Raider Update
January 7, 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings Raider Families and Staff,
Each new year offers new potential and of course challenges. The key to success is in determining how to move forward in both of these areas. Last week I outlined the top five priority areas as identified by staff and parents who participated in our recent survey, which included:
School Safety and Security
Recruit and retain high-quality staff
Student behavior/discipline
Mental health services for students
Career and technical education (trades, business/marketing, health services)
While there hasn't been a lot of time to make a significant impact in all of these areas, I wanted to take a minute to provide a high-level overview of the work that has been initiated in each of these priorities. I realize how irritating it can be to participate in a survey and not hear an update or if your voice was truly heard. The upcoming state of the school presentation and the tour of gratitude presentations will be providing additional details in each of these areas.
School Safety and Security: Our hearts are heavy once again as what was once unimaginable has devastated Perry, Iowa. While our condolences and thoughts are with Perry, it's also critical that we continue to audit and improve our practices. Currently, improvements are moving forward in both physical and cybersecurity throughout the district.
Recruit and Retain High Quality Staff: When I joined the district in July, I repeatedly heard about our amazing staff and today, with first-hand knowledge and experience, I whole-heartedly agree. Ensuring that we have a culture that honors, supports and respects our staff is critical for both recruiting and retaining staff. In the months of January and February, I'll be offering 1:1 opportunities with an intent to ensure that our environment is the best it possibly can be.
Student Behavior and Discipline: With new legislative requirements, this is a goal of each of our building principals. As noted last week, significant changes have been implemented in our middle school. All building principals are also providing quarterly updates to the school board.
Mental Health Services for Students: This is an area that continues to be a top priority. Currently the district provides services from our staff and a number of partner providers. We are currently reviewing plans for the 24-25 school year.
Career and technical education: Currently, an innovative team has been formulated and recently toured the Shakopee High School to experience their academies of learning. Department meetings are being held to reflect on current practices and to discuss possibilities. A comprehensive plan includes our student voices, additional tours, departments meetings, and engaging with our industry partners.
As always, if you have any feedback on the above content or anything else, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
Reminder - No School January 15 & 22
Find a Dentist
Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a child's physical and social development, as well as his or her school performance.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover dental services, including check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings, and more. Use this Dentist Locator to find a dentist in your community who sees children and accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
- Tilden Community Center 651-480-7670
- Kennedy Elementary (K-4) 651-480-7221
- McAuliffe Elementary (K-4) 651-480-7390
- Pinecrest Elementary (K-4) 651-480-7280
- Hastings Middle School (5-8) 651-480-7060
- Hastings High School (9-12) 651-480-7470
- Hastings Alternative Learning Center 651-480-7690
*If you need any assistance in translating the Raider Update, contact us at kgorr@isd200.org.