Raider Update
A Weekly eNewsletter from Hastings Public Schools
Message from the Superintendent
Good afternoon Raider Families,
Tomorrow is the first day of jury selection for Derek Chauvin's trial, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the killing of George Floyd. The world will truly be watching, as will our students. Reliving the events of last May is likely to trigger a range of emotions for many, and we need to ensure that every one of our students feels safe, welcome, and supported.
As the trial progresses, media coverage and social media chatter may at times feel overwhelming. While no one knows how long this will last or what the outcome will be, we anticipate that our students will have questions and want to discuss what they hear and see. As a school district, we see this as an important teachable moment and an opportunity to demonstrate respect and civil discourse. Our staff is committed to providing safe spaces for students to share questions and feelings in honest and appropriate ways. As we said when we created our district’s Equity Action Planning Team last fall, our call as a school district is to be anti-racist and equity-focused.
Part of our district mission is to “educate individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth, and ethical values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society.” This past year has been a prime example of how rapidly changing our society can be - from the pandemic to racial unrest on a global scale, to the election, to this trial. Working together as a Hastings community, we can navigate the weeks and months ahead.
In closing, here are some resources you may find valuable:
Talking to Kids About George Floyd, from the Child Mind Institute (https://childmind.org/blog/talking-to-kids-about-george-floyd/)
Bob McDowell, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 25 & 26 Elementary Learning Model Change
Hastings High School Spring Sports
Hastings High School spring sports will begin May 29 with the exception of baseball (May 22) and lacrosse (April 5). A detailed update that provides information about sports offered, start dates, registration, COVID mitigation protocols can be found HERE. Registration is now open and the registration page can be accessed directly HERE.
Many coaches will be hosting pre-season sport-specific informational meetings throughout the next few weeks online. To see the schedule of upcoming pre-season player and parent Zoom meetings by sport, click HERE. If you have sport-specific questions please direct them to the sport head coach. To access the staff directory and contact information, click HERE. Thank you and GO RAIDERS!
Hastings Online Academy Reminder
Opt in for Text Messages
Hastings Family Zoom Event
When: March 9th and April 22nd 6:30-7:30 PM- Grandparents Welcome!
A Connected Home: Sunup to Sundown
The challenges of 2020/2021 have taken a toll on all of us and have a direct impact on our overall health and well-being. Join us to explore fun and practical mindfulness strategies including breath work, movement and rest techniques. Design your family's toolkit of simple techniques/routines to use intentionally throughout the day so you can enjoy spending time together and shift from chaos to connected.
What you will learn:
›› Morning Routines, After School Transitions
›› Bedtime Routines, Building Connections
›› Successful Schoolwork Strategies
What's Happening @ Hastings Community Ed!
Hastings Public Schools
- 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
Email: raiderupdate@hastings.k12.mn.us
Website: www.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1000 11th Street West, Hastings, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7000