Raider Update
March 17, 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings Raider Families and Staff,
Welcome back! Regardless of how you spent spring break, I hope you enjoyed the week and are ready for the final stretch. As all of our spring activities and athletics get underway, time will undoubtedly fly by. As you get back into the school routine, I wanted to remind you of a few upcoming events and provide a few updates.
Legislation Session: There have been a flurry of bills introduced this session. I didn’t think we could possibly have more activity than last year, but the session is on par to surpass the actions of the 2023 session. The Hastings School Board has adopted the legislative priorities of the district, which I have included for you here. In the upcoming Raider Newsletter, I will provide additional context for these priorities.
READ ACT - The MN READ ACT - One of the outcomes of the 2023 session was the historic literacy language. Since then, Hastings developed a very intentional plan and process to ensure that our staff have the required professional development and approved curriculum materials for the 2024-2025 school year. After receiving feedback from our staff, curriculum committee and families, the board will receive the final recommendation at the regular March board meeting. If you have any questions regarding the READ ACT or the action plan for Hastings, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Coffee and Conversation - Wednesday, March 20th - HS Lecture Hall at 6PM
I’ve been including the upcoming conversation opportunity for several weeks and this IS the week. As a reminder, 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. The goal of the committee is to offer quarterly opportunities.
Calendar Updates and Reminders: With 55 instruction days remaining in the school year, our time is going to go fast. 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.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
ISD 200 Staff Spotlight
Ms. Emily Bjorlin - 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Not all of us possess the talent for working with middle school students. Fortunately, we are blessed to have the amazing Ms. Emily Bjorlin, who not only possesses these abilities but also finds joy in it! This marks Emily's inaugural year as a teacher in ISD200. Given the teaching shortage, there were likely numerous districts to select from. Ms. Bjorlin expressed, "I took the time to examine the philosophies and mission statements of various districts and schools, and I deeply resonated with ISD200's student-centered approach."
Bjorlin considers teaching to be a highly fulfilling profession. According to Emily, "The most gratifying aspect of my job is being a dependable and supportive mentor for young individuals. I strive to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and take on challenges." She draws inspiration from the exceptional teachers she had in the past, who guided her with unwavering patience and compassion. "My dedication to teaching is a tribute to their exceptionalism," she affirms.
Emily finds joy in crocheting, solving jigsaw puzzles, bowling, and reading in her free time when she's not encouraging students to read. We appreciate Ms. Bjorlin for inspiring our students to explore and push their boundaries. Our students accomplish remarkable feats because of exceptional teachers like her!
College, Career & Job Fair at Hastings High School
Reminder - No School March 29
- 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.