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March 18, 2022
This is the day you begin
to find the places inside
your laughter and your lunches,
your books, your travel and your stories,
where every new friend has something
a little like you–and something else
so fabulously not quite like you
at all.
(The Day You Begin, Jacqueline Woodson, 2018)
Dear Hastings Families and Staff,
Woodson’s poetic prose is my touchstone this week. Even midway through March, we still are finding new “places inside,” more reasons to laugh, stories that teach, and friends at once similar and “fabulously not quite like you.” We are learning.
I open with a short reflection on a year of guest reading. The musical prowess of fifth and sixth grade follows. More good news on our Science Research Program is next. I provide a quick review of Superintendent’s Conference Day. I end with an update on next year’s School Calendar.
Finding Layers of Meaning – Grades K-4
My guest reading to each K-4 class is nearly completed. The visits have been my entry into the thinking, creativity, inquisitiveness, humor and energy of Hastings’ youngest learners. In each class, we seek out the layers of meaning “in the words and the pictures,” first by listening, then “turning and talking” in small groups and finally through whole class sharing. Each stop assures me that intellectual work is underway, as is close attention to social and emotional development. I walk out of each room inspired and thankful. (By the way, Woodson’s prose, woven with the magical illustrations by Rafael Lopez, has been the “text” for my third grade visits.)
Fifth and Sixth Grade Musical Prowess
For seven days, we have been soaking in the musical talents of Hastings fifth and sixth graders. Last Friday, a full house relished the fifth grade’s production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. Delightful solos, fine ensemble work, well timed humor and strong melodies and rhythms carried us forward–leaving behind two years of missed in-person performances.
Last night, the fifth and sixth graders combined for their “Winter Concert,” delayed until the cusp of spring due to COVID-19. Another packed house was treated to spirited performances by the Orchestra, Selectones, Chorus and two Bands. The signature moment for a superb evening was a duet by sixth graders Ariela Eliasi (Alto Saxophone) and Vivienne Guevin-Gill (Guitar). Their smooth and sophisticated cover of “A Taste of Honey” by Scott/Marlow brought the audience to a roaring standing ovation.
Science Research Program – Inspiring Rigor
Students in the Science Research Program have been finalizing their presentations for this weekend’s virtual Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF). The students will be presenting their projects, which are the culmination of two years of work, to judges in their scientific fields. Students will have the opportunity at WESEF to qualify for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair being held in Atlanta, GA this May.
I spent an inspiring 90 minutes yesterday listening to many of the presentations. Individually and collectively, guided by Melissa Shandroff’s deft blend of rigor and support, the students exemplify critical inquiry abilities. The self-selected topics, research designs and process exceed college-level work. Indeed, several of the students already have parlayed their research into college acceptances. A sample of the topics include, studies of brain patterns in neurological disorders, invasive species in various land and marine locations, nutritional impact on adolescents of screen time, housing quality patterns relative to regional transportation hubs, and the effects of exercise during the pandemic on social abilities.
Superintendent’s Conference Day – March 16, 2022
Since Wednesday, I have chuckled about random comments from students about this week’s “little vacation day.” Several students told me they slept in and relaxed; others told me it amounted to “just another day of studying.” Families should have a sense of the work underway while you added a “little vacation day” to your busy schedules.
Wednesday provided valuable professional learning for all staff and administrators. Designed by and for staff and faculty, it is a misnomer, at least in Hastings, to label it a “Superintendent’s Conference Day.” As conveyed in the Agenda, we connected virtually with scholars and other experts on ways to strengthen culturally responsive pedagogy and content, as well as to ensure that Hastings is a welcoming and affirming district and community. Look for more details in Melissa Szymanski’s March 2022 newsletter highlighting curriculum, instruction and assessment–due out next week.
2022-23 School Calendar Revision
The Board of Education (BOE) will be voting on a revised recommendation for the 2022-23 School Calendar at its March 21 meeting. Revisions are based on the requests the BOE made at its March 7, 2022 meeting.
The new recommendation provides for the following, listed in chronological order:
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8.30-31 and 9.1.22 – Three consecutive Superintendent's Conference Days
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9.2-5.22 – A long Labor Day Holiday weekend for faculty and staff, with schools and offices closed Friday, September 2, 2022.
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9.6.22 – First Day of School (A post-Labor Day start date)
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4.3-7.23 – One full week for Spring Recess
We will update the Hastings community after the BOE votes on the School Calendar this Monday.
Be well.
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