Hastings Happenings - May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

Everything You Need to Know for the School Budget Vote & Trustee Election on May 21

Are you familiar with the Proposed 2024-25 Budget? The School Budget Vote & Trustee Election is just around the corner. To prepare, please review the Budget Page on the district's website, which includes detailed budget information and links to the Budget Book, related presentations, and FAQs.

Hot off the press is the 2024-25 Special Budget Newsletter. Complete with visuals and stories, the newsletter brings to life what the budget provides for students and families. A printed version was also mailed to all Hastings residents.

Lastly, we've created a Quick Sheet, which provides a comprehensive overview of the 2024-25 Budget Proposal in an easily digestible format.

Please exercise your fundamental, democratic right to vote your conscience and preference regarding next year’s School Budget and the membership of the Board of Education.

The PTSA/SEPTA Superintendent Budget Forum took place on May 8. Click below to watch the live-stream recording.

On Monday, the League of Women Voters of the Rivertowns and the PTSA/SEPTA hosted a virtual Meet the BOE Candidates Forum. Click below to watch the live-stream recording.

To learn more about the 2024-25 candidates, click here.

Embroidery, Beats & Beyond ~ Farragut's 20th Annual Art Extravaganza

On Friday, May 10, Farragut Middle School held its 20th Annual Arts Extravaganza. A longstanding tradition where creativity reigns supreme, the event combined the talent of artists, teachers, students and parents.

Organized by Art Department Chairperson Ezra Elliot, the day included a series of workshops for eighth graders to choose from. In three 75-minute workshops, students tried their hand at varied art forms, such as knitting, marbleized paper-making, DIY scratchboards, cooking, embroidery, visual music, urban illustration, and circus arts in the Farragut Gymnasium.

“The essence is to have a full day devoted to the arts for students,” said Elliot. “And by arts, we don't just mean visual arts.”

Over the years, the Arts Extravaganza has even included classes on hip hop and Israeli folk dance, as well as theatre arts.

“Hastings has such a wealth of creative people and parents who work in the arts in a range of capacities,” Elliot said. “Each year, it’s a reminder to students of the culture and creativity that exists within their village. More importantly, it's a lot of fun for the kids to get a break from preparing for Regents exams and the busy end-of-year school schedule.”

For more information about each workshop and the facilitators, click here.

Can You Feel the Beat? Hillside Hosts Annual Family Dance Night

Students, staff and families were feeling the beat last night, as Hillside hosted its Annual Family Dance Night.

Organized by the school's Physical Education Department, the event in the Multipurpose room featured movin', groovin', and smilin' faces, a PTSA stand to purchase spirit wear, and delicious cookies and treats.

It was a perfect celebration of family, friendship, and the many accomplishments achieved together throughout the school year.

Baby Chicks are Born, an Exciting Day in Kindergarten

It began in Tasnim Nagrath's kindergarten class with an incubator housing a clutch of eggs, each holding the promise of new life.

After being introduced to the wonders of life cycles, the process of incubation and the care needed for eggs to hatch, the children carefully observed the eggs, eagerly awaiting signs of movement. They even took turns checking the temperature and humidity levels, ensuring that the conditions were just right for the soon-to-be-born chicks.

Then, on Tuesday morning, Ms. Nagrath came into the classroom to find two chicks hatching. She was excited to inform her students, and when she did, their eyes widened with wonder and they erupted into cheers.

Nagrath's classroom is now filled with the cheeps and chirps of baby chicks exploring their new surroundings, as the students wait for the other eggs to hatch.

Highlights from Hastings Athletic Department

As we enter into the Spring Post Season, it is a good moment to review all student-athlete accomplishments.

Click here for more highlights from Drew Wendol and the Athletic Department. This document is updated regularly by our dedicated coaches. Check it for the latest in Hastings sports!

Middle & High School Art Show Opening & National Art Honor Society Induction ~ 5/20

Upcoming Multicultural Book Fair 5/29-5/30 ~ Sign Up to Volunteer

On May 29-30, the Cochran Gymnasium will be transformed into a library of literature for the Eighth Annual Multicultural Book Fair (MCBF). Students from across the district's three buildings will have the chance to participate, with material organized by reading level.

Click here to volunteer for the event, which raises up the written word as a powerful path to understanding diverse histories, cultures and experiences.

Upcoming Eighth Grade Career Fair on 6/11 ~ Sign Up to Volunteer

Farragut Middle School's Annual Eighth Grade Career Day is scheduled for the afternoon of June 11. Over the years, students have had the chance to learn the ins and outs of various careers from the village's professionals.

If you are interested in volunteering for this wonderful and unique experience, please contact FACS Teacher Romeo Spiniello at spiniellor@hohschools.org.