Superintendent’s Community Update for December 11, 2020
December 11, 2020
Dear Hastings Families,
As we inch toward the winter holiday recess, there are growing concerns about the number of positive cases which represents the anticipated Thanksgiving infection spike. Along with other districts in the area, we are experiencing a steady climb in cases since November 30th which causes concern in our schools and worries about spending the holiday break in quarantine or isolation. For now, we have not been designated as a yellow microcluster. However, you should check the COVID hot spot zones to get a sense of the progression of the areas of infection and avoid them if you can. We are definitely worried about what may happen when we return on January 4, 2021.
While many people are wisely heeding the advice not to travel during the upcoming holiday season, some are taking a risk to travel, which increases our concerns about being able to reopen schools on January 4, 2021. There is not a single person who doesn’t want to see their loved ones who they may not have seen for months. However, please hold off on traveling until the summer. You’ll have more time to quarantine when you return from your travels, schools will be closed, and our overall conditions are likely to have improved. The information about the travel requirements upon return to New York State from another state or country is important to review.
Return to school protocol change
In last week’s update, I indicated that we will have an attestation form for children, faculty, and staff who return to school or work after a Department of Health mandated isolation or quarantine. The reason for these forms is to ensure that children, faculty, and staff are not delayed in their return to school from isolation or quarantine. This is the attestation form for children returning from quarantine and this is the form for children returning from isolation. The completed attestation form needs to be brought to the School Nurse when a child returns to school. This form will be added to our website and is available in the School Nurse’s Office.
Reporting unsafe situations in the community
Please continue to review these CDC holiday reminders to keep your family safe. The Westchester County Department of Health provided a contact for reporting unsafe behavior in the community, which impacts the safety of others by contributing to the spread of the virus. Please contact the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-995-2900 or ameyer@westchestergov.com to report these incidents.
School Climate Survey
Last December, children in Farragut Middle School and Hastings High School took a school climate survey. Next week, we will administer the survey again along with an equity and inclusion survey. The details are here.
NYSED Parent Dashboard
This year, the New York State Education Department introduced a parent portal to make it easier for parents to find information about their child’s school and district. We’ve linked the NYSED parent dashboard to our website under the District Directory. The link is here.
The Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework
As we navigate how best to affirm the racial, linguistic, and cultural identities of children in the District, we have an important resource that helps us to cultivate a culturally responsive mindset. This mindset can guide us and remind us that the assets, knowledge, and experiences of our students and families are valued. The framework is here. We will be referencing it and having conversations about how to incorporate it into our practices.
I look forward to the rest and relaxation that awaits us in less than two weeks. Thank you for following the safety protocols of social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing. As always, we appreciate your cooperation, understanding, and assistance.
Warm regards,
Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
