HMS Happenings
April 16, 2021
Dear HMS Parents, Guardians, and Students,
April showers (and snow!) brings May flowers, right? We are hoping for some warmer weather soon. It has been great having students back in the building. We wanted to share information with you about how things are going and give you an update on important items. Apologies for the length of this communication!
Monitoring COVID-19 Numbers
Hastings High School shifted back to Hybrid learning this week due to the rise in their numbers of students in quarantine and/or testing positive for the virus. HMS is remaining in our current model but we are monitoring our numbers daily. A few things to keep in mind:
- HMS students are organized into learning groups. This was done at the beginning of the year to limit students mixing and to keep students with their same cohort when in the building. This has helped us keep our numbers down.
- When we do have a positive case with a student, contact tracing is done in the learning group/classes that the student is in. This involves district health professionals talking with the teacher to determine the students who were in close contact with the positive case. The information is then discussed with the Minnesota Department of Health representative to further identify students who were considered to be in close contact. Close contact is determined to be closer than 6 feet for 15 minutes (cumulative throughout the day).
- We have seen an increase in quarantine numbers due to the mix of students on busses and other factors. Please remember that keeping our building numbers under control is up to ALL OF US. If your student isn't feeling well, keep them home and let us know.
We know that this is frustrating for families and everyone is ready for this pandemic to be over. We will be sure to share additional information as it changes. Case numbers in the state (and in Hastings) have increased greatly in the recent weeks, especially in the 18 and under age range. Continue to help stop our community spread of the virus.
Reminders/Information
- Please remind your student(s) to remember their masks when coming to school. We have given out a lot of masks to students who have forgotten them. It would be a good idea for students to have an extra mask in their pocket or backpack so they have a comfortable one that they like to wear. When students are in the building, in classrooms, and finished eating their lunch they need to wear the mask over their mouth AND nose.
- We are doing the best we can to have students complete MCA tests when they are here. Students who are on quarantine may have the opportunity to complete tests upon their return, but this is not a guarantee. Students who do not complete the MCA test will not be negatively affected in classes they take in the future or overall placements. We are required to do the testing by the Department of Education, but we are making sure that students (and parents) are not stressed about these standardized tests this year. We are looking to focus more on MAP testing either this spring and for sure in the fall to gather more pertinent data on our students and their learning.
- Our 8th grade teachers, counselor, and assistant principal are planning what our 8th grade celebration will look like at the end of the year. It goes without saying that the celebration will look very different than in the past, but we are excited that the possibility is even there for this to happen! More information to follow on this.
As always, thank you for your support and questions! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Steve Kovach
HMS Principal
Raider Way Celebrations
In previous years, staff at HMS would hand out paper Raider Recognition tickets when students were demonstrating the 3 core values at HMS (safe, respectful and responsible). Due to the pandemic, we now acknowledge students with digital Raider Recognition tickets. When a student receives a ticket, the parent automatically receives a copy if their email is listed in Infinite Campus. Your student can also print the ticket as a PDF. Ask your student if they have received one!
HMS Learning Phases Reminders
We will continue to follow our learning phases focusing on 3 classes. They are listed here and will also be posted on our website.
April 20 Will be the last day for the current 1,3,5 learning phase
April 21 - May 5 Periods 2,4, 6 phase
May 6 - May 20 Periods 1,3,5 phase
May 21 - June 4 Periods 2,4,6 phase (June 4 last day of school, early release day)
HMS PTA
Support for Our Students
At Hastings Middle School, our students are the center of all we do. We want to take a moment to acknowledge the difficult events taking place that are now impacting our lives and the lives of our students. In addition to a global pandemic that has greatly impacted your school year, other events are taking place that may cause a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. In addition to the recent death of Daunte Wright, the Derek Chauvin trial is nearing its end, and as a society we are seeing an increase in hate crimes directed at Asian Americans. We recognize how these events have the potential to impact us and bring up many different feelings during a time that has already been challenging for our students and families. We are here to support you and help you process all that you may be going through in your life. If you need a safe space to share your feelings and emotions about the recent events, or anything else, please reach out to your school counselor, school psychologist, equity coordinator or administrator. We hear you and your voice matters to us.
HMS Counseling Office and School Psychologist 651-480-7484
HMS Principal and Assistant Principals 651-480-7060
Hastings Cultural Liaison - Mr. Moreno 651-480-7482COVID-19 Dashboard
Bridge to Learning
Counseling Office
We are HMS!
Email: skovach@hastings.k12.mn.us
Website: http://ms.hastings.k12.mn.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=92533&pageId=92541
Location: 1000 West 11th Street, Hastings, MN
Phone: (651)480-7060
Twitter: @mn_hastings