Raider Update
October 1, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Raider Families,
It's hard to believe that we just turned the calendar to October and that homecoming week is already behind us. There was so much excitement in the air in all of our buildings with the very popular dress-up days, door decorations, pep fests, and, of course, all of the competitions. Today's Raider update includes a number of reminders and updates, including: conferences and other calendar reminders, annual satisfaction surveys, the upcoming technology levy, and the 2023 Veterans Day Program.
Conferences and Calendar Reminders -
As we look forward, the week of October 16th marks our fall conferences, which will lead us right into the MEA break. Expect conference specifics to be communicated from each of our buildings. Our concert and theatrical season is also quickly approaching, please check out the district events calendar to ensure you don't miss any great Raider performances.
Satisfaction Surveys -
October will also mark our annual satisfaction survey that will be distributed to all families, students in grades 4-12, and staff. An opportunity to preview the student survey will be made available prior to distribution. The district's goal is to hear all voices to ensure our strategic plans and district goals align with the needs of all stakeholders.
Technology Levy -
The Hastings School District is asking for our community's support for a technology levy, which will be on the ballot on November 7. I firmly believe that strong schools and strong communities go hand-in-hand. By investing our tax dollars in the proposed technology levy, we are not only making a commitment to our student's technology experience today but also ensuring they are equipped to face the rapidly changing demands of the future. In addition, the levy would allow the ability to elevate the protection of our sensitive, protected, and confidential data on our students, families, and staff.
The three themes of the requested technology levy include:
*Staff and student devices
*Critical technology infrastructure and equipment
*Academic software
*Technology training and support.
*Cybersecurity & Student Data Privacy
*Secured electronic door systems
*Facility and grounds surveillance
*2-way Radio communication systems
*Visitor management system
Bridge to Innovation
The technology levy would create a dedicated funding source for technology, allowing resources to be reallocated to other core functions based on student needs and aligned with our strategic plan.
Please consider joining one of the public information sessions noted below or learn more on our website. I'm also happy to present the information to additional organizations or groups. To schedule an informational session, please contact me at tchampa@isd200.org.
Informational Technology Levy Sessions
Please consider attending a public informational session to learn more about the upcoming technology levy question on the November ballot.
- Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 p.m., Kennedy Elementary School
- Monday, October 23, 6:00 p.m., Middle School Media Center
Veterans Day
I'm proud to announce that Hastings High School will be hosting a Veterans Day Program to honor all who have served on Friday, November 10th at 10 a.m. Please spread the word and make plans to attend.
In closing, thank you for all you do to support Hastings Public Schools. As always, please contact me with any questions or feedback regarding our schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
October 2023 Dates to Remember
Hastings Community Education's Fall Fest
School Picture Retake Dates
Cahill Studios New Picture Day Process!
All galleries will be delivered to parents via email 2-5 business days after picture day. There will also be paper order forms available at the school if you would like to order your student's school headshot with a gray background with cash or check. All paper order forms must be given to the photographer on Picture Day.
Cahill Studios will be sending you a picture day reminder a week before picture day from the following email address: no-reply@imagequix.com, so keep a lookout! You'll be able to view their 100+ FREE background options so you can best coordinate your students' outfit! Don't forget to dress head to toe and get your haircuts done!
Don't like your first-day photos?
Wait to purchase photos, and your child can have their picture taken on Retake Day.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Cahill Studios' dedicated Customer Service Team.
Email: service@cahillphotostudio.com
Office Number: 715-268-9363
Toll-Free Number: 866-229-0135
Retake Dates:
Tuesday, October 10th
Middle School Retake Day
Tuesday, October 17th
High School Retake Day
Wednesday, October 25th
Elementary Schools Retake Day
- 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.