Raider Update
A Weekly eNewsletter from Hastings Public Schools
Message from the Superintendent
Hello Raider Families,
We are already at winter break with just three days left this week. Our break is scheduled to run through January 2nd, with school resuming on Monday, January 3rd.
The recent events in schools, along with last week's social media threat, remind us that school safety is more than just facilities. I urge parents and guardians to take time to talk with students about how to be safe on social media, including potential dangers and consequences associated with both intentional and unintentional uses.
I also urge families to talk about mental health and chemical use. Our students need as many adult resources as possible to strengthen their web of support. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your building administration or counseling department.
Our COVID numbers for the county per 10,000 are down slightly to 101.4; however, the district number was up to 118.4. The specific weekly building numbers looked much better:
HS - 6 Students
MS - 11 Students
Elementary - 8 Students, 1 Staff
Tilden - 6 Students
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe winter break!
Bob McDowell, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program
More Minnesotans than ever qualify for the Energy Assistance Program. In 2021, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which operates the Energy Assistance Program, has over $130 million in federal funding, with more expected this fall, to help more Minnesota households. The Energy Assistance Program helps Minnesota households pay for current and past-due bills for electricity, gas, oil, biofuel and propane, emergency fuel delivery, and repair/replacement of homeowners’ broken heating systems, and could also cover water and sewer bills.
What is the Energy Assistance Program
- The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded program
- Grants are paid directly to your energy provider, or utility company, for your bill.
- Grants range from $300 - $2,000
- Grants are available to renters and homeowners.
- Grants are based on energy cost, household size, and income.
- Grants may be given to households with income at or below 60 percent of the state median income.
How can it help?
- Payment of energy bills.
- Payment of water/wastewater bills.
- Help with utility disconnection or fuel deliveries.
- Education on the efficient and safe use of energy.
- Advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers.
- Repair or replacement of homeowners' broken heating systems.
For more information and how to apply, visit https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/.
At-Home Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests Available
Volunteer Opportunities Available!
Looking for something to do while your child is at school? We have just the thing!
We are seeking individuals interested in volunteering to help serve students lunch in our school cafeterias. There are opportunities available at all of our buildings, and we can work around your schedule. Shifts are two to three hours long, depending on the building.
If you are interested in volunteering, it’s as simple as clicking here to fill out our Volunteer Interest Form. Upon receiving your form, we will contact you to provide information on completing a background check, and once approved, you will be set to start volunteering.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Brittney Hirschauer at
bhirschauer@isd200.org, or by phone at 651.480.7126.
Got a Bachelor’s degree? You can help us with our sub shortage!
Hastings Public Schools is looking for substitute teachers for all of our school buildings. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for a three year short-call substitute teaching license. With a short-call license, you can teach up to 15 consecutive days replacing the same classroom teacher.
Below is a link to the Professional Educators Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) web page regarding for more information on short call licensing:
For more information on the steps to apply for a short-call license click here.
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
*If you need any assistance in translating the Raider Update, contact us at kgorr@isd200.org.
Website: www.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1000 11th Street West, Hastings, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hastingspublicschools