Hastings Happenings - April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

Hastings High School Unlocks the Spring Spirit with Annual Pep Rally

Spring has arrived, bringing with it a sense of renewal and excitement. It was evidenced yesterday as students dressed in spirit wear hurried through the hallways, buzzing with anticipation for Hastings High School's Annual Spring Pep Rally.

We had a chat with Student Union President, Barney Smith, and Vice President, Erik Ghalib, who gave a summary of the run-of-show for the "hypest of the hype" event below:

The Spring Pep Rally began, as always, with the welcoming of the Class of 2024. This year, we and our fellow seniors got to run through a giant new Yellow Jacket inflatable tunnel, donated by the Booster Club.

Then, emcees Pat Lacy and Georgia Kennedy led representatives from each grade in a relay race. After that, each spring sports team performed a choreographed dance for the chance to win a free pizza party.

The grand finale of the afternoon was a much-awaited Teacher Balloon Stomp Competition, with over a dozen faculty members competing to pop balloons tied to each other’s’ ankles without letting their own balloon get popped. After an intense and exciting battle, English teacher Sarah Stern came out victorious with Math teacher Joann Bassani in a close second place.

Thanks to devoted Student Union representatives, enthusiastic teachers, and an energetic student body, it was an incredibly fun afternoon!

For a behind-the-scenes look into the Class of 2024 introduction, watch the video clip below.

Hastings High School's AP Art Show Opens Tonight at 6:00 p.m.

Hastings High School's AP Art Show opens to the public tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby. A culmination of work that began in July, the show features a plethora of pieces in a variety of mediums, created by 15 of Lorienne Solaski's AP Studio students and eight photography students in Cory Merchant's AP class.

From 3D art and sculptures to masks and clothing, the show contains representations of the students' Sustained Investigation project, which Merchant says involves generating ideas and then refining them through experimentation and practice.

"This show is the culmination of about ten months of work," Merchant explained.

"Some of the students have probably been building this body of work for even longer. For many of the students, as well as for Ms. Solaski and me, this is the first time we get to see all the work together on display. It's always a triumphant and celebratory moment when things start to come together for the students. We are so lucky to work with such talented and creative students every day!"

For the full experience, come and check out the show:

Tonight, Thursday, April 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Tomorrow, Friday, April 19, 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Student Perspective: Charlie Schwarz & Daniel Dodson on What Hillside Means to Them

For Hastings students, school symbolizes a myriad of memories and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom walls. More than just physical structures or centers of learning, school is the foundational pillar that shapes the minds, identities, aspirations, and futures of the Village's young people.

This week, we asked Charlie Schwarz and Daniel Dodson, fourth graders in Christine Samuel's class, what Hillside Elementary School means to them. Here's what they had to say:

Charlie: The first thing I want to say is that there are a lot of opportunities to explore at Hillside. Also, when I came here in second grade, I met so many nice people. I realized it's okay if you're just starting out.

Daniel: I agree. I remember when I was home-schooled in first grade. When I came here after that, everyone in the school was very nice to me. There are so many new things to try and new people to meet.

L to R: Daniel Dodson, Charlie Schwarz

On National American Sign Language Day (April 15), Noa De Lowe, a fourth grader in Linda Tam's class, used her knowledge to deliver the morning announcements. Recognizing the importance of the day for the history of the Deaf community, she shared her passion for inclusivity and teaching others about differ-abilities.

Students Districtwide Participate in Third Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge

In case you missed it, Superintendent McKersie shared the following announcement with families and staff on Friday, April 12:

The Third Annual Hastings Poetry Challenge is now complete, garnering 13 submissions from first through ninth graders. Topics range from the humorous to the serious, delving into nature, family, nursery rhymes, mysteries, athletics, shopping and even existentialism (asking, “What if?” and reflecting on, “Somewhere we cannot reach…”). Free verse, rhymes, word play and creative layouts all are here. (From the fifth graders, we have cinquains, clerihews and limericks–short poems which may be silly and nonsensical.) Each of the 13 poems is presented exactly as submitted over the past two months.

Soak in the poetry of our students. You will smile, maybe laugh, think, maybe wonder; for sure, you will be impressed by the budding writers in Hastings, who took the risk to step up and share. Thank you to each poet, and to the guidance and encouragement of their teachers and families.

Hastings High School's Musical Production of Urinetown

Hastings High School's musical production of Urinetown took place this past weekend. It was a special send-off for 27 graduating senior cast and crew members, many of whom have performed in every show since fourth grade. Each of the three thought-provoking production days thoroughly entertained audiences, igniting conversations about social and political issues. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for a spectacular success. Superintendent McKersie shared the following note with the seniors on Sunday evening:

Wrapped in Love – Thank You

Just finished applauding the closing show for the HHS Theatre Program’s remarkable “Urinetown.” Backbone of 27 seniors, most together doing theatre since fourth grade. Spirit, dedication and talent all woven with love. Truly. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary gifts with us.

Special thanks to the Directors and Coordinators for guiding the cast and crew with expertise, rigor and care: Laurie Walton, Bob Walton, Gillian Husovsky and Phyllis Udice.

The Seniors

The Entire Cast & Crew

Photos taken by Audrey deWys

Have You Followed Us on Instagram Yet?

To help you make an informed decision on May 21, we've created a dedicated webpage with sections including:

School Budget Vote & Trustee Election Information; and,
Links to all budget presentations

Please note: The next Board of Education Meeting is on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m. Budget sessions are public, accessible virtually and recorded, with locations and explanations posted on the BOE section of the website.

We will continue to share updates as we move through the budget process.

Monday, April 22, 2024: Petition nominating candidates for the Board must be received by 5:00 p.m. by the District Clerk.
Three (3) seats on the Board of Education will need to be filled during this election season. This year (2024), the petitioners must collect 32 signatures from eligible voters. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Voter Registration 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the High School Lobby
Tuesday, May 7, 2024: Budget Hearing at 6:00 p.m. in the Farragut Complex Lecture Room
Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Last day to submit an application for an absentee ballot (if the ballot is to be mailed)
Wednesday, May 15, 2024: Voter Registration 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the High School Lobby