me encourage (nudge) readers to take in yesterday’s  Hastings Happenings, which is an excellent example of the publication Jackie Saviano has re-fashioned to be a weekly, dynamic display of the good work of Hastings students, staff and families. Each week, stories are shared–via word, photo and video–inspired by what Jackie and others have witnessed across the district. As she told me yesterday, “Something about this week’s newsletter and attending school events; it has really sunk in. There is so much creativity spewing from all pockets of the district! We sure know how to make learning engaging and fun. I am inspired by this community of artists, creators, and educators.” 

Be Well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff: February arrives with frigid temperatures and winds, at least for today and tomorrow.  Let me move fast, given the cold, to bring you the warmth of more far-ranging good news for Hastings.  A possible theme for today’s letter: Hastings digs deeply to learn and share, even with difficult topics, such that we foster dignity and respect.  Shifting gears at the close, I provide three technical updates.   Black History Month February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month.  As noted in district communications the last two days, we will recognize Black History Month through classes and special programs. To set the framework, I recommend readers review the website of the Smithsonian African American Museum, especially the section on Black History Month. Consider the opening statement: Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture, but that cannot be contained in one month alone.  In that spirit, let me re-share a video from January–a video conveying my direct experience as a third grader in Chicago with Dr. Martin Luther King and then, many years later, my profound interaction with a third grader on the east side of Cleveland about Dr. King.  My point: our “celebration of the fullness of African American history and culture” must not be time bound and must reach across generations, races, ethnicities, faiths, genders and cultures. Racial Equity Day – February 1, 2023 On Wednesday, the High School was graced by the visit of Mr. Greg Mingo and Ms. Tebah Browne of the Innocence Project. The centerpiece of the visit was a riveting assembly, covered with photos and links to videos in yesterday’s Hastings Happenings.  Wrongly imprisoned for over 40 years, Mr. Mingo shared his deeply personal experiences, with hope and perseverance his prevailing message–indeed, several of the initial student questions probed his ability to “be so calm…so at peace…so hopeful.”  Ms. Browne provided a technical framework, explaining how forensic investigative sciences, including DNA and toxicological evidence, are applied in legal cases, especially when challenging alleged wrongful imprisonment. I was moved by the connections, dignity and respect, forged among individuals with varied generations and experiences, only briefly joined for an afternoon in the auditorium.   Science Research Marches On Loyal readers of these Friday letters know that the success of the Hastings Science Research Program has been a well-deserved, regular feature.  On Tuesday, more regional accolades arrived.  Let me share the news as written by Melissa Shandroff, Science Department Chair and Science Research Teacher: I'm excited to report that five Hastings Science Research seniors won awards at the 2023 Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (WR-JSHS) at John Jay High School, where 307 science research seniors from 34 regional schools competed this Saturday. Senior Gus Renzin won 2nd Place in the category of Earth and Environmental Science as a regional speaker for a slide presentation of his original research, “A Novel System for Backyard Composting and Agricultural Intensification."  Gus now moves on to compete at Upstate New York JSHS at the University of Albany in March. Gus conducted his research under the mentorship of Hastings graduate Ben Wan of Hastings Compost Services.  Senior Jonah Sills won 3rd Place in the category of Earth and Environmental Science as a regional speaker for a slide presentation of his original research, “Prediction of Optimal Locations for Photovoltaic Plants Using an ANN Regression Analysis of Plant Performance and Proximate Environmental Variables." Jonah moves on to compete at Upstate New York JSHS at the University of Albany in March.  Senior Ione Shih won 5th Place in the category of Neurology/Genetics as a regional speaker for a slide presentation of their original research, “Quantifying Activation in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex after Arousal-Related Behavior in Shank2 Δe24-/- Mice."  Ione conducted their research at Yale University.  Senior Zachary Navarette won 1st place in the category of Earth/Environmental Science as a local speaker for a slide presentation of his original research “Comparison of the Thermal Efficacies of a Traditional Polyethylene Film Versus a Biodegradable Mulch Film in Soil Solarization." Zach conducted his research under the guidance of his mentor at Cornell University.  Senior Julia Rotiroti won 2nd place in the category of Medicine & Health as a local speaker for a slide presentation of her original research, “Examining the Accumulation and Displacement of Toxic and Essential Metals in the Kidney, Heart, and Liver of Mice Exposed to E-Cigarette Aerosol." Julia conducted her research under the guidance of her mentor at Columbia University.  Please join me in congratulating these seniors for their outstanding achievement!  National School Counseling Week – February 6-10, 2023 Hastings joins the national celebration of school counselors this coming week to say thank you for the expertise and dedication of our school counseling team, reaching across all three schools:  Juliann Snyder, HES; Jocelyn Perez, FMS; Danielle DalCero, FMS; Randie Shaw, HHS; Wendy White, HHS;  Sharon Quigley, HHS; and, Jeanette Kocur (Director). A statement from the American School Counselor Association is an apt description of the impact of Hastings school counselors:  National School Counseling Week 2023 focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. [We] thank our school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and, working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. (ASCA, February 2023) Technical Updates Regional Safety Advisory Re: Social Media  The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office shared information this week with Altaris, our security consultants, regarding investigations into multiple cases of local youths being extorted via social media over the past week. Click here to view the official advisory. We wanted to use these incidents to remind Hastings families of the potential risks associated with social media.  Families should discuss with their children the details described in the release (please be sensitive as to which details are shared with Hillside students).  In particular, please reinforce the importance of students not engaging with unknown individuals online and informing a parent, teacher or administrator about any concerning behavior.  The Hastings Police Department also asks that they be contacted immediately.  In school, we will continue to reinforce constructive and safe use of social media.  If you have any questions, please be in touch with your school principal. Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar The Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar was distributed on Wednesday to employees and families.  The BOE will review the proposed calendar over two meetings: February 7 will be the initial review; February 28 will be the final review and vote.  Please understand that the proposed calendar will not be final until formally adopted by the BOE on February 28. Managing Unused Inclement Weather Days in 2022-23 We brought initial thoughts to the Board of Education on January 24, 2023, regarding how to manage unused inclement weather days (emergency closure days) this school year.  Per agreement with the Hastings Teacher Association, we “give-back” any unused inclement weather days, with school closed for both students and employees.  We will return with specific recommendations at the February 28, 2023, BOE Meeting.  (We need to allow time to see what “Mother Nature” does to the balance of the remaining days.)  Hastings families and staff will be informed of any school calendar changes as soon as possible.   I appreciate your patience with what must be a flexible process until we are into early March.

Bundle Up, Stay Warm and Be Well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff: My Muse flows this week from the global to local.  Opening with Lunar New Year, I move to individual student accomplishments in writing and athletics and a teaser about FMS Socials. I close with two technical updates – one on safety and security, the other on the Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar. Lunar New Year Lunar New Year is being recognized across the Nation. Within the district, Hillside has been celebrating Lunar New Year as a springboard into studying Asian culture and history.  Yesterday’s Hastings Happenings had good coverage of classroom activities at Hillside.

My personal hope is that students will come away with an understanding of Lunar New Year akin to what is conveyed in the following excerpt of a statement from an essential resource, the National Museum of Asian Art (Smithsonian): Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, those celebrating consider it the time of the year to reunite with immediate and extended family. (Please see Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art for the full statement.) Scholastic Art & Writing Awards I am pleased to relay good news received yesterday from Cindy Greenberg, a new English teacher at Hastings High School.  I wanted to let you know that five of my creative writing students and one of my English 10 students were recognized with Honorable Mentions in this year's Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for the Hudson to Housatonic Region. Here are their names, grade level, and category: Violet Bowen-Rink (12): Personal Essay/Memoir Leo Ferris (10): Poetry Samira Ghorban (10): Short Story Sander Markley (12): Humor Paris Tausig (10): Poetry Beatrix Tolson (9): Short Story I am so proud of them all! Kudos to Ms. Greenberg and her students for extending Hastings’s signature as a district of accomplished writers. Dare I say, write on! A Rare Individual Athletic Achievement  Yesterday’s Hastings Happenings featured athletics through a three-part edition of The Buzz. I want to underscore a just announced individual achievement, best conveyed by Drew Wendol, Athletic Director: It is my honor to announce and congratulate Michael Scholz as being selected as the Con Edison Award Recipient for the week of January 23, 2023. This is a huge honor and tribute to his hard work and dedication to his academics and athletic career.  Hastings-on-Hudson Athletic Department and School District is honored to have Michael representing our school. We are all extremely proud of Michael's Accomplishments so far this season and look forward to watching him excel the rest of this season and in postseason play. Michael was  interviewed Friday morning, which you can listen to as of Sunday at 5:15AM live or online at www.whud.com.  Michael’s Journal News article will appear this weekend. Next Week: A Socials Celebration  Next Friday, look for a narrative and photo montage celebrating last night’s’ 5-6th Grade Social and tonight’s 7-8th Grade Social.  Healthy social fun is essential to fostering a strong educational community.  An early thank you to the PTSA for sponsoring the Socials, and for FMS administrators and staff stepping up as chaperones.  Below is a glimpse of last night’s Social.

Two Technical Updates – Shared at the January 24, 2023 BOE Meeting Security and Safety Update I want to reiterate that the top priority of a superintendent in this day and age is the security and safety of our students and employees.  I want students, employees and their families to be assured that I am joined in this commitment by all administrators and the BOE.  With close guidance from the Hastings Police Department and Altaris, our independent security consultants, we are vigilant in setting, implementing and regularly evaluating security protocols and systems.  Training is of the utmost importance, and we appreciate the patience of families in supporting our efforts to make sure students and employees know what to do in an emergency.   Indeed, we have been piloting modified entry procedures to FMS this week such that all students enter through the FMS security entrance.  Having a single, closely monitored point of entry to the school matches our procedure at Hillside and HHS, and is aligned with best practice nationally.  We are reviewing the effectiveness of the single entry approach at FMS and will make a final decision and announcement next week.  We also are reminding students and employees not to open doors for individuals attempting to enter the building through other entrances. We will keep families informed of changes to security procedures whenever possible.  Please bear in mind that we must keep certain procedures private to optimize security and safety for students and employees. Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar We will be distributing the Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar on February 1, 2023 to employees and families.  This is more than one month earlier than scheduled.  The BOE will review the proposed calendar over two meetings: February 7 will be the initial review; February 28 will be the final review and vote.  Please understand that the proposed calendar will not be final until formally adopted by the BOE on February 28.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff: Walkabouts matter.  Getting out and about informally with our students and faculty is essential.  I see, I hear, I learn, and invariably, I am inspired.  Five walkabout moments deserve highlighting this week.   High School One Acts  Last Thursday evening, I took in the High School One Acts, which is completely a student production–as producers, directors, crew and actors.  A full auditorium of fellow students, families and staff enjoyed the provocative comedy and satire. Far better than I can describe, the production was brought to life in yesterday’s Hastings Happenings via interviews, photos and self-reflections. Kudos in particular to student directors Erik Ghalib, Lionel Muench and Catie Cho, and to faculty advisor Phyllis Udice.  Peer Leadership’s 9th Grade Fishbowl Yesterday, I joined what I understand to be an annual event, organized by the Peer Leadership program, whereby 12 groups of ninth graders (10-12 per group) sit with faculty (four per group) to share insights and ideas about their schooling and work.  Two Peer Leaders facilitated each group through a set of warm-up exercises, which asked us to move to a side of the room based on responses to questions such as, “Do you prefer homework, or doing your work at school? Do you bring your lunch, or go to the cafeteria? Do you prefer a big school or small school?” Each “side” had to explain their response.  Returning to our circle of desks, we then responded to anonymous questions posed by students for the faculty and vice-versa.  (Each question had been written on a card and was passed around to answer by either student or faculty.)  Questions for the students included, “What is your favorite subject? What surprised and challenged you in your first half of the year in High School? What are the strengths of Hastings High School? What would you want most to improve?”  Questions for the faculty included, “What stands out for you working here?  What has been your most embarrassing moment in your work?  How did you decide to work in education?  Do you consider your work colleagues friends?” At the end of my session, when we each were asked for a final comment, I said simply, “thank you for sharing, for being open and for trusting each other…that is how we can be there for each other.” Let me extend a tall thank you to Jeff Conwisar, Peer Leadership coordinator, for guiding upwards of 24 Peer Leaders to plan and implement the “fishbowls,” which were at once engaging, humorous and poignant.  I know Jeff would be quick to extend the bow to the 24 Peer Leaders–I agree. Character Study – K-12 My guest reading continues, and next week will expand into the fifth grade, with the poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere  (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1860).  We will delve into the myth and reality conveyed in the poem, and the meaning of when it was written (on the eve of the Civil War).  More on that in a subsequent Friday letter. My walkabouts the last two days underscore that we are serious about guiding students to dig into character study in literature.  Yesterday, while waiting to go into my Fishbowl room, I noticed prompts on Sara Stern’s Smartboard about analyzing the evolution of certain characters in the assigned novel (The Great Gatsby, I believe).  Today, while guest reading, in a kindergarten and third grade class, the respective teachers, Marisa Barbera and Katie Magnatta, and I naturally connected to explore with students how each book’s characters changed through the story, and to consider what they would do next, if the story was extended.  (Kindergarten book: The Napping House, Audry and Don Wood; Third Grade book: The Day You Begin, Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez.)    5th and 6th Grade Winter Concert My walkabouts today had me feeling guilty for missing last evening’s Fifth and Sixth Grade Winter Concert.  I kept hearing wonderful comments about the musical and choral talents of the students, showcased before a packed auditorium of families.  As one parent told me, “the talent of our students, so well guided by our music teachers, was breathtaking.”  Another comment, “the spirit and joy of the students, with all the music, even the tough pieces, was great.”  Today’s obvious step, which I will not miss, is to thank our music teachers: 5th and 6th Grade Band - Michael Rubino 5th and 6th Grade Orchestra - John Carini 5th and 6th Grade Chorus - Jonathan Riss Selectones - Jonathan Riss Jazz Band - Eric Day Faculty Recognition Reaching Beyond Hastings Two weeks ago, during a walkabout, I bumped into Greg Stephens, who casually mentioned that he and Robin Farrell had just been selected as New York State Master Teachers.  After applauding, I asked if we could promote this great accomplishment.  Smiling, Greg said, “If you must.”  Yesterday’s Hastings Happenings provides a detailed story on what Greg and Robin have achieved, and the work before them, while still full faculty members in Hastings.  They deserve every bit of the honor, and I know they will share back what matters most from what they learn in the program.  Many are made stronger for their efforts–in Hastings and across the state.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff: Moving out of our comfort zone–six words that are fundamental to growth, learning and productive change. Hastings students and staff are testing their limits–moving into new places, new zones and places of challenge.  Let me share several brief examples, touching on the Portrait of a Hastings Learner, Science Research and the Academic Challenge Team.  I close with a technical note on a correction we will make to our digital system for emergency communications.  Before focusing solely on Hastings, I will start by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, who exemplified moving out of one’s comfort zone. A Life’s Work Beyond the Comfort Zone – Globally & Locally  Dr. King’s work–his life’s work–went well beyond a place of ease, resulting in global and local impact right up through today.  Every year, as we approach the Federal Holiday honoring Dr. King,  I share a personal reflection about his life–a reflection at once global and local. This year, my reflection is conveyed in a short video, “Dr. King: Then, Now & Forever.”  Produced by Jackie Saviano, the video will be a part of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Community Celebration (Essay, Poetry & Art Slam) on Monday morning.  Dr. King’s inspiration was present on Friday morning during Hillside’s annual Peace March.  Students and staff from grades K and 2-4 lined the hallways as first grade students and teachers marched by singing “We Shall Overcome” and carrying place cards with messages of “love, peace, equal rights, be kind, equality for all, be treated fairly, be gentle” and more.  The march was led by guitar-playing Leigh Galanis, a former first grade teacher and the originator of the Peace March.  Standing a couple of rows back, behind one class of students, I was brought back to my personal reflection of being on my dad’s shoulders as a third grader in Chicago watching Dr. King in a march.

Dr. King’s impact, be it global or local, professional or personal, intertwines and carries us forward. Portrait of a Hastings Learner – Moving Out of Our Comfort Zone As the Portrait process proceeds, much will feel familiar, but much must feel new and challenging as we plan 18-month action steps to move us beyond our comfort zone.  To repeat, moving out of our comfort zone is fundamental to growth, learning and productive change. Yesterday, Melissa Szymanski sent all staff an update and call for action, with links to a reference document and a new video. I want all Hastings families to see an excerpt of Dr. Szymanksi’s message.  We will continue to keep you updated, especially when we turn again to parents, families and students for input and critique. We are well into the New Year and excited to share more information about our Portrait of a Hastings Learner (POHL) process.  In December, a small group of POHL Core Team members presented to the Board of Education. The purpose was to share information about the Portrait process, a draft of portions of the Portrait, highlight emerging insights, and outline the next phase of work. As a reminder, the details of this presentation are available to you in this slide deck. Newly created for your viewing pleasure is this brief video, produced by Jackie Saviano and featured speakers, intended to bring you into the work through the voices of some of our Core Team participants. We are now in the process of creating an Action Step Planning Committee. This is a faculty committee. The purpose of this group will be to create concrete, 18-month action steps associated with each of the three goals that the POHL Core Team designed. The Action Step Planning Committee will be facilitated by Judy Wilson on February 8th from 12-3 and on March 21st from 12-3. Following the planning process, we will solicit additional feedback from various stakeholders and refine what has been created.  Implementation of the action steps will begin in July 2023.  We are looking for faculty member volunteers from across the three buildings to participate on the Action Step Planning Committee. Our hope is to have 6-8 faculty members who have already been involved in the work join our Action Step Planning Committee and 6-8 new members who were not part of the POHL Core Team.  New Knowledge – Sparked by the Science Research Program Student comfort zones are challenged daily in the Science Research Program, taught by Ms. Melissa Shandroff, Science Department Chair.  I have observed the class on several occasions, marveling at the intellectual inquiry on display with individual work and small group discussions–where the students press and probe to advance their peer’s research.  Students select original research projects, which they then pursue in a carefully planned program of their design, with monitoring and coaching by Ms. Shandroff.  Annually, the program has been producing new knowledge, often mirroring the caliber of college research studies and frequently becoming the basis for national recognition. As reported in yesterday’s Hastings Happenings (1.12.23), Ms. Shandroff learned last week that, for the third year running, one of her students has secured the prestigious honor of being named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.  Lucca Forrest ‘23 has been selected for his path-breaking examination of the relationship between economics and political stability internationally using advanced regression and volatility analysis.  Lucca is one of 300 students selected from an applicant pool of 1,949 students, representing 627 high schools from across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and four other nations.  In recognition, Lucca received a $2,000 prize and HHS received $2,000 for STEM-related activities.  Later this month, 40 students will be selected from the 300 STS Scholars to compete for a grand prize of $250,000.   Academic Challenges in the Spotlight – Well Past the Comfort Zone Junior Benny Feldman, supported by junior classmate Owen Linder and Academic Challenge Team Advisor Michael Willson, pushed Hastings into new academic territory this past weekend.  Fully covered in the latest Hastings Happenings (1.12.23), the Academic Challenge Team hosted the first Annual Valley Cup, with 19 schools and 36 teams participating from across Westchester County, NYC, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Benny started planning the event last June.  His immense industry resulted in a powerful product, putting Hastings at the lead in the tri-state region for creating opportunities for students to be challenged academically through public competitions–in the spotlight, going beyond their comfort zone to learn and grow. Final Note: Emergency Notifications Going forward, we will correct our digital emergency communications, especially the text notifications, so that readers know they are being sent by the Hastings Public School District.  Yesterday’s text message, regarding the social media incident, did not list the source clearly.  Several parents raised this problem with me late yesterday, and we have moved promptly to correct the issue.

Be well, William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Family and Staff: A wise person over vacation sang in my ear with advice I now consider a New Year’s Resolution. Here it is:  “As educators (and parents), our first role is letting go of our charges, so they can soar on their own, and, in so doing, reflecting back their goodness, not solely what needs correction.”   Now, let’s see if I can walk this talk in 2023. Perhaps you will join me in the challenging stroll. Today, I raise up our Facilities Department, look back at a big FMS victory, feature the start of Friday night community connections, and close with eating. Read on. Stepping Up Over Vacation For Our Sake Early Christmas morning, while the rest of us were sleeping, Carlos Castaneda, on a required daily building check, discovered burst heating pipes in two classrooms on the ground floor of Hillside (in the older section–not the new rooms). Recall that we had single digit temperatures and strong winds that night. Water had flowed into a third classroom and the hallway. Within minutes, Mr. Castaneda was in touch with Joe Martorana, Director of Facilities, who organized a team of nine facilities personnel to get to Hillside immediately. Several hours later, the leak was stopped and all water cleaned up. By the end of the week, the broken heating units were repaired and the hallway and three classrooms returned to full operation, well ahead of teachers and students returning to school on January 3.   Elsewhere, including other districts I have led, facilities teams have not been as attentive and prompt in addressing significant building problems. Daily checks have not occurred over vacations, or the team, when called in an emergency, has not been effective. None of us are perfect, but on Christmas morning and in the ensuing week, our Facilities Department proved that near perfection in an emergency situation is obtainable.   Please join me in thanking what might now be known as Hastings Christmas Morning Team: Carlos Castaneda, Robert Duffy, Terry Franck, Nick Frascone, Darin Harrell, Terrence Land, Joe Martorana, Kevin McCarthy, Emilio Righetti and Juan Villamar. Looking Back to a Big Win I want to make sure we all know that the FMS Debate Club, led by Devita Cruz, scored a big win just before we headed to Holiday Recess. Jackie Saviano covered the story aptly in the Hastings Happenings (12.22.22), which I repeat here, with my own underscoring that the Debate Club victory symbolizes intellectual rigor, faculty dedication, and, yes, joy. For the last two months, students in Farragut Middle School's Debate Club have been preparing for the American Debate League Winter Classic. On Saturday, December 17, four teams of Hastings students brought their A-game to compete in the tournament's Novice Division, consisting of three rounds with a total of 50 student competitors. Student Poppy Leon placed 10th for Top Speakers, Felix Reitz placed ninth, and Gabriel Akar placed third. Among 22 other teams, the team of Gabriel Akar and Felix Reitz placed seventh, the Team of Eden Greenberg, Anna Lapson, and Phoebe Gelfand placed sixth, and the Team of Nami Saeed, Poppy Leon, and Karen Saltzman placed fifth, overall. Their combined performance earned the Debate Club First Place out of 37 schools that competed. "These students prepared for so long going into this competition," said Debate Club Advisor Devita Cruz. "They were in my room until 4:30 p.m. every day the week before the tournament. I'm so incredibly proud of the dedication that they put into their speeches and research, which ultimately led to their success!" Friday Nights in Cochran 2023  Pushing community spirit and healthy connections–sound like a good New Year’s Resolution? You bet. Friday Nights in Cochran 2023 will get Hastings spirit and connections moving. A tall thank you to the Athletic Department, coaches, teams, families, the Hastings Booster Club and the PTSA for joining forces to plan, promote and implement a run of athletic events and celebrations every Friday in the Cochran Gym from tonight through February 10.   The Costello Games tonight celebrate the memory of beloved Coach John Costello. All fans entering the gym this evening will be asked to contribute canned food or household products to benefit the work of the Hastings Food Pantry. A special thank you to the HOH basketball teams and Hastings Youth Council for their leadership in ensuring compassionate connections across Hastings.     Final Word: Eating Well in Hastings We are fortunate to have an excellent partnership with Chartwells, the district’s food service provider. As students and staff know, I am a daily customer in the cafeteria, happily lining up for lunch (and often breakfast). Besides the chance it gives me to connect with students, I gather firsthand knowledge of the food and service.    With the expansion of food service into the new cafeteria at Hillside, Chartwells has published the first of what will be regular Food and Nutrition Newsletters for the district. Please take time to read the January 2023 issue. From my own tastings, I can attest that what you read is spot on–like you, I am a customer. For sure, I appreciate the effort to enhance communications with students and families.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.  Superintendent of Schools