Hastings Happenings - March 16, 2023

March 16, 2023

Join Us for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2023: Celebrating All Kinds of Minds

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon, an internationally recognized autism activist, Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to bring about worldwide neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in schools and workplaces.

The latest Hastings Weekly included a schedule of events to inspire conversations about neurodiversity amongst Hastings students, staff, and families. From introductory webinars to panel discussions, there is a wide range of events to choose from.

Re-shared here is an interactive PDF of the schedule. Click on the event you are interested in, and you’ll be redirected to the registration page.

For more information on Neurodiversity Celebration Week, please visit www.neurodiversityweek.com.

Students Host Neurodiversity Awareness Fundraiser to Benefit Hudson Valley's Paws for a Cause

In honor of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 13 - March 19), World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Larry Cerretani’s first period class is hosting a dog treat fundraiser at Farragut Middle School. The fundraiser will last through March 30, and all proceeds will benefit Hudson Valley’s Paws for a Cause, a local non-profit organization that has been facilitating an Animal Assisted Activity Program for Cerretani’s students since the beginning of the school year.

“Students have received so many benefits from the pet therapy program so far,” said Cerretani. “The fundraiser is a perfect way for them to show their appreciation to Paws for a Cause and its volunteers."

Following step-by-step instructions and using the skills they’ve learned about fractions in class, the middle schoolers baked the dog treats. They even conducted a trial with a pilot group of canine companions of Hastings staff members.

“The pilot group of pooches loved the treats!” Cerretani said.

The treats contain Xylitol-free peanut butter, old-fashioned organic oats, and natural pumpkin puree. A fun fact: blending the ingredients makes the treats less chewy and more digestible for the pups.

In the below clip, seventh grader David Lopez prepares the dog treats by measuring two cups of rolled oats and putting them into a blender.

David preparing the tray.

Sixth grader Olivia Allan measuring and blending the oats.

Students, families, and staff members (FMS only), can click here to order delicious treats for their four-legged family members!

In the form, please indicate how many treats you'd like to purchase. Your order will contain both homemade treats and store-bought treats, and will contain at least one treat baked with love by our very own students.

If you have further questions, contact Larry Cerretani at CerretaniL@hohschools.org.

On behalf of Cerratani and his students, thank you for the support.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look into The Lion King (Kids), A Hastings Theatre Program Production

The African savannah came to life on Thursday and Friday evenings, March 9-10, when Hillside Elementary School’s fourth graders performed their production of Disney’s The Lion King (Kids).

Simba, Rafiki, and other unforgettable characters, took the packed audience in Hillside’s Multipurpose Room on a journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again. An inspiring coming-of-age tale, the show was filled with examples of redemption and overcoming of adversity.

“It has been several years since the fourth graders have done a traditional musical,” said Production Coordinator Phyllis Udice. “Over the past few years, the production was downsized due to budgetary constraints and COVID. The Lion King (Kids) is just what we needed to bring the joy of musical theatre back to our students and families!”

Debuting as Director/Musical Director was Lisa Levine, and Emily Isidori taught the choreography.

“The students learned so much more than just their lines,” said Levine. “They learned about teamwork and technique. They supported each other and worked together to make something truly great.”

“Seeing all the smiles, love, and feelings of pride from the audience warmed the whole room. Families are still emailing me to mention how much the show meant to them and how their children cannot wait to be in fourth grade. I am so proud to work in Hastings and be part of a community that acknowledges how important the arts are for our students,” Levine added.

Superintendent McKersie felt the love as an attendee of the sold-out show on Thursday, sharing his experience in last week's Community Update. Here is an excerpt from his letter.

There’s a calm surrender

To the rush of day

When the heat of a rolling wind Can be turned away

An enchanted moment

And it sees me through

It’s enough for this restless warrior Just to be with you.

So sang Hillside’s fourth graders on the opening night of The Lion King (Kids) as they melted the hearts of the packed Multipurpose Room with a soaring rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Watch the video above for a behind-the-scenes look into the cast and crew during rehearsals and production.

High Schoolers Participate in Construction Paper Garment Challenge

In April Brown’s Sewing and Construction & Design class, high schoolers participated in a Construction Paper Garment Challenge. Displayed in the hall outside Browne's classroom, passerby’s will see beautiful garment designs that students created using construction paper.

Below is an explanation of one group's design process, which began when one student absent-mindedly folded a paper airplane.