Hastings-on-Hudson
Union Free School District
- Hastings-on-Hudson U.F.S.D.
- About Us
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DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
"To create a vibrant learning community"About Us
The Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free School District, which includes the village of Hastings-on-Hudson and a portion of the Town of Greenburgh, consists of three schools - Hillside Elementary School, Farragut Middle School, and Hastings High School - each recognized by the United States Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.Exceptional teachers, high expectations for student achievement, concern for the total development of all students, and strong community support are important contributors to the success of the District. In all grades, students consistently perform at the highest levels on local, statewide and national tests. These results place them among the top performers in Westchester, a county with some of the finest schools in the nation. Many students are honor society members and receive acknowledgment from the National Merit Scholarship Program. Each year, well over 90% of graduates enroll in a wide range of private and state colleges and universities.
Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of the Hastings school experience. Over 75% of the student body participates in a variety ofprograms. Annually, students are selected as All-County musicians and athletes, and gain recognition for their contributions to the visual arts. Of equal importance, Hastings-on-Hudson is a caring school system. Students’ individual needs are understood and addressed. Hastings is large enough to offer a rich and varied curriculum and small enough to know and care about each student.
The District enjoys a stable population base, and the approximately 7,800 residents support a talented staff and enriched program. The community’s high expectations are reflected in the training, experience, skills and abilities of the School District’s staff. Enthusiastic, dedicated, supportive and involved, the staff is concerned with the education of each individual student. Staff members also actively promote parental involvement in the educational process.The District is fiscally independent and governed by a seven member Board of Education that is elected by district residents. One of the unique features of the Hastings School District is the close working relationship between the Board of Education, staff, students, and community members.
Residents are active in the educational system as they participate in the P.T.S.A., volunteer for school activities, and serve on committees. Civic organizations also support our schools and student groups. We hope you decide to become a part of the Hastings school community and we welcome you.
DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT & GOALS
Values and Goals
All students can learn. It is the district’s responsibility to prepare students with the knowledge, understanding, skills, and strategies they need to be productive, responsible citizens in a democratic society. We view our schools as communities of learners. Each individual is valued as a unique person and as a member of the larger group. We model a safe, caring community in which students, teachers, administrators, and parents have real opportunities for collaborative participation through which to attain our educational goals. We strive to help students develop lifelong capacities to enjoy learning, working, and relating to others. We value education because it is a process which helps each individual to achieve his/her maximum potential.
Education helps to provide a person with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world, to function in harmony with the environment, to enjoy the fellowship of others, and to live cooperatively in society with respect for individual and group differences. It disciplines and broadens one’s outlook; it helps each individual to develop principles by which to guide actions, and values by which to measure them.
View of Learning and Learner
Learning is an active, constructive, and reflective process. We are committed to creating a nurturing, interactive, learner-centered environment which meets with needs of our diverse student body. An understanding of development provides a necessary foundation for assessing, supporting, and challenging children’s growth – intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and aesthetic. Children have multiple intelligences and need a variety of approaches. We assist students in learning to inquire, take risks, set goals, and assess their work. Rigor is essential to a caring approach to education. The schools promote deep inquiry and hold high standards for demonstrating understanding and proficiency.