Superintendent’s Community Update, January 29, 2021


Dear Hastings Families,

The month of January is almost behind us and we are two weeks away from our mid-winter recess which is February 15-19. While these breaks are appreciated, the weeks after the recess have resulted in more positive cases and quarantines which have been challenging. Following the safety protocols of social distancing, mask-wearing, hand-washing, and staying home when not well or while awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test are paramount. Thank you for helping us to remain safe and keep our schools open. 

COVID-19 Vaccination and School Personnel

I am sure you are aware of the issues related to the vaccination process. Our school personnel wants to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination. While some people have secured the first shot, many more have had their appointments canceled, have not been able to obtain an appointment or the appointment is a month or so away. In a meeting this week with County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Department of Health, Superintendents shared these obstacles. County Executive Latimer indicated he would do what he could to prioritize school personnel across Westchester County so they can obtain their first and second shots as quickly as possible. Each school district collected data on how many people are waiting for their first shot. This information is being compiled and will be shared with the County Executive. As soon as an expedited vaccination plan has been established, school personnel will be notified. Another measure we have taken in the District is to establish an agreement with each bargaining unit to allow their members to use sick time to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination. Ordinally, sick time is used specifically for a physical illness. Rather than limiting faculty and staff members to searching for appointments only after their workday and on weekends, they will have the latitude to use sick time to obtain an appointment during the workday. 

Returning all Children to School

As you know from updates shared by Mr. Andrew Wendol, Interim Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, the Westchester Department of Health has been tasked with establishing procedures for students participating in high-risk sports. Naturally, questions have been raised about when schools will reopen fully for students. One of the most important precursors to returning all children to school safely is having all adults fully vaccinated. However, a vaccinated person can still become a carrier of the virus. For now, children under the age of 16 will not be vaccinated. Children who have contracted COVID-19 did so from adults not in our schools. A variant strain of COVID-19 is now a new threat. There is concern that the COVID-19 vaccine currently available may not offer protection against this variant strain. Revised guidelines for social distancing and contact tracing are needed. Quarantines have been a significant challenge and have caused shifts to remote learning when there are not enough faculty and staff to reopen a school safely. Re-opening without consideration for how we’ve remained open so far is worrisome. We have remained open by paying careful attention to the following:

  • Masks required for students, faculty, and staff
  • Limited visitor access to the schools 
  • Social distancing achieved through low student density and the use of barriers
  • Frequent cleaning of desks, bathrooms, and other high touch surfaces
  • Maintaining low student density
  • Cohorting students to minimize contact and exposure
  • Mandatory quarantining and self-isolation of exposed individuals
  • Expedited contact tracing due to defined cohorts and low student density
  • Remote access to instruction for those wishing to learn exclusively at home

I will be reconvening the School Reopening Committee and inviting more participants to join with the goal of determining what it will take to safely resume in-person learning for all students this school year. If you are interested in joining the School Reopening Committee, please complete this form. 

Hastings High School Racial Equity Day Program

On Wednesday, Hastings High School organized an incredibly powerful Racial Equity Day Program. The three presenters were Dr. Detra Price-Dennis, Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, and Mr. Kevin Richardson (one of the Exonerated 5). Each presenter shared insights that sparked reflection, conversation, and plans for action. Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz indicated that one of the most significant actions begins with oneself through what she terms an “archeological dig” of oneself. This process requires each individual to engage in a deep examination and analysis of one’s beliefs, attitudes, biases, and behaviors. I want to acknowledge and thank the following planning committee members for their collaboration: Lou Adipietro, Principal HHS; Melissa Hardesty, Assistant Principal HHS; Tesfa Stewart, Assistant Director of Special Education; Jennifer Spirelli, Principal FMS; Jenice Mateo-Toledo, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator; Ross Abrams, English Teacher/Race Matters Committee, HHS; Josh Blum, English Teacher, HHS, English Department Chairperson; Jada Dickens, Hillside Math Teacher; Raquel Reid-McFarlane, FMS Teacher Assistant; Diana Pan, Parent; Yakira Sameth, HHS Alumnus; Kalani Martial, HHS Student; Sabine Paz-Le Draoulec, HHS Student; Cai Snell, HHS Student; Aya Hinawi, HHS Student; Victoria Pereira, HHS Student; Eesha Chen, HHS Student; Melissa Szymanski, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Plans are underway to establish a similar program for Farragut Middle School. 

The days, weeks, and months ahead will bring more and more positive developments. Our faculty and staff have done a great job creating engaging learning experiences for children. I thank them for their dedication to all children. Thank you families for your patience, cooperation, and assistance as you’ve made adjustments as needed. None of this has been perfect or what we would consider ideal. Our collective efforts have gotten us to this point and will carry us forward. 

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Warm regards,

Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Ed.D.