Raider Update
A Weekly eNewsletter from Hastings Public Schools
Message from the Superintendent
Hello Raider Families,
We have seen our county-wide COVID rates continue to rise. I anticipate we will be at or over 30 this coming Thursday, which is the first indicator for making a move to distance learning (secondary only). Based on conversations with our Regional Support Team, we anticipate numbers will increase over the next three weeks. The county positivity rate has been >5%, which is an indication there is significant spread. In addition, positive student cases are also increasing. MDH/MDE guidance tells us to use multiple factors when making decisions about a learning model change. This coming week, we will be meeting again with our Regional Support Team to confirm predictions, get recommendations, and begin timeline planning, so we can communicate with you for your planning purposes, should we decide to make a move to distance learning for secondary students.
COVID-19 Update
Please remember, as we move into colder weather and are forced indoors to a greater degree, it is imperative for parents to complete a daily health screening (check for new symptoms including but not limited to a new cough, fever of 100.4+, new loss of taste or smell, or shortness of breath) prior to sending learners to school.
If your child has had a COVID-19 test and is awaiting results, they (and any other children in the household) cannot attend school or any activities until the building nurse or building administrator has verified they are medically cleared to return.
Please see the linked resource for additional information from MDH regarding What to do While You Wait for a COVID-19 Test Result. If it is determined that a student must quarantine or isolate the building nurse or building administrator will help determine the date of return.
Food & Nutrition Services
We need your help! You can help generate state aid for our school district by completing the Application for Educational Benefits found on the Hastings School Food and Nutrition Services page.
Only one application is needed per household. Students in households that meet the free or reduced-price meal guidelines will generate compensatory revenue for Hastings School District that helps to meet the needs of students who are behind their peers, such as remedial instruction, instructional materials including digital learning and technology, bilingual programs and additional teachers and teacher aides.
These applications may also make teachers in your school eligible for the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program if they have outstanding college loans. However, the household forms must be completed and returned to the school district no later than December 15th so the school can report to the state correctly.
How to manage your child’s routine when the clocks go back.
Helping your child get a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things a parent can do to help ensure success in school. This weekend marked the end of Daylights Savings Time so bedtime can get a little tricky for your child, regardless of how old they are. Children don’t always adjust well to the change in time – their internal body clock just doesn’t agree with the whole thing. Don’t panic, here are a few things you can do to lessen the disruption to your child’s routine and increase the chances of everyone getting a good night’s sleep.
Keep Busy - Essentially, you are moving the children’s bedtimes a little later. This will naturally mean they’re more tired than usual, but even so, plan a busy day. Get out and get active. Fresh air and activity will lead to some solid sack time for the whole family.
Bedtime - Keep bedtime the same, your children have absorbed the extra hour by going to bed slightly later, which may mean they sleep a bit longer in the morning, even though the sun will rise earlier, so stick to your normal routine.
Turn off the tech - This also applies to the other 364 days of the year but especially when you adjusting to the switch in time. If you really want to make the most of it, put down your tech. The blue light will disrupt your body’s rhythm making you stay awake for longer when it comes to hitting the sack. This applies to you and the kids!
Blackout – Even though the sun will set earlier, it will also rise earlier. Try to make your child’s room as dark as possible. You really want to stop any daylight from creeping in their room. If they open their eyes and see it is still dark as the night, you’ll have more of a chance that they’ll roll over and catch a few more winks, rather than jumping out of bed ready to go and hour before the alarm goes off.
Hastings Public Schools
- Hastings High School (9-12)
- Hastings Middle School (5-8)
- Christa McAuliffe Elementary (K-4)
- JFK Elementary (K-4)
- Pinecrest Elementary K-4)
- Tilden Community Center
- Hastings Alternative Learning Center
Email: raiderupdate@hastings.k12.mn.us
Website: www.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1000 11th Street West, Hastings, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7000