Hastings Budget FMS May 12
May 12, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
We’re proud to introduce the first installment of a special three-part series highlighting each of our Hastings schools. 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.
Farragut Middle School
Exciting Changes Coming to Farragut Middle School
Farragut Middle School (FMS) is preparing for a transformative year, thanks to the 2025–2026 Operating Budget. Aligned with the school’s January 2024 Action Plan, the budget supports a vision centered on growth, equity, and academic excellence.
Key Improvements in 2025–2026:
Smaller Class Sizes & Smarter Scheduling: Each grade will have six sections, reducing class sizes and allowing for smoother student transitions. Scheduling changes will minimize class time lost to support services and create more common planning time for teachers.
Staff Expansion: FMS will welcome nine new teachers to support growing programs and improve student-to-teacher ratios.
Stronger Academic Supports: ELA and math will feature fully staffed Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). New enrichment in math and expanded Earth Science labs will offer deeper learning opportunities. A new STEAM program for 5th grade and an 8th-grade Financial Literacy class align with state education goals.
Expanded Offerings: A Heritage Spanish course for native speakers is under consideration. The hybrid co-teaching model continues in Special Education. Exploring Equity will be taught by a newly hired, dedicated teacher. New courses include Executive Functioning Skills for 6th and 7th graders. Technology returns to 5th grade, alongside a full suite of special area classes like Art, PE, and Music.
With these changes, FMS is set to provide an enriched, inclusive, and future-ready learning environment for all students.
Classroom Look-In: Farragut Middle School
Fifth graders are diving into the world of financial literacy, learning the importance of smart money habits from an early age. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students are exploring concepts like saving, budgeting, and making informed choices—building a strong foundation for future financial success.
In ELA, our sixth graders connected deeply with Wildoak by C.C. Harrington, a novel that inspired thoughtful conversations about empathy, courage, and environmental responsibility. As they followed the journey of Maggie, a young girl who finds her voice while caring for an abandoned snow leopard, students explored how characters grow through challenges and how storytelling can reflect real-world issues. Their discussions highlighted the power of compassion and the importance of speaking up for what matters.
In art class, our seventh graders explored colors and patterns through creative projects that encouraged self-expression and visual storytelling. By experimenting with color theory, repetition, and design, students developed skills in observation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This hands-on learning not only sparked their creativity but also supported academic growth by strengthening focus, attention to detail, and the ability to make thoughtful choices—skills that translate across all areas of learning.
Our eighth graders delved into the science behind eclipses, exploring how the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth creates these fascinating celestial events. Through interactive lessons, models, and videos, students gained a deeper understanding of solar and lunar eclipses, the role of shadows, and the predictable patterns of the solar system. This engaging study not only sparked curiosity about space but also strengthened their grasp of scientific reasoning and observation.
Upcoming Events
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Last day to submit an application for an absentee ballot (if the ballot is to be mailed)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.
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