December 10, 2021 


Dear Hastings Families & Staff, 


“sNOw, no Snow!!” During my walkabouts the past two days, several people commented, “Thank goodness we missed the snowstorm this week!” Ah, yes, the media-hyped worry about bad weather, which got me thinking about the larger issue of communications. One thought went to what we say about weather, the larger thought settled on our overall approach to communications. 


My Weather Thought: Early this week weather experts told us that the media reports of snow and rain-snow mixtures were overstated, so we stayed focused on normal school days. As is best practice, we tend to only share weather updates and reports when there is a definite (or highly likely) impact on school schedules, and we tend to share that news as close to the start of the affected day as possible. (This approach was specified in a memo sent to all families and staff earlier in the year, which can be reviewed HERE.


My Larger Thought: Our communications must meet the standard of clear and forthright sharing of what we know, when we know it. We need to minimize surprises, sudden shifts, and needless information vacuums. While doing well this year, I contributed to a bump this week, when the families of about 30 Hillside students were caught up in a mid-quarantine shift from seven to ten days. While mandated by Westchester County, my advance communications on this possibility should have been better. I have shared my self-critique with the families who wrote to me; now, you all hear it. I listen, I learn, I strive to do better—that has to be true for all of us in Hastings. 


This week I highlight three successes signifying the breadth of education in Hastings. My weekly COVID-19 briefing will be early this next week, given I just shared a long update on Wednesday, which is available HERE


DEI in Hastings ― Setting the Pace for Rigorous & Respective Dialogue

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a fundamental element of excellent education. Long before the phrase emerged in popular use, and as an acronym (DEI), the best educational institutions have been weaving culturally responsive teaching and learning into their core curriculum and work.

Hastings is one of those institutions, having set the pace with DEI for years. Personally speaking, I am proud to have been part of schools and universities for my entire career focused on the best of DEI. 


What is the best? Four principles must be understood and applied at each step: Welcoming & Affirming Environment for All Students and Staff; High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction Across All Subjects and Disciplines; Inclusive Curriculum & Assessment; and, Ongoing Professional Learning. These are the pillars of the New York State Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework, which all school districts in the state are advised to follow with DEI. 


Stated directly, we must ensure all teaching, interactions and programming is respectful, inclusive, and promotes the dignity of students and staff. We have to intellectually challenge all students and be supportive as they grow and progress. We must assist teachers in developing robust curriculum and lesson plans, as well as help administrators and teachers expand their capacity to marry excellence and sensitivity with DEI. 


On Monday night, the Board of Education heard a comprehensive report from Melissa Szymanski and Jenice Mateo-Toledo on the status of DEI in Hastings and the emerging three-year plan. The presentation and discussions set the standard for how public officials, educators, students, families, and the community should dig into DEI. Unlike what has become the sad norm nationally, Hastings on Monday night discussed and debated the core elements of DEI with rigor, respect, and a commitment to productive, forward-thinking, and action. We are demonstrating that a commitment to “Us, Caring, and Trust” is non-negotiable in Hastings. 


Lastly, all readers should know that administrators and teachers have made a point this year to listen to and meet with students and families who have concerns about DEI. I believe personalized attention is a signature of Hastings, and must be a central part of our DEI work if we are to ensure respect and dignity. 


Saturnalia ― Classical and Latin Studies Alive and Well in Hastings 


Last evening, our budding Latin scholars donned robes and crowns, gathered in the cafeteria with ample food and energy, to celebrate Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival in honor of the god Saturn, typically falling in mid-December (modern calendar). Over 80 students, under the guidance of Veronika Aleiner and colleagues in the World Language Department, shared poster projects on the Roman Empire, displays of Roman architecture, and engaged in a spirited and difficult match of Roman Jeopardy. (Even after years of classics, I was stumped by nearly every question.) My take-away: our students are being guided to a deep and relevant understanding of classical antiquity and Latin. Kudos! 


More Lovely Live Music ― FMS 7th & 8th Grade Winter Concert 


Live music performances continued last evening with a rousing concert by our 7-8 Grade Choral and Instrumental Groups. Proud family members and fellow students were treated to first-rate performances by Advanced Band, 7-8 Chorus, Advanced Orchestra, and one Student Spotlight (by Max Boyd). Three cheers to Eric Day and Jon Riss for their deft direction and accompaniment of the instrumentalists and singers. 


Be well! 

William S. McKersie, Ph.D. 

Superintendent of Schools