Hastings Budget HES May 14
May 14, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
In our third and final newsletter, we will be shining a spotlight on Hillside Elementary School—a joyful and nurturing learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and every child is supported as they begin their educational journey.
Hillside Elementary School
Inspiring Creativity and Growth at Hillside
At Hillside, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and vibrant learning environment where every child feels valued and excited about learning. Our classrooms are filled with student-centered experiences that spark curiosity and encourage growth. Our new state-of-the-art facilities not only offer spacious, flexible areas for learning, but also serve as welcoming places where our entire community can connect and thrive together.
One of the things that truly sets us apart is passion for the arts. We believe that every child should have the chance to express their individuality and creativity. This was evident recently when many of our 4th graders took part in the 4th Grade Musical that showcased our students’ talent, teamwork, and dedication. We also celebrate our students’ artistic achievements at our annual Night of the Arts, which features diverse artwork in the K-4 Art Show and our Spring Concert, both of which highlight our students’ artistic gifts.
At Hillside, we understand that each student has unique strengths and challenges, which is why we have implemented a strong Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This ensures that all students receive the personalized support they need to grow academically, from targeted help in reading and math to specialized services in speech, occupational therapy, and/or social-emotional support. Our school counselor offers monthly Tier 1 lessons for all students, and also provides both individual and group counseling that nurtures emotional and social growth.
We are deeply committed to tailoring instruction to meet diverse student needs, ensuring that each child has the resources and encouragement to thrive. Our STEAM program and new Innovation Learning Commons (ILC) offer hands-on learning experiences that engage students in 21st-century skills like collaboration, and creative problem-solving, helping them develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well in the future.
Hillside’s recently expanded facilities further enrich student learning. With the addition of the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) two years ago, we now have a vibrant space for school-wide assemblies and a dedicated area with hot food service for students to enjoy lunch together. The ILC serves as a hub for both technology and literacy, providing exciting opportunities for learning and exploration. The new student services wing helps improve collaboration among our dedicated staff, ensuring we can provide the very best support for every child. We are lucky to have a learning space where every child can explore their passions, embrace new challenges, and become confident, lifelong learners.
Classroom Look-In: Hillside Elementary School
The Innovation Learning Commons is a dynamic space where students are empowered to READ deeply, EXPLORE new ideas, INQUIRE with curiosity, COLLABORATE on meaningful projects, MAKE with creativity, and above all—HAVE FUN while learning!
Students discuss many aspects of digital citizenship, including finding balance when using technology and internet safety. Students learn about computers, covering topics like hardware, software and keyboarding skills. There are many opportunities for hands-on learning in the ILC. Students code robots, collaborate on engineering design challenges with KEVA planks and older elementary students create different types of animation videos. Students are introduced to different areas of the library to access books for research projects. Whether diving into a great book, tinkering with technology, or working together to solve real-world problems, this is a hub for discovery, innovation, and joy.
STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—comes to life through hands-on projects, creative problem-solving, and real-world exploration. Students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate with classmates, and discover the joy of innovation, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Upcoming Events
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Voter Registration 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the High School LobbyTuesday, May 20, 2025
School Board Election and Budget Vote
Polls Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Hastings High School - Cochran Gym, School StreetThursday, June 12, 2025
Voter Registration 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the High School LobbyTuesday, June 17, 2025
Bond Referendum Vote
Polls Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Hastings High School - Cochran Gym, School Street
Voter Information
Voter Registration Opportunities
If you are not already registered, you may do so in person on the following dates:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lobby of Hastings High School
Not sure if you're registered?
Check your voter registration status here
(Please note that you must be registered to vote in Hastings-on-Hudson. If you are not registered, please register at the District Voter Registration on 5/14)
Budget Vote & School Board Election
📢 Mark Your Calendars! 🗓️
The Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD Budget Vote & School Board Election is coming up:
🗳️ Tuesday, May 20, 2025
⏰ Polls Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
📍 Location: Hastings High School - Cochran Gym, School Street
✅ Absentee Ballots:
If you cannot vote in person, you can apply for an absentee ballot.
Application Deadline by Mail: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Application Deadline in Person: Monday, May 19, 2025
Completed ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, to be counted.
For more details or to download an application click HERE.
💡 Your Voice Matters! Help shape the future of our schools by voting or getting involved.
Quick Links
Click the buttons below to access informative pages and helpful resources.