Raider Update
Summer Updates & Information
We are looking forward to the 23-24 school year!
This newsletter includes everything you'll need to
know for the upcoming school year.
Message from the Superintendent, Getting Schools Ready for Fall!
Dear Raider Families,
Excitement is in the air as we countdown to the start of the 2023-2024 school year. There’s always a flurry of activity at this time of year as we work to put all the finishing touches in place before we officially open our doors. You’ve likely already noticed a few of the summer projects, you’ll see a few more when you’re in our buildings, and there’s more to come. A few of the highlights are listed below:
Completed Projects to look for:
147 New Line interactive classroom display boards have been installed across the district.
New outdoor signs have been installed at every site.
Drinking fountain/water bottle fillers have been updated at Tildan and the middle school.
Parking lot improvements across the district.
Security improvements at the middle school and all elementaries
HVAC projects at Kennedy and Pinecrest.
Upcoming projects to watch for:
Tree project at the middle school. Unfortunately, Emerald Ash Borer required the removal of a number of trees, which doesn’t look great; however, improvements are coming.
Additional security cameras across the district.
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all our new Raider families. I’m so glad you chose Hastings Public Schools. I, too, am new to the district and am committed to making each and every student experience the best that it can be. I’m proud to work beside our dedicated staff as we put students at the heart of all that we do.
With fall “almost” in the air, you’ll also hear more about the upcoming technology levy. It will be my goal to provide information as often as possible. If you know of an organization or group that would like to host an informational presentation, please inform the district office at 651-480-7010.
Finally, welcome back! Today is a great day to be a Raider - GO RAIDERS! Together, we’ll make the 2023-2024 school year a great one.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Staggered Start for the First Day of School
Still Time to Enroll!
Minnesota Free School Meals Program
What is the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school.
Can the meals be picked up or brought home like we did during the pandemic?
No. Congregate meal service is required in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Meals may not be taken off campus, sent home, delivered, or picked up by parents or others.
Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?
Families need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and support. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as:
- WIC Benefits
- Metro Transit Assistance Program
- FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced price internet programs
- Some summer camps, athletics programs, and child cares offer scholarships or discounts
What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
The student must choose at least three items to be counted as a reimbursable meal at breakfast. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their breakfast. At lunch, the student must choose at least three components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their lunch.
What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single-item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include: a carton of milk, snack items, a second entrée, a second breakfast, or a second lunch, meals that do not meet the minimum requirements, and meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults.
The price for breakfast and lunch meals will be $0 for all sites.
Fill out the Form! The Application for Education Benefits helps determine how much education funding your school will receive. Complete an application for your student for the school year 2023-24.
- Students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Parents should complete an Application for Education Benefits.
- Only meals that meet the requirements are reimbursed. Students that want additional or single items will be charged for those items.
- The 2023-24 Free and Reduced Meal Application will be available online this summer on the district website under Food Service, and a paper application has been mailed out to families.
For more information, please call Andrea Seleski 651-480-7050 or Brittney Hirschauer 651-480-7126
Transportation Routing Information
Transportation routing information, including courtesy bus stop information, is now available on the Campus Portal by clicking “More” and then “Bus Information.” Please remember to check routing information again closer to the start of the school year, as minor adjustments may be made. If your pickup or dropoff location is not accurate, please contact your child’s Building Office.
Just a reminder that the district had an opt-out of transportation for students in grades K-8 and an opt-in for transportation for students in grades 9-12. This information has been updated in the Campus Portal. If your information is not accurately reflected, please email jseubert@isd200.org.
The walking distance for elementary students is a .75-mile radius from the school and a 1.75-mile radius for secondary students. Detailed maps of the walking areas are available on the district’s website.
2023-2024 School Picture Information & Dates
Cahill Studios New Picture Day Process!
All galleries will be delivered to parents via email 2-5 business days after picture day. There will also be paper order forms available at the school if you would like to order your student's school headshot with a gray background with cash or check. All paper order forms must be given to the photographer on Picture Day.
Cahill Studios will be sending you a picture day reminder a week before picture day from the following email address: no-reply@imagequix.com, so keep a lookout! You'll be able to view their 100+ FREE background options so you can best coordinate your students' outfit! Don't forget to dress head to toe and get your haircuts done!
Don't like your first-day photos?
Wait to purchase photos, and your child can have their picture taken on Retake Day.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Cahill Studios' dedicated Customer Service Team.
Email: service@cahillphotostudio.com
Office Number: 715-268-9363
Toll-Free Number: 866-229-0135
Picture Dates:
Tuesday, September 5th
9th Grade Picture Day
Thursday, September 7th
6th Grade & 7th Grade Picture Day
Friday, September 8th
5th Grade & 8th Grade Picture Day
Wednesday, September 20th
Elementary Schools Picture Day
High School Picture Day
Retake Dates:
Tuesday, October 10th
Middle School Retake Day
Tuesday, October 17th
High School Retake Day
Wednesday, October 25th
Elementary Schools Retake Day
Special Education Advisory Council 23-24
Please mark your calendars for the Special Education Advisory Council 2023-2024 meeting dates! We invite parents of students with special needs to join us in discussing how the group can organize support for each other and advise on district programming.
October 10th, 6-7 PM at the District Office
• February 13th, 6-7 PM at the District Office
• April 8th, 5-6 PM (All Dakota County SEAC) location TBD
For more information about SEAC or if you are interested in becoming a member, please get in touch with Megan Miller at 651-480-7009 or mmiller@isd200.org
Hastings High School Fall Sports Registration
Hastings High School is proud to sponsor 81 different co-curricular activities for students to engage in throughout the school year. In addition, we offer 30 Minnesota State High School League sports, 14 music options in band, choir, and orchestra, three productions in the theater, and 34 other clubs and organizations. Students who engage in at least one school-sponsored activity have stronger connections to peers, higher grade point averages, and better attendance rates!
The first day of practice for Hastings High School fall sports is Monday, August 14. On-time registrations were accepted from July 14-August 11. If your child is still interested in participating, late registration will be processed on a timely basis, but you will need to contact the athletic office for an eligible start date. Access the "Registration" tab on the HHS athletics home page at THIS LINK to view complete details and instructions. If you have questions, please call the athletic office directly at 651-480-7597.
For information about practice times, equipment, where to report, and any other sport-specific items, please visit the sport-specific page on the athletic website under the "teams" tab. You may also contact the sport head coach directly. A staff directory, including email and phone contact information, is available on the HHS athletics website, accessed directly at THIS LINK.
The HHS parent handbook is a valuable resource. Intended to offer guidance and support, the handbook outlines the purpose of HHS athletics and our definition of success. It provides comprehensive information about athlete eligibility, spectator sportsmanship, and communication protocol. It also contains links and resources to support your sports parent role further. View the handbook at THIS LINK.
Thank you, GO RAIDERS!
Hastings Public Schools
- 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.
Website: www.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1000 11th Street West, Hastings, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hastingspublicschools