Raider Update
February 25, 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings Raider Families and Staff,
This week’s Raider Update serves as a celebration to recognize our employees of the semester, celebrate transportation staff, provide READ Act curriculum review opportunities, and calendar updates and reminders.
Hastings Employees of the Semester - Congratulations to our employees of the semester!!! Thank you for all your contributions and all you do for Hastings Public Schools.
Kristyn Haberkorn: Middle School
Trent Hanson: Middle School and High School
Samantha Perreault: Tilden
Lindsay Samuelson: Kennedy Elementary
Josie Stepan: Pinecrest Elementary
Melinda Zajac: McAuliffe Elementary
Our employees of the semester were surprised on Friday, February 23rd with the recognition. Great pictures are posted on our Facebook page.
Thank you transportation staff - In the state of MN, February 21st was Bus Staff Appreciation. As you likely know, transportation is a contracted service with the Hastings Bus Company; however, we have an outstanding relationship and are so grateful for all the transportation employees, from those driving buses to office staff to others who are supervising, we thank you!!!
READ ACT - The MN READ ACT - Just a quick reminder that literacy curriculum options will be available for review at all three elementary buildings and at the middle school during conferences: February 28, 29, and March 1, 2024. For detailed information on the READ Act and the progress within Hastings Public Schools, please review the February 18th Raider Update.
Calendar Updates and Reminders:
Please review the 23-24 district calendar for conference dates and our upcoming spring break.
At the February 21st school board meeting, the 25-26 calendar was officially adopted. I have included both the 24-25 and the 25-26 calendars for your review and planning:
It’s also a great time to review the district events calendar. There’s always great Raider events going on and our students love seeing your support.
Coffee and Conversation - Wednesday, March 20th - HS Lecture Hall at 6PM
The Hastings School Board recently created a community collaboration committee. The goal of the committee is to engage with the community. This first event will kick off with an update of current events and initiatives followed by an opportunity to engage with the superintendent and school board members. Mark your calendars. The goal of the committee is to offer quarterly opportunities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
ISD 200 Staff Spotlight
Megan Koerner: Hastings High School Math Teacher
Ms. Megan Koerner applied for a teaching job at Hastings High School seven years ago. Although she had never been to Hastings prior to her interview, she instantly knew she was “home.” “I walked into the office at the high school and could feel the family atmosphere. I had another interview the following day at a school 10 minutes from my home, but after touring the high school and talking with staff, the decision to come to Hastings was an easy one”, says Megan. Ms. Koerner’s son started preschool at Tilden this year, and she plans to open enroll him in the district next year as a kindergartner. That’s true Raider Pride!
The favorite part of her day is when she is able to try something new or different during a lesson and hear a student comment about enjoying it or being able to understand the concept better. “I love what I do. Connecting with students and discussing math with them daily is the best job ever! I just wish I had more time in my day to get everything done so I could create more of the fun parts of my job”, she says.
When asked who inspires her, Megan had many answers. “My students, my colleagues, and my own children. I am so impressed by the workload our students take on and honestly don’t know how some of them fit everything into their day. My colleagues are some of the most welcoming and helpful people I have ever met. I always know I can lean on them for help, and they will be there for me without question! My own kids make me want to continue to be a good teacher and do everything I can to ensure my students have a positive educational experience.” replies Ms. Koerner.
When Megan isn’t busy with students or her own children, she loves to travel! She loves finding new places to explore with her family, doing crafts with her kids, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen.
Rotary Students of the Month
Congratulations Larry Williams and Abigail Enlin! Larry was recognized at the Hastings Rotary Club's Student of the month for December 2023 and Abigail was selected for January 2024. The Hastings Rotary Club recognizes Hastings High School seniors who exemplify Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’, as a way to reward and foster these ideals, and also build mutually rewarding relationships between school administration, staff, students, parents and the Rotary members.
Larry participates in basically EVERY music offering available at HHS and he is fully invested in all of
those groups. He is an extremely intelligent student who constantly reflects on how he can become
better and give more. His combination of passion, kindness, intelligence, and drive make him an ideal
candidate for this honor.
Abigail does a great job creating an atmosphere where she leads by example in participation and community building. She continually puts others first and has this smile on her face that just
keeps the room positive. Her heart is big and her empathy for others is shown through her everyday actions.
Reminder - No School March 1, Spring Break Mar. 11-15
Smart Choices Newsletter - Student and Family Wellness
Bus Driver/Transportation Staff Appreciation Feb. 21
- 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.