Raider Update
April 7, 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings Raider Families and Staff,
This time of year is always an interesting time as we work to finish the 23-24 school year strong while also shaping the 24-25 school year to best serve our students, families and staff within our fiscal parameters. As we prepare and plan for the 24-25 school year, the strategic plan drives the work of the district with an ongoing commitment to prioritize the key areas that were identified by the fall 23’ student, family and staff survey. The fall survey revealed clear priorities which have become the foundational elements of our planning. Today’s update addresses key action items in each of the identified priority areas, and of course all the regular calendar reminders.
24-25 District planning and updates in alignment with strategic plan and survey priorities:
Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of our school environments remains paramount. Whether it’s physical or cyber, we are working on a number of enhancements ranging from protocols, to physical building arrangements, to refining emergency response procedures.
Recruitment and Retention of High-Quality Staff: Exceptional educators are the number one influence on student learning! We’re excited to honor our staff at an appreciation celebration on April 18th and we are aggressively recruiting to fill our open positions with the most talented staff in a timely manner.
Student Behavior and Discipline: Positive behavior and effective discipline strategies are essential for a conducive learning environment. A number of changes were put into place during the 23-24 school year which will continue into the 24-25 year, including quarterly building updates provided at school board meetings.
Mental Health: In today’s complex world, mental health continues to be a priority. With the myriad of services that are provided, we’re grateful for the support and partnerships with Hastings United Way, Hastings Family Services and Canvas Health.
Career and Technical Education: As our district continues to work to ensure that our programming is meeting the needs and interests of our students and is as competitive as possible, we have been very intentional about looking at pathway programs and analyzing possibilities. In May of this year, we’re looking forward to partnering with our Hastings Chamber to engage with our industry partners in an event titled, “Building Bridges: Industry Engagement with Hastings Public Schools.”
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 continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
ISD 200 Staff Spotlight
Linda Berg, English Learner Instructional Assistant at Hastings Middle School
In 1995, Linda Berg moved to Hastings and got a job in the district in Special Services. Because she speaks fluent Spanish, she moved into an English Learner (EL) position to help four Kindergartners who needed an interpreter. She has continued as an EL PSA ever since! English Learner resources are needed more and more each year. “The need is great, but the benefits are greater. By providing EL services in ISD 200, we are helping students succeed, not only in school but also in life,” shares Ms. Berg.
After working 28 years in this district, raising her kids through Hastings schools, and now watching her grandkid excel in ISD 200, Linda is undoubtedly a proud and dedicated employee of Hastings Public Schools. Her favorite part of her work is spending individual time with students daily and watching their English use explode!
When asked who inspires her, Linda mentions the author, Max Lucado. “He writes thoughtful commentary on various subjects that connect with my life. One of my favorite of his books is The Applause of Heaven,” shares Ms. Berg.
Outside of working with her students, her greatest hobby is spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoys decorating her home and spending quality time with friends.
Preparing kids to succeed in school and in life takes a village. We are fortunate to have people like Linda on staff here at ISD 200 to help our students learn and grow.
Hastings High School Ceramics Students present: Empty Bowls, April 17
You are invited to attend the Empty Bowls event on Wednesday, April 17th, at 5:30 p.m. in the HHS Commons. Guests can choose their bowl and enjoy a light meal from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., followed by a short presentation on hunger in our community and the world.
Empty Bowls events happen worldwide, and the premise is simple: guests choose a handmade bowl to use that evening and take home as a reminder that there are always Empty Bowls in the world. The suggested minimum donation is ten dollars in exchange for a meal and the bowl as a keepsake. The proceeds from Empty Bowls will be split between the Hastings Family Service (our local food shelf) and Heifer International, which will enable us to donate an ark to needy families. An ark is oxen, rabbits, cows, sheep, goats, and healthier, hardy animals that will go forth and multiply, improving lives for countless families and children all over the world. Our goal this year is to raise $4,000 or more! Seeing so many young people passionate about working together to end world hunger is exciting. We hope you can join us!
For more information or to make a donation, please feel free to contact HHS art teacher Bert Casperson at bertcasperson@isd200.org. Thank you!!
Dakota County Special Education Advisory Council
Last Chance to Complete! We value your input.
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.
- 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.