June 2020
The Hastings PTSA newsletter will tell you about upcoming events, as well as PTSA initiatives and grants awarded. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at PTSAHastings.org .
Important Dates:
June 2020
Facts About the Budget, virtual
Wednesday, June 3, 5-6 pm
Questions submitted in advance
Meeting ID: 752 0263 9708
Password: 4MXXc3 
Hastings High School Parade
Friday, June 5, 11 am
For route CLICK HERE
Budget Vote and Board of Trustee Election
Tuesday, June 9

IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Absentee Ballots must be mailed to the school district and RECEIVED no later than 5 pm on June 9. The Board of Education also decided to allow for a drop-box on the day of the vote, which will be located at the main door of the high school.
Superintendent’s Chat, virtual
Wednesday, June 10, 4:30-5:30 pm
GoToMeeting Link will be sent by District
Board of Education Meeting, virtual 
Monday, June 15, 7:30 pm
GoToMeeting Link will be sent by District 
Artwork and Messages for HHS Graduates (Shh, it is a surprise!)
Monday, June 15, 5 pm
Drop off on porch at 35 Hillside Ave.
Last Day of School
Thursday, June 18
HHS Diploma Distribution Drive Through and Fanfare
Saturday, June 20, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm 
Rain Date: Sunday June 21
HHS Main Entrance (Outdoors)
Initiatives

1• Facts About the Budget
The Hastings PTSA and SEPTA are co-hosting a virtual forum to help people in the community get the facts about the proposed budget.

During this forum, questions from the community will be answered by District Treasurer Maureen Caraballo, Assistant Superintendent Melissa Szymanski, and Superintendent Dr. Valerie Henning-Piedmonte.  The only way to get the facts is to go to the source!

All questions must be submitted in advance. The PTSA and SEPTA will forward the questions to administrators in advance of the forum to maximize the amount of information shared out to the community. Submit your questions HERE . 

In a typical year, schools districts have two chances to pass a budget. Given the timing forced on districts by COVID-19, it appears that districts will not get a second opportunity to pass the budget . Unless Governor Cuomo or the legislature acts, a failed budget vote would likely force the adoption of a contingency budget (a legal term that requires significant additional cuts from the budget). 

In Hastings on Hudson, a contingency budget requires an additional $1.3 million to be reduced from our proposed tax levy by cutting expenditures and/or increasing the appropriated fund balance by decreasing reserves.
Please do not miss this opportunity to get the facts: 
Meeting ID: 752 0263 9708
Password: 4MXXc3  

Make sure your vote counts : Absentee Ballots must be mailed to the school district and RECEIVED no later than 5 pm on June 9.  The Board of Education also decided to allow for a drop-box on the day of the vote, which will be located at the main door of the high school. 

Please  CLICK THROUGH  to read an article that explains this budget vote.

2 • A Surprise for our HHS Graduates! Calling all artists, young and not-so-young!
Thank you for all the beautiful artwork and congratulatory messages that we received for our HHS Graduates! Given that the artwork and messages were uplifting and heart-warming, the Hastings PTSA has decided that we want more! We have extended the deadline and will continue to collect artwork and messages through June 15. 

Why not ask your kids to create something special for the HHS graduates? Maybe make something for them yourself? We are impressed by what we have seen so far! 

We will use the submissions to decorate an area that will be visible to graduates while they receive their diplomas. The artwork and messages will go up overnight so that we can surprise them on the big day! 

Please drop off submissions on the porch of 35 Hillside Ave.  
3 • Superintendent’s Chat

The next Superintendent Chat is scheduled for  Wednesday, June 10, 4:30-5:30 pm . These chats were created by the Superintendent to enhance communication between parents, teachers, and administrators.  

If you'd like to submit a question in advance, please add it here by Tuesday, June 9, at 5 PM. You also are welcome to ask questions live.  

The District will send a link to the Chat. 


Grants

Since the close of schools in March, the PTSA has awarded the following grants:

  • Funds to help feed students that qualify for free and reduced lunch during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • A 3D printer for Hillside, which has been used to make protective gear for health care workers and First Responders.
  • Reusable masks for staff and children at the schools during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • T-Shirts for 4th Grade, to commemorate Moving Up
  • T-Shirts for 8th Grade, for Recognition 
  • Photographer for HHS Diploma Distribution Drive Through and Fanfare
  • Mural by Artist for HHS Graduates
Hastings-on-Hudson Schools | PTSAHastings.org