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October 8, 2021
Dear Hastings Families & Staff,
A morning of fog. Memories of first grade in Barnes (London, England), when I walked through the “pea soup” to school. Strolling around the Farragut Complex this morning, saying hello to students, one teacher had fun with the foggy view, acting out “Who goes there?”
This week’s update provides clarity (attempting to lift any fog) on several items: Leadership Team Academic, SEL and Operational Goals for 2021-22; Update on Good Behavior; Athletes Stepping Up with Caring; and, a Theater Reminder.
Leadership Team Goals — Academic, SEL and Operational
At a late August retreat, the Leadership Team outlined a set of academic, SEL, and operational priorities for the 2021-22 school year. The aim is to have a coherent set of priorities across the district and amongst the three schools. The priorities have been organized into a visual presentation, accompanied by action steps and a short description. While focused on 2021-22, the priorities are multi-year endeavors. They were reviewed by the Board of Education on September 29, 2021, at its BOE Goals Workshop.
We recommend that all families and staff take a moment to review the priorities. They have been posted on the district Website here.
Good Behavior
Midweek, we sent out an advisory on the TikTok “Challenge,” which has been a source of difficulty for schools and districts across the country. The October 5 statement is available here.
We sent the letter to request help in heading off any bad behavior by our students. Fortunately, Hastings has done very well in avoiding the problems a number of districts in the Tri-State region have experienced. We ask that you continue to speak with your children about the importance of “using technology appropriately, being socially responsible, and standing up for kindness”. Please remind students that they should reach out to an adult in the school if they are concerned about any actions by their peers. We handle all contacts in confidence.
Hasting Athletes Stepping Up with Caring
The Hastings Athletics Department announced earlier this week their campaign, “Compete to Beat Cancer”. The aim is to raise funds and awareness to battle all forms of cancer. Each varsity and junior varsity team this fall has launched a unique fundraising effort, with proceeds going to charitable foundations that aid in the fight against cancer. Each team has selected specific matches, games, and meets dedicated to fundraising. Team members and coaches will be selling clothing and baked goods. The Athletics Department is selling shirts to raise money, as well as creating a portable ‘memory wall’ for those who wish to dedicate a personal note to a loved one affected by cancer.
You can find the schedule to “Compete to Beat Cancer” Events here.
William Shakespeare Abridged
I will walk out of the fog tomorrow afternoon to take in Hastings High School’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). The production will be on Saturday, October 9, and Sunday, October 10 at 3:30 p.m. in the Farragut Middle School Courtyard. I have heard great reports on the performing arts in Hastings. I hope many of you will shed “your weekend fog” to attend the production.
Please have a good long weekend.
Be well.
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