Raider Update
March 24, 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings Raider Families and Staff,
I hope your first full week back was a good one. Today’s update includes an acknowledgement about our MN weather, testing reminders for this coming Tuesday, an overview of the recent coffee and conversation and finally the usual calendar reminders.
Winter Weather - Like me, you likely have your eye on the weather today. I realize the importance of timely decisions and will communicate any changes to our regular schedule as early as possible.
Testing Season - We have come to also call spring our testing season. Tuesday, March 26 marks testing at the high school. Our students in grade 10 will be taking the MCA Reading Test and students in grade 11 will be taking either the ACT, ACCUPLACER, or ASVAB. All 9th and 12th grade students will be engaging in an asynchronous day of learning from home. Please click here to review the details as provided by principal Mr. Doran - LINK.
Coffee and Conversation - Last Wednesday marked the first coffee and conversation opportunity, which was very well attended. The topics ranged from universal meals, legislation from both last session and current bills in the 24 session, even year elections, staff retention and appreciation, special education, and behavior and discipline. The goal of the committee is to offer quarterly opportunities; however, please know that I’m always available for questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Public comment is also scheduled prior to every regular board meeting.
Calendar Updates and Reminders: Please review the district calendar and the event calendar to make sure you don’t miss any events. As you know, spring gets incredibly busy, especially for our families with seniors.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we will navigate the remainder of the school year with a shared commitment to excellence.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
ISD 200 Staff Spotlight
Cara Anderson - Theater/Auditorium Technical Coordinator
For most people, frustrations arise when they have to figure out how to pair Bluetooth headphones with their phone. Imagine organizing the sound and light aspects for every event in the entire school district. We are fortunate to have someone as skilled and talented as Ms. Cara Anderson.
As the Theater/Auditorium Technical Coordinator, Cara sets up the lighting and sound systems for all events throughout the district. This includes school-related and community events held in our buildings. “My favorite part of my job is that I get to work on a variety of projects, and there is always something new to prepare for,” says Ms. Anderson.
“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes for all of our concerts, events, assemblies, and presentations. It takes coordination of people, technology, and planning! One of the best feelings is when things go off without a hitch, and our students get the chance to shine,” shares Cara.
Cara is an alum of ISD 200. She says that the teachers and staff helped shape her into the person and professional she is today. She’s worked for Hastings Schools for the past six years. “I am excited to have the opportunity to pay it forward and hopefully have the same impact on our student's lives.”
Cara's colleagues in the music department of ISD 200 inspire her the most. She says, " They are some of the most talented, kind, and creative people that I know. Their passion for their work is contagious, and they inspire me to be my best, both personally and professionally.”
Outside of work, Cara enjoys painting, reading, and being outside.
We’re grateful for all the staff members who, behind the scenes, make our schools run smoothly and successfully for our students. It takes a village to make our buildings operate, and it’s because of people like Ms. Anderson that help make our student’s experiences as great as they are.
Hastings High School Testing Day, March 26
On Tuesday, March 26th all 10th grade students will be taking the MCA Reading assessment. All 11th grade students will be taking the ACT, ACCUPLACER, or ASVAB assessments. The school day will run at the regular time. Students will report to their designated room and testing will begin shortly after instructions are delivered. Room assignments can be found in the commons on the morning of testing.
All 9th and 12th grade students will be engaging in an asynchronous day of learning from home. Staff will have prepared lessons to be completed remotely. Please visit your student's Schoology pages as that day approaches for more detailed information.
This format allows us to deliver these assessments with minimal disruption while also allowing us to utilize existing staff to monitor each testing room.
The student assessments are scheduled to be completed by the time our normal lunch periods roll around. Students will have access to school lunch and will then be engaging in a variety of supervised activities for the remainder of the day. Buses will run at their regular times. Juniors have the option of leaving after the exams have concluded. As always, if you need to excuse your student at any point throughout the day, please call the attendance line at 651-480 -7474 or the greeter at 651-480-7485.
Thank you and your students for the flexibility to accomplish all of this on March 26th!
Scott Doran
Principal
Hastings High School
Reminder - No School March 29
Dakota County Special Education Advisory Council
Parents/Guardians - the Smart Choices Student Wellness committee needs your feedback on how the district is doing to promote student wellness. Please complete this short survey. Your response is anonymous.
College, Career & Job Fair at Hastings High School
- 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.