Raider Update
March 26, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Good afternoon Raider families,
Lots of great stuff in our buildings focused on building relationships and student engagement. Pinecrest held another Pinecrest Pride Assembly to acknowledge students' good work in front of their peers. Kennedy students experienced Climb Theater this week, making a connection to Kennedy Cares, and our visiting author, Kiersten Hall, ended her elementary tour at McAuliffe, talking with students about her book JellyBeans, which helps students understand they all have unique qualities. The Middle School held its second Raider Connect Days, where students have opportunities to get extra help, catch up with teachers, and engage in organized activities with staff. And the High School held Advisory Olympics, which engages students in competing in activities against other advisories.
As we gain momentum in the final stretch of the school year, we look forward to how our staff and students will continue bringing to action the tenants of our Strategic Plan and Core Values.
Bob McDowell, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Hastings Rotary Club Student of the Month - Sara Myers
Congratulations Sara Myers! On behalf of the Hastings Rotary Club and Hastings High School,
congratulations on being selected as the February, 2023 recipient of the Hastings Rotary “Student of the Month” Award. 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.
Sara's nominator had this to share about her. "Sara is the definition of a servant leader and applies her skills to all areas of her life such as school, community, and with her peers. The activities she is involved in at Hastings High School are Link Crew, National Honor Society, and FCA, Spanish national Honor Society, and student council. She is also a multi-sport athlete participating in tennis and managing wrestling. Sara also excels in the class. She holds a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. while taking AP Macroeconomics, College Psychology, College Spanish, College Criminal Justice, AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Stats, APUSH, AP Chemistry, AP Language, College Literature, College public speaking. As stated earlier, Sara is someone who seeks opportunities to serve her school, community, and peers with her leadership ability. Her coaches and teachers were thrilled with the opportunity to discuss her skills and describe how important she is to their team or activity."
Sara was recognized at the Hastings Rotary Club meeting on March 23rd.
SENIORS ARE AWARDED 2023 HHS ATHENA AND APOLLO AWARDS
Hastings High School is proud to announce that Ava McNamara and Aaron Herber are the recipients of the 2023 Athena and Apollo awards.
These annual awards are given to the outstanding athletes, one female (Athena) and one male (Apollo), in the senior class. Consideration is given based on excellence and accomplishments in both individual and team sports, throughout the duration of the student-athletes career. Consideration is given to both one-sport and multi-sport athletes. The award is an athletic award, with other accomplishments like leadership, character, and GPA being secondary.
Ava McNamara Ava has earned five (5) varsity letters in swimming. She is a captain and 5x All-Conference, including individual and relay events. She is a 3x section champion, 3x state participant across multiple events, 2x Honorable Mention-All State and 2x All-State where she has placed as high as 2nd, 3rd, and 6th in her career. She set two new individual HHS school records during her career, resetting each record three times. She was named Section Athlete of the Year in girls swimming and set a Section 3AA record in the 100 Fly. Ava maintains a 3.84GPA, has earned multiple academic letters, and is involved in the HHS Athlete Leadership Council. She plans to attend Oakland University (MI) where she will study biomedical engineering and compete on their swimming team.
Aaron Herber has earned ten (10) varsity letters as a participant in cross country, alpine ski, and baseball. He is a captain and Raider Award winner in cross country. In alpine ski, he was named Rookie of the Year, Most Improved, 2x MVP, and captain. He is a 5x participant in the MSHSL state meet qualifier, including 1x section runner-up and 1x section individual champion and he earned All-State honors his senior year. Aaron maintains a 3.71GPA and is involved in FCA, Link Crew, Peer Helpers, and the HHS Athlete Leadership Council. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout and pursue a degree in engineering technologies.
The Athena Award winner is honored at the St. Paul Athena Banquet in the spring of the year. The Apollo and Athena winners will both be honored with a site-based recognition at Hastings High School, in the spring of the year.
Show Choir Nationals
Hastings “Riverside Company” finished their competitive season at Show Choir Nationals at the Grand Ole Opry against the best groups from across the country. Riverside Company did their best two shows of the year, earning them 4th place out of the top 6 finalists. This is the highest finish Riverside Company has ever had in their trips to Show Choir Nationals!
In addition to their 4th Place finish, Nathan Barker was awarded “Outstanding Male Performer” (chosen from the 11 performances in the preliminary round), and the Riverside Company stage crew was awarded “Best Crew”.
Smart Choices Student Wellness Survey
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.
You can also view our Spring Smart Choices Newsletter below.
Hastings Public Schools
- 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
- Tilden Community Center 651-480-7670
*If you need any assistance in translating the Raider Update, contact us at kgorr@isd200.org.
Website: www.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1000 11th Street West, Hastings, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hastingspublicschools