Raider Update
A Weekly eNewsletter from Hastings Public Schools
Message from the Superintendent
Good afternoon Raider Families,
This week I had the opportunity to be on a Zoom with John Harrington, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Public Safety, discussing the work and plans to keep safety in the forefront during the Chauvin trial and as violent acts have increased the past weeks. What struck me most were his comments about their focus on remembering that these events are taking place where kids are growing up and being impacted moment to moment as they move through their days. I think it’s a good reminder that our kids are watching and taking in all that we do and say. It’s also a good reminder that they are impacted by our world's events and may need support and not know how to ask for it. As a school district, we are working hard to pay attention to student needs and focus on students' relationships. If you’re noticing that your student is in need, please reach out to us for resources and support. PBS offers this page (with a great 30 minute embedded video):https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism
I also want to remind everyone that the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that students and families get testing every two weeks. This can even be done at home. To locate a testing facility or order a free at-home test kit, click here.
Bob McDowell, Ed.D.
Superintendent
COVID-19 Update
This past week the State of Minnesota and Dakota County have seen an increase in the number of people testing positive with COVID-19. In the Hastings School District, we have also seen an uptick in cases and closely monitor the situation. Of note, children who test positive for COVID-19 often have a very short period of time exhibiting symptoms (ex: a runny nose for one day) – some have no symptoms at all.
We ask that you continue to monitor your child and family members for signs of illness and follow the MDH Decision Tree guidance. If any family member has symptoms of COVID-19 and is in the process of testing; please keep all other family members home until the results are known. The most reliable test is the molecular test (oftentimes called a PCR test). Please contact the nurse at your child’s school with test results or if you have questions.
Quick identification and isolation of cases help us to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and continue instruction in our current learning model. This has been a long and difficult road. Thank you for your continued support to keep our students healthy and learning!
Saliva Testing for Students
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that families have their students screened regularly now that they attend in-person/hybrid mode. It is recommended that students attending school, especially those ages 12 – 18, get tested for COVID-19 every other week. If not exhibiting symptoms, students can participate in regular activities while waiting for test results.
· FREE Community Testing Sites (closest site in Hastings is Inver Grove Armory)
· COVID-19 Test at Home (order tests that are delivered to your home, you drop off at local UPS store)
If you wish to have your child tested and have barriers to make this possible, please contact our District Family Resource Coordinator, Molly Cirillo: 651-480-7069 mcirillo@hastings.k12.mn.us.
Meals Update
The week of March 22, meals will be offered the following ways:
Elementary - Meals will be available at the end of the school day on 3/24 for the distance learning days of 3/25 and 3/26. Meal pickup will be in the cafeteria. There is no sign-up required.
Middle School and High school - Meals will be available at the end of the school day on 3/22 for Cohort 1 and 3/23 for Cohort 2 for the remainder of the week. Meals will be handed out at the student exit doors. There is no sign-up required.
Meals can also be picked up daily from 3/24-3/26 at the High School from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, or the Middle School from 8:00 am - 10:00 am and 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
HMS & HHS Schedule March 22 - 26
- Monday, March 22 will be a cohort 1 day, and Tuesday, March 23 will be a cohort 2 day
- Wednesday is a Flex Day
- No School on March 25 & 26, teacher transition days. Students should use these two days to complete unfinished work as this is the end of the third quarter
- HOA students WILL have school on the 25th and 26th
REMINDER: March 25 & 26 Elementary Learning Model Change
What's Happening @ Hastings Community Ed
NEW Classes just added at Hastings Community Ed:
· *NEW* Emotional Release for Inner Peace | Monday, Apr 5 | 5:30-8 pm
· *NEW* Meditation for Relaxation and Personal Healing | Tues Apr 6-May 4 | 6-8 pm
· *NEW* Psychic Development and Mediumship | Wed Apr 7 – May 5 | 6-8 pm
· *NEW* Healing with Energy | Thurs Apr 8-May 6 | 6-8 pm
· *NEW* Reiki Certification Level 1 | Sat Apr 10 | 10 am-4 pm
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