January 19, 2023

Dear Hastings Families, 

We are writing with a time sensitive request for you to complete a survey on student digital access. This survey is required by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).  

NYSED Required Survey on Student Digital Equity

Last year, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) issued a required action for school districts in order to understand students’ digital access during the pandemic. To explain the purpose of this required action, a memo from the NYSED Office of Information and Reporting Services outlined the following:

“Identifying student digital equity, also referred to as student digital resources within the eScholar data model template, is essential for understanding, investigating, and promoting educational equity. Student home access to the Internet has become fundamental for schools across the nation as they plan strategies for continuous learning. To better serve students, families, and educators, it is imperative for the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to have access to data as reported by BOCES, public school districts and charter schools, and maintain an accurate and complete picture of the state of digital equity for each individual student, grades Kindergarten through 12, to provide confidence in understanding the true levels of a student’s access to the Internet as well as the devices they use.”  

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is once again requiring this survey. 

We are asking all families to please complete NYSED’s brief, nine question survey through our eSchoolData Parent Portal by January 23rd. To take the survey:



1. Please log into the eSchoolData Parent Portal. 
2. Once you log in, click on your child’s ID number. You will see a blue link for the “Digital Access Survey” below your child’s photo. Click on that link.  
3. Please complete the nine questions and click “Save.” 
4. The survey should be completed for each of your children in the district. 

Attached here is a preview of the survey questions you will find in the portal.

Attached here is a guidance document that may be helpful to you in completing the survey.

We appreciate your support with this State-required survey.

Best regards,

Melissa Szymanski

Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction