September 10, 2021


Dear Hastings Families & Staff,


Even a two-day week earns a Community Update. I know that Hastings staff returned refreshed, and I sensed and heard the same was true for our students.  Let me pick up on Our Tall Seven, the guiding principles I introduced last week, and then shift to necessary updates on Reynolds Field and COVID-19. 


Our Tall Seven Focusing on Caring & Joy


To review, my theme for the year is “Relationships,” anchored in a set of guiding principles I termed Our Tall Seven


  1. Us Not Me, or You, it is Us.
  2. Curiosity should precede judgment.
  3. Caring should be our signature.
  4. Trust will emerge, if Us, Curiosity, and Caring prevail.
  5. Social, Emotional, and Psychological Health for students and staff.
  6. Growth Academic, Artistic, and Athletic.  
  7. Joy Foster and embrace joy, for our students and staff.


I promised to periodically return to Our Tall Seven over the school year. A story of Caring and Joy occurred during my latest WalkAbout, while I greeted Hillside students, fifth graders, and High School students yesterday and today. I stood at entrance ways, and in the drop zone, saying “good morning'' to each studentI even briefly held the door for the fifth graders and High School students. Call it an early morning attempt at Caring.  


The Joy was in seeing the range of responsesall age-appropriate. The Hillside students looked a bit surprised, yet with smiling eyes (all wore masks) responded with soft “good mornings” or a wave. The fifth graders bounded along with a loud “hello” or “good morning”. The high schoolers glanced quizzically at the tall fellow holding the door and walked in with only a few greetings. I felt at home, with the responses echoing those I have witnessed my entire career.


I will keep my WalkAbouts and greetings going. Smiles will follow.   


Reynolds Field Update


As reported last week, Reynolds Field sustained significant damage during Tropical Storm Ida. Our District insurance carrier, as well as District engineers and a representative from FEMA, have been evaluating the extent of the damage. The District is awaiting clearance from engineers to begin site cleanup, which is scheduled to begin tomorrow at the tennis courts. Equipment will need to be brought in to remove the large amount of debris that washed onto the track. While the track will be closed until repairs can be made, we are optimistic that the field will be reopened next week. We will update you once the insurance adjuster provides the scope of work and time frame for repairs. Thank you for your patience and offers of help in reopening Reynolds Field. 



COVID-19 Management 9.10.21


Flexibility and patience continue to be required with COVID-19. We have made several changes in the management of COVID-19, each in accordance with NYSDOH, NYSED, and the CDC. Please take a moment to review the COVID-19 Management Document 2021-22, which may be accessed by clicking HERE. I would ask that you focus on four changes described in the document:


  • Quarantine Guidelines, which we have modified slightly for unvaccinated individuals. Detailed documentation on sources is provided. See Item #8, on page three.
  • Testing Requirements when an individual is out with COVID-19 symptoms. See Item #9, on page four.
  • Lunch location decisions at Hillside. See Item #11, on page five.
  • Spectators for athletics. See Item #18, on page six.


Most importantly, I remain confident that we know how to manage COVID-19 such that we can continue in-person schooling and focus on academic and social-emotional growth for all students. Please commit to doing all you can to keep Hastings healthy, safe, and in person.  


Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 

Interim Superintendent of Schools