Superintendent’s Community Update, June 4, 2021

Dear Hastings Families, Faculty and Staff,

I hope you all enjoyed the extended Memorial Day weekend. We are at the three-week mark as we approach the wonderful celebrations associated with the end of the school year. These events are important to children and we appreciate your continued attention to upholding all of the safety protocols and practices that will make it possible for us to celebrate together. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Un-Mask Movement

There is an effort underway by a parent group in Westchester to pressure schools to allow children to remove their masks. We do not have the authority to disregard the New York State Department of Health and the Westchester County Department of Health as it pertains to mandatory mask-wearing. We will continue to enforce mask-wearing for all. Thank you for your cooperation.

Governor’s Vaccination Incentive

Last week, I informed you that Governor Cuomo launched a new program to incentivize families to vaccinate their 12-17-year-olds called the Get a Shot to Make Your Future. A student must have received their first COVID vaccine injection to be eligible to win one of 50 four-year, full-ride scholarships to any New York State public college or university. The first 10 winners were announced on Wednesday. Information is provided on the Governor's website. If you are still seeking a vaccination for yourself or your 12-17 year older, please visit the sites below:

New York State Covid-19 Vaccine Website: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Find appointments at a State-run Site: Make an appointment at a State-run site
Find appointments at all other sites: Make an appointment at other sites

American Rescue Act Plan Committee

Just before Monday night’s Board meeting, which will be held in person in the high school auditorium, a hearing will take place to gather feedback from the community on how the American Rescue Act Plan Elementary and Secondary Relief Funds will be used. Ms. Caraballo and Ms. Szymanski will share what the American Rescue Act Plan Committee discussed. They will also disseminate a survey to enlist community feedback on the committee’s recommendations. These slides were reviewed at last Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. The recommendations will be shared at Monday night’s meeting and posted on our website.

Multicultural Book Fair

Yesterday was the first day of the 5th annual Multicultural Book Fair. Please stop by to stock up on gifts for various end-of-year celebrations or summer reading. There is a wide variety of books to choose from. Due to the weather, the fair was moved to the Cochran Gym in Hastings High School.

Once again, thank you for continuing to complete the daily COVID health questionnaire, check your child’s symptoms, and follow testing guidelines. Your efforts matter in our goal to keep everyone safe for the next three weeks of the school year. As a reminder, please remember to keep your child home if your child is awaiting the results of a COVID PCR test or if a family member develops COVID symptoms. If your child comes to school, the virus will be transmitted to others who are not vaccinated.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Sincerely,

Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools