The Inclusion Working Group strives to bring Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD into alignment with its stated values through policies, programming, practices and curricula that apply equity, empathy and historical accuracy to the education of all children in our District.
A robust education sees all children as equally full of potential…
while acknowledging the uneven playing field they must cross to fulfill that promise…
and consistently applying corrective measures to that inequity…
supports the development of young people of all cultures and identities…
to become citizens who think critically, act ethically, contribute and thrive!
The IWG is made up of parents and caregivers who partner with administration, teachers and students in this pursuit. We encourage anyone to join and to bring your hopes, concerns, ideas and vision to the IWG!
The IWG meets every two months in person at the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library.
To participate, you must be a PTSA member.
Host & fund events to build community & celebrate diversity
Provide an in-person space for members to connect & share information
The IWG hosts events for parents & caregivers on topics related to student experience, language and belonging.
Your child deserves support after a bias incident — and so does your family.
The IWG is also here to help you navigate the school district processes (Code of Conduct and DASA Dignity for All Students Act), connect you with other families who have experienced something similar, and share resources, information and moral support.
Reach out to us at iwg@ptsahastings.org — we’re here for you.
The MultiCultural Book Fair is the only book fair in Westchester that focuses on writers & illustrators of color in all genres.
Created by the district’s Director of Equity, Opportunity, and Belonging, the fair has been held annually since 2015.
The IWG works with the district to ensure the school calendar reflects the diversity of the student body.
Examples include:
The IWG supports teachers and staff through grants that strengthen our mission of inclusivity, belonging and equity.
To apply, submit a PTSA Grant Application and select “IWG.”
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The IWG brings parents and caregivers together to support one another and works with the district to address issues that affect students’ sense of belonging and overall school experience.
The IWG collaborates with administrators to address student experience, supports district initiatives and helps bring parent and caregiver perspectives into ongoing conversations.
Yes. The IWG is a PTSA subcommittee, so you must be a current PTSA member to participate.
The IWG meets every two months in person at the Hastings Public Library. After you sign up, you’ll receive the calendar.
Start by talking with your child and gathering details. Then report the incident to a teacher, the principal, Diversity Coordinator or a DASA Coordinator. You can also contact the IWG for support. See the DASA section below.
You can report concerns verbally or in writing to school staff. A DASA reporting form can also be downloaded, completed and submitted to your school.
The school reviews the report, conducts an investigation and communicates the outcome to families.
There is no fixed legal timeline, but investigations are expected to be prompt and thorough.
The IWG can help you understand the process, suggest who to contact and provide support as you navigate concerns related to your child’s school experience.
Each school district follows New York State DASA requirements while developing its own procedures for responding to complaints.
The information below reflects Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD policies, New York State guidance and questions frequently asked by Hastings families.
Gather as much information as you can from your student, including who was involved in the incident, if there was anyone else there, where it happened, when it happened and as detailed a description of the events and context as possible.
Print and complete the Dignity Act (DASA) Incident Reporting Form, which can be found on the Dignity for All Students Act page of the Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD website. Then submit it to the school’s DASA Coordinator (the assistant principal) in the school’s main office. This form may be submitted anonymously by leaving the first section blank.
OR
Verbally report the incident to any school employee who will then complete and submit the DASA Incident Reporting Form. Employees are required to report alleged violations verbally within one day and in writing within two days.
**Reporting matters. Our district and schools can only identify patterns, respond to concerns and improve school climate when incidents are reported.
Melissa Szymanski, Ed.D. Asst. Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction
szymanskim@hohschools.org
Hillside Elementary School
Michael LaRocco, Assistant Principal
laroccom@hohschools.org
Farragut Middle School
Dan Waldeck, Assistant Principal
waldeckd@hohschools.org
Hastings High School
Tara Ware, Assistant Principal
waret@hohschools.org
After a DASA Complaint Form is received, the school’s DASA Coordinator begins an investigation and contacts the student or family who submitted the report.
Investigations can include, but are not limited to:
When the investigation is complete, the DASA Coordinator will send a determination letter to the person or family who filed the complaint.
This letter will let them know whether the complaint was determined as “Founded” or “Unfounded.”
Regardless of the determination, every reported incident will be managed under the district’s Code of Conduct.
The person or family who filed the complaint may appeal an Unfounded DASA decision.
In all cases, the school prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports or assists in a DASA matter.
If retaliation occurs, it should be reported to the school’s DASA Coordinator and/or the District DASA Coordinator.
No family should have to navigate the DASA process alone.
We are here to help. Reach out to the Hastings PTSA Inclusion Working Group at: iwg@ptsahastings.org
