Raider Update
A Weekly eNewsletter from Hastings Public Schools
Message from the Superintendent
Good afternoon Raider families,
Mid February brings another yearly milestone with high school winter sports in various stages of section and state tournaments. And, it also means that spring conferences are only three weeks away. Buildings will be sending specifics regarding how to sign up for conferences.
Many of you have seen other districts begin to discuss or make changes to their masking requirements. Our school board began this discussion on Wednesday, at their work session. Both the district and county numbers continue to drop; 154.9 and 160.6 respectively. And, I am happy to report that our building numbers are again low.
HS - 2 students, 3 staff
MS - 11 students, 1 staff
KEL - 6 students
MEL - 1 staff
PEL - 3 students, 2 staff
I want to again point out the upcoming changes to the school calendar. February 18th and May 9th are asynchronous learning days for students. The calendar can be accessed here.
Bob McDowell, Ed.D.
Superintendent
HHS Mike Johnson Retirement & Transition Plan
Thursday, February 24, will be my last day as HHS Principal as I will be retiring! I have been in education for 34 years as a teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. It has been a sincere privilege to serve HHS as the Principal for 18 years and as an Assistant Principal for eight years. We are proud residents of Hastings and look to continue our support of the schools and community - Go Raiders!
HHS is the finest school in the state of Minnesota! The student body is second to none - they care about each other, have pride in Raider Nation, and have incredible talents in all areas of our school. I really will miss our students! This entire staff works to create positive and lasting relationships with all students. They are special - they truly care about students, have a passion for teaching and learning, and create a welcoming school for all. HHS and our school district receive incredible support for the greater Hastings community! We are fortunate to have wonderful partners working together to serve all students in Hastings.
The opening for a new HHS Principal is currently active and open for applicants. Current Assistant Principal Scott Doran will serve as Interim Principal for the remainder of the school year. Assistant Principal Kris Husaby will continue to serve students in grades 11 and 12. Trent Hanson will move to Interim Assistant Principal for students in grades 9 & 10, and Pete McGinnis will serve as our Interim Athletic Director, both for the remainder of the school year. This admin team has the best interests of students at heart and will continue as a solid team!
Sincerely,
Mike Johnson
HHS Principal
Scott Doran, Principal - 651-480-7474
Kris Husaby, Assistant Principal grades 11 & 12 - 651-480-7480
Trent Hanson, Assistant Principal grades 9 & 10 - 651-480-7483
Pete McGinnis, Athletic Director - 651-480-7596
Hastings Rotary Student of the Month
Paul Olson and Marissa Welch nominated Brady. They had this to share about Brady. "He is extremely passionate about Raider athletics and will do whatever he can to help out. Brady also plays tennis in the spring and does a great job showing leadership through his work ethic and determination. It is incredibly gratifying to work with Brady on the court, as he is the epitome of when a coach says "jump," Brady says "how high," or maybe "how far." That's the fun thing about Brady, you don't always know what you will get, but you do know that you will get his all!!
We know this to be true of him in the classroom and throughout the high school halls. The smiles that Brady puts on others' faces throughout the day tell you just how much he is loved in the building! We think Brady would be an excellent choice for the Rotary Student of the Month as he does exemplify service above self.
Kari Jaeger nominated Kyra, who had the following to share about her. "Kyra is one of the most motivated and mature students I know. Her view of the world is broad, and she is always looking for ways to use her abilities to help others. This varies from volunteering in the memory care department at a local nursing home to planning pep fests and school dances through Student Council. Kyra is a mature and thoughtful student. The students participated in three graded discussions each week in my college literature class. Kyra participated openly, honestly, and extensively. She consistently demonstrated confidence and a willingness to use her voice and explore ideas. Kyra has an open-minded personality and cooperative spirit, making her a delight to be around. Additionally, Kyra knows how to disagree without being disagreeable. She speaks honestly and considerately, and she challenges her classmates with questions and without judgment.
Kyra's integrity not only makes her a great person, but it also makes her an excellent leader because her peers and advisors admire and respect her. After demonstrating her commitment and leadership talents as a Link Crew mentor for ten freshmen. Additionally, she was selected to attend an eight-week internship for peer educators and uses her training as an HHS peer helper in the counseling department. Kyra is known throughout the school, even by teachers who have never had her in class, simply by the leadership roles she plays. She looks for opportunities to stretch herself, and—as a result—she stretches those around her as well."
Congratulations to both Brady Zak and Kyra Smallidge!
Youth Snowshoe Rental for ages 6-10!
Want to explore snowshoeing with a young person in your life but not ready to invest in your own equipment for them? Rent ours to take on your own expedition.
Cost:
$5/day per pair Monday-Thursday
$10/Wkd per pair Friday-Monday
$25 refundable deposit required. Contact Jaci at jhansey@isd200.org or 651-480-7673 for more information.
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