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In observance of Juneteenth, all schools and district buildings will be closed on Friday, June 19.

We honor this day as a time for reflection, education, and celebration of freedom. ❤️💛💚

✅ 2026–27 Hastings School Budget Approved 🗳️

Thank you to the Hastings community for participating in the 2026–27 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election.

Budget Vote Results:

✔️ Yes: 1,127

❌ No: 346

Board of Education Election Results (listed in order of votes received):

• Jodie Meyer – 993

• Theresa McCaffrey – 983

• Elizabeth Adinolfi – 534

On behalf of our students, thank you to everyone who came out to vote and participate in this important community process.

Please take a moment to read Hastings Budget Vote and School Board Elections - May 18, 2026 

Please take a moment to read Upcoming Budget - May 13, 2026 

The Hastings school community is pleased to announce that the Board of Education has appointed Ms. Genieve (Gen) Holder as the next Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services (AS-PPS), effective July 1, 2026.

Ms. Holder brings 20 years of experience to Hastings as a special education aide, teacher and administrator. Ms. Holder holds a BA in History from Stony Brook University, a Masters in Special Education from Hofstra University, and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz.  She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville University.

“I was drawn to Hastings-on-Hudson because of its strong commitment to student centered learning and inclusive practices. The district truly focuses on the whole child and makes sure each student feels seen and included. That commitment to inclusivity convinced me this is a place where I can partner with stakeholders to make a meaningful difference for students,” said Ms. Holder. “Hastings is already doing great work, and I plan to build on that by strengthening and expanding equitable, evidence-based support for all students and removing barriers to learning. In the short term I’ll focus on improving coordination across programs and enhancing family communication. Long term, I want to build sustainable systems that improve outcomes, increase inclusion, and ensure every student can thrive academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.”

Ms. Holder brings a strong background in special education and literacy, along with a systems-oriented approach that promotes accountability, coherence, and continuous improvement. Known for her organizational skills and collaborative leadership, she fosters trust among colleagues and families. She also has extensive knowledge of the legal and operational aspects of pupil personnel services and takes a proactive approach to strengthening compliance and program quality.

“My experience in special education has given me multiple perspectives and a deep understanding of student needs. They shape my collaborative approach and reinforce my belief that educating all students is a collective effort,” said Ms. Holder. “My goal is to ensure every child in Hastings receives the support and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Please join us in welcoming Ms.Gen Holder to the Hastings community.

Read the official announcement here: Appointment of Hastings Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services at Hastings UFSD

Following the April 8 Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to approve the use of the remaining inclement weather days as give-back days. As a result, school and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend, and Friday, June 26, 2026, which would make Thursday, June 25, 2026 the official last day of school for the 2025–26 school year.

Please see our Updated School Calendar which reflects this change.

We are pleased to share exciting news for the Hastings school community. The Board of Education has unanimously appointed Ms. Lina M. Carolini-Cannavò as the Principal of Farragut Middle School, effective July 1, 2026.

Selected from an exceptionally strong pool of more than 100 applicants, Ms. Carolini-Cannavò brings extensive experience as both a teacher and school leader in Westchester County, along with a deep commitment to instructional excellence, student well-being, and strong partnerships with families and faculty.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Hastings community as the new Farragut Middle School principal. It is an honor to have the opportunity to work in such an incredible district. I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience in both middle and high school to FMS to further contribute to its academic growth and continued success," said Ms. Carolini-Cannavò. "As someone who truly values relationships, I am excited to meet the students, faculty, and families to foster positive and meaningful connections and become a fabric of this wonderful community.The combination of academic rigor, social-emotional support, and a culture built on a strong sense of belonging for all is needed for a middle school to be successful, and it is my goal to ensure that this is accomplished at FMS. I am eager to begin this journey and look forward to working collaboratively with everyone to write the next great chapter at Farragut Middle School."

Ms. Carolini-Cannavò brings an exceptional blend of instructional expertise, administrative leadership, and interpersonal skill. Known for her warm, approachable style and deep commitment to students, she builds strong relationships with faculty, families, and students while thoughtfully engaging a variety of perspectives.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Carolini-Cannavò to the Hastings community.

Read the official Announcement here: Appointment of Principal of Farragut Middle School

The district is pleased to announce the appointment of Britney Stampfl as the K–12 Special Education Department Chairperson.

Ms. Stampfl, who has served as the Middle School Special Education Coordinator, was selected for this position following a thorough interview process. Her strong leadership, management skills, and deep understanding of special education make her an excellent choice to lead the department.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to provide continuity and stability to the department, our students, and our families!” said Ms. Stampfl.

This position has been reinstated and is expected to continue for the next several years. Ms. Stampfl’s appointment is effective immediately, and we look forward to her continued dedication and contributions in supporting our students and staff across all grade levels.

Under this new policy, students will not be permitted to use personal devices from the start of the school day until dismissal—including during lunch, study halls, and class transitions—unless specifically authorized by the school.

Learn more on our dedicated page to Distraction-Free Schools

A seasoned educator and leader, Ms. Iorio brings a strong student-centered approach to her work, prioritizing not only academic growth but also the social-emotional well-being and sense of belonging of every student. Her commitment to holistic development is reflected in her continued involvement in school athletics, even while serving in administrative roles.

Ms. Iorio has an extensive background in education, with teaching experience at the Immaculate Conception School, The Annunciation School, and The Ursuline School. This foundation gives her a well-rounded perspective on both instruction and leadership in highly competitive academic settings. Her previous leadership roles in parochial schools have equipped her with skills that translate seamlessly to the public school environment.

She steps into the role at a critical time, as the school navigates space challenges and transitions, and is ready to make an immediate impact. Ms. Iorio sees this interim position not as a temporary role, but as the start of a long-term commitment. She’s eager to demonstrate her leadership, dedication, and alignment with the Hastings community, with the goal of earning the permanent Assistant Principal position.

"I am truly honored to join the Farragut Middle School community as Interim Assistant Principal," said Ms. Iorio. "From the moment I arrived in Hastings-on-Hudson, I could feel the strong sense of connection and care that sets this district apart. I'm excited to partner with students, staff, and families to nurture a vibrant, engaging middle school experience — one where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow."

We are thrilled to have Ms. Iorio on board and look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Read the official announcement here: FMS Interim AP Announcement

In particular, the latest additions to the FAQ clear up several incorrect assumptions and assertions which have joined the conversation in the past few days, including the idea that this vote may be considered only a waypoint in a larger process of refining bond propositions, or, for example, that the proposed entryway which is part of Proposition #2 would have no effect on building accessibility.

Read the newsletter here: Hastings BOE Capital Bond Update - June 16, 2025

The Farragut Complex (FMS and HHS) will start the school year with classroom, instructional space and schedule arrangements similar to how we have been proceeding since January 2025.

To learn more please read Important Update: Farragut Wing - June 13, 2025 

Read the newsletter here: Hastings Capital Bond Prop #3 - June 13, 2025

Read the newsletter here: Hastings Capital Bond Prop #2 - June 12, 2025

Read the newsletter here: Hastings Capital Bond Prop #1 - June 11, 2025

Last night, we held the Hastings Community Bond Forum, where a detailed presentation was shared— Hastings-on-Hudson June 9, 2025 School Bond Presentation. The forum featured many great questions and a thoughtful discussion about what this bond means for our community and our schools.

Watch here: Hastings Community Bond Forum June 9, 2025

To learn more please read Hastings Capital Bond Update - June 4, 2025

In the meantime, you can access the digital version here: Hastings Happenings Special Bond Edition Spring 2025

The appointment is effective from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.

Read the full announcement here: Mr. Dan Waldeck appointed as Interim Principal of Farragut Middle School.

This edition celebrates the heart of our youngest learners and highlights the inspiring work happening every day at Hillside. 💚

📰 Read the full feature on our website — now live in the News section and on the Budget page!

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings Budget Newsletter HES Edition May 14

Dive into the expanded stories from our budget newsletter and see what makes HHS such a special place for our students, staff, and community.

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings Budget Newsletter HHS Edition May 13

In this series, you'll find extended versions of articles featured in our recent budget newsletter.

Stay tuned as we celebrate the people, programs, and experiences that make each school unique.

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings Budget Newsletter FMS Edition May 12

This budget reflects the collaborative work of our superintendent, building principals, administrators, our business official, our Trustees, and, in a very real sense, the collaboration of our community as well.

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings Special Budget Edition Spring 2025

To learn more please read  Hastings Bond Update - May 7, 2025

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings - Important Bond Update - May 6, 2025

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings - Budget/Bond Update - May 1, 2025

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings - Important Bond Information - April 24, 2025

To learn more please read Hastings Happenings - Important Budget Information - April 23, 2025

A respected leader in special education, Mrs. Farruggio previously served in Ardsley, Yorktown, Tuckahoe, and Mt. Vernon, with over 35 years in education. Since retiring in 2022, she has provided interim leadership in several Westchester districts.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the Hastings-on-Hudson educational community during the 2025-2026 school year," said Mrs. Farruggio. "I look forward to a productive school year while working collaboratively with Hastings' very fine faculty, administration, and families."

Her appointment follows a thorough search process, ensuring stability and excellence in special education. She will collaborate with district leadership to support students, enhance programs, and provide strategic recommendations. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Farruggio to Hastings!

The overarching goal is to increase enrichment opportunities for Hastings’ students who might not otherwise have access.

We are trying to level the playing field for all young people in our community by eliminating the cost associated with extracurricular programs, so all kids can have the opportunity to nurture their talents and interests, get exposed to new people/experiences, and participate in all the fun, worthwhile activities in our village. Hopefully this will also lead to fewer opportunities to get involved with high risk, negative activities.

If you have questions or want any additional info, please contact: hastingslaunch@gmail.com

View here for Scholarship Options or here for the Program Application.

Dear Hastings Families & Staff:

The Hastings community lost a beloved educator and parent, Lisa Amster. Please join us as we keep Lisa's family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Letters to the Community:

In Memory 1.27.2025

Loss in our Community 

Today, we're introducing the Portrait in Action, a new biweekly series aimed at showcasing the Portrait coming to life throughout the district.

Here is where we will feature the great work that students and their teachers are doing to weave the Portrait framework into daily classroom activities and model the Attributes outlined below:

Click here for the first edition. Stay tuned for more examples from each school as the series continues.

Remember, you can always visit the Portrait of a Hastings Learner (POHL) section of our new and improved website for more information.

 Learning about the vast spectrum of neurotypes, such as Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior, Synesthesia, Cerebral Palsy, and Dyslexia, fostered inclusivity and awareness among classmates. The students were eager to research, understand, and share perspectives about these topics, demonstrating their intellectual curiosity and empathy toward one another. Their final projects featured the diverse ways people perceive and interact with the world.

"The book helped me understand that other people see the world differently than I do, and those differences could affect the way their life happens and how they learn," said one student, Oliver. "I also learned that just because you have a learning difference, it doesn't mean you should be treated any differently."

Sasha, another student, said, "I read the book The Goldfish Boy and the character, Matthew, had OCD about getting germs. I felt like I was able to understand him and people who have OCD better and can help them."

"We are proud of the students' hard work and creativity," said Greene. "They showed their appreciation and understanding of others' brain differences through reading, writing, and collaborative discussions."

Below is the full list of the books that students chose from:

• The Museum of Lost and Found by Leila Sales
• Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
• Mockingbird by Katherine Erskine
• The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
• A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

It's a new semester and over 25 seventh graders have signed up for Arianna Grassia’s Media Literacy course. The course, which was added as an elective last year, teaches middle schoolers critical thinking skills and empowers them to make informed decisions about what they see and hear in the media.

The day's lesson has begun and on the itinerary is media-mapping, a process of identifying and evaluating various media types.

"Media is so big these days," Grassia said to the class. "My hope for today is that you begin to consider what types of media you’re engaging with.”

Before planning what to include on their own media maps, students participated in a practice round. Grassia handed each table little strips of paper containing content names and titles. Groups worked together with a glue stick to paste each strip into the right media category.

After the practice exercise, every student received a Media Map Planning Sheet with sections for print media, web-based media (YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok), movies, television, music/podcasts, and video/mobile games.

“Use this sheet to reflect on your media consumption,” said Grassia. “Are you consuming one type of media more than another? What types of videos are you watching? What music do you listen to? Be specific.”

The middle schoolers will use the planning sheets to create personalized media maps. Once the maps are finalized, the classroom will be transformed into a museum-like format and time will be allotted for students to view their peers' media maps, connect and reflect.

Grassia hopes that by the end of the course, her students will have "creator" mindsets, but most importantly, they will have learned to stop being passive consumers of content. Asking questions is the first step!

The initiative aimed to develop valuable skills applicable to pre-vocational tasks, while simultaneously supporting local partner and pet therapy organization Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause.

In the week leading up to the fundraiser, students meticulously crafted the cards using a variety of materials. They managed dozens of orders, delivered the cards to staff mailboxes, and monitored fundraising finances. Through this multifaceted approach, students applied diverse skills in a meaningful way. 

"While the students anticipated the fundraiser to last at least two weeks, the cards were sold out within a few days!" Cerretani said.

The fundraising effort culminated in an impressive $155 raised, as revealed by 7th-grade student Olivia Allan, who conducted the final count. Students enjoyed creating and selling the handmade cards. They were especially excited to contribute to Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, home of their therapy dog, Harper. 

Larry Cerretani commended the students for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing the broader impact of the fundraiser on both skill development and supporting a worthy cause. The success of this initiative highlights the positive outcomes that can emerge when students are empowered to apply their skills for a greater purpose.

For more information on Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, click here.

On Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, sixth graders in the Hastings Theatre Program performed their musical production, Matilda Jr.

With sold out seats on both evenings, the show proved to be a massive hit for community members of all ages. Click here to view the program.

Watch the video above for a behind-the-scenes look into the cast and crew's dress rehearsal and performance.

The Senior Citizen Holiday Concert & Dinner took place last week. A longstanding tradition at Hastings High School organized by Business Official Maureen Caraballo, the event previewed the winter concert with musical performances from all student instrumental and choral groups, followed by a delicious family-style feast.

Watch the video below for highlights of the celebration.  

On Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, sixth graders in the Hastings Theatre Program performed their musical production, Matilda Jr.

With sold out shows on both evenings, it proved to be a massive hit for audience members of all ages.

Stay tuned for more photos in next week's Hastings Happenings.

Click here to view the program.

The Village, along with the MLK Breakfast Committee, is proud to announce the 12th Anniversary MLK Breakfast honoring the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will take place on Monday, January 15, at the James Harmon Community Center.

Each year, students from the Rivertowns use creativity to express their impressions of today’s most challenging social issues. This year, students are being asked to submit an essay (300 words or less) or artwork addressing the following question:

What is your vision for peace in 2024?

All submissions are due by Friday, January 5. Click here to download the flier with more information about the celebration and competition.

In the spirit of giving, students in Larry Cerretani’s Daily Living Skills class partnered with ninth grade peer volunteers to organize a food donation for Midnight Run Inc., a volunteer organization whose goal is to forge a bond between the housed and the homeless and provide a foundation of sharing and caring from which solutions may evolve. 
 
The donation, which was made to Midnight Run’s Dobbs Ferry location, involved bagged lunches specially assembled by the middle schoolers. High School freshmen Zelda Weitzman, Eliana Wallach, and Ami and Isla Martial made the sandwiches.
 
“This is the third year in a row that our students assembled bagged lunches for the Midnight Run," said Cerretani. “It’s become an annual tradition in our class. We call it our Day of Giving.”
 
Together, Cerretani and his class donated two large boxes of bagged lunches, providing food to dozens of homeless people.
 
To learn more about Midnight Run Inc., click here.