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October 1, 2021
Dear Hastings Families & Staff,
Welcome to October. We are in full swing. Let me repeat what I shared at each of the three Back-to-School nights: I am fortunate to be based in the Farragut Complex, allowing me to easily welcome and check in on students and staff, and take a quick hike up to Hillside to do the same. At the risk of being too positive, I remain pleased by the energy and quick shift by students each morning to academic work once the official day begins.
This week’s update focuses on Safety and Security, Communications and COVID-19 Optional Surveillance Testing.
Our Tall Seven — Trust
It is not a twist to connect Trust to the safety and security of students and staff. Each Fall, I emphasize for the entire district and community my dedication to the safety and security of students and staff. I am confident that this dedication is shared by the Hastings Board of Education, administration, staff and Village leaders. Two examples:
● The administration works closely with the Hastings Police and Fire Departments. I am in
weekly communication with Police Chief David Dosin, and we formally meet at least one
time per month. In addition, we are guided by Altaris Consulting Group, which works
with school districts across the region to ensure security systems are sharp in terms of
technology, personnel and procedures.
● As is required by New York State, we have been running a series of safety drills at the
Farragut Complex and Hillside. These will continue throughout the year. The Hastings
Police Department, Fire Department and an Altaris consultant monitor these drills, and
we debrief afterwards to identify improvements. Rest assured that your students have
performed well in each of this year’s initial drills.
In an emergency situation (not a drill), we will communicate rapidly with all staff and families via email. We will inform you what we “know now,” and then provide updates as we learn more. Superintendents are asked by security experts to remind all families to NOT come to the school or campus in an emergency ― we must provide space for first responders to do their vital work in an emergency. I am a parent; I would want to be at the school in an emergency, but the best step I can take as a parent is to give the first responders space. Our commitment is to communicate with you ― so you do not need to come to school.
Please Trust our expertise in emergencies.
Communications ― Plan & Survey
Last week, I raised up the Leadership Team’s commitment to improving communications, among other operational priorities. Several of us are pursuing two first steps, which will guide improvement efforts. First, we are developing a Communications Framework, listing priority objectives, tools and tactics, responsible parties, timeline and measures. Second, we are preparing a survey that will go to all Hastings families and staff regarding communication effectiveness and preferences. The plan and survey are being developed in consultation with Ellen Lane, Communications Director for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, who provides partner districts strategic, content and technical support with communications. We hope to have the survey distributed to all families and staff within the next two weeks.
Optional COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
Yesterday was the start of the Optional COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program. The first round of testing went smoothly, thanks to the excellent preparations of our nursing team: Joanne Cipollina, Tricia Chibbaro, Donna Doyle, Tricia Feeney and Gina Kowalski. They ensured that our medical partners (Westchester Medical Center and Quadrant Bioscience Laboratory) were well-organized for the testing. Representatives from the Westchester County Department of Health, who observed the testing, advised us that it was among one of the best starts they had seen in the County. They will be using Hastings as a model.
Families and staff still can register for the program, via the information accessed HERE.
Here’s to a great October.
Be well.
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