Raider Update
October 15, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Raider Families and Staff,
How can fall break possibly be this week when we just started? With so many things going on, it’s not surprising that time is moving so quickly. Today’s Raider update has a lot of information including: conferences and other calendar reminders, an update on our annual satisfaction surveys, upcoming technology levy information, a follow-up to Indigenous Peoples Day, and a reminder of the upcoming Veterans Day Program.
Conferences and Calendar Reminders -
Conferences are upon us. Fall conferences will begin tomorrow which will lead us right into our fall MEA break. Please review our 23-24 district calendar and the entire district events calendar to make sure you don’t miss any great Raider events.
Satisfaction Surveys -
Within a couple of hours of the survey being available to our staff and families, we had over 500 submissions. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback; it is greatly appreciated. If you have not had an opportunity to provide your feedback, there’s still time. The survey window will remain open until 5pm on October 23. As a reminder, this survey is being conducted by School Perceptions, an independent educational research firm. If for some reason, you did not receive the survey, please check your “spam/junk” folder or contact the district office for assistance. Beginning tomorrow, Monday, October 16, students in the Hastings School District (grades 4-12) will also have the opportunity to participate in the School Perceptions Student Life Survey. We deeply value all comments and suggestions as we work together to continue to shape the future of the Hastings School District.
Technology Levy -
The Hastings School District is asking for our community's support for a technology levy, which will be on the ballot on November 7. By investing our tax dollars in the proposed technology levy, we are not only making a commitment to our student’s technology experience today but also ensuring they are equipped to face the rapidly changing demands of the future. In addition, the levy would allow the ability to elevate the protection of our sensitive, protected, and confidential data on our students, families, and staff.
Please consider joining a public informational session on October 23rd at the middle school media center at 6PM. Information is also available directly on our website. In addition, I’m happy to present the information to additional organizations or groups. To schedule an informational session, please contact me at tchampa@isd200.org.
Indigenous Peoples Day Follow-up -
2023 Legislative action requires all schools that are in session on Indigenous Peoples Day to devote at least one hour of the instructional day to informing students about the holiday’s significance. Our elementary schools used a variety of resources to celebrate and honor the day. At our middle and high school, Paul and Broderick Dressen provided their perspectives on American Indian history and experiences. Paul Dressen has served as the Prairie Island Education Director for forty years and is a founding member of the Tribal Nations Education Consulting Board. Paul’s son, Broderick, is a native heritage speaker and has served as a voice for Native American Youth in Washington DC. Together, they have spoken in a variety of educational settings throughout Minnesota.
Hastings Public Schools recognizes the significance of Indigenous Peoples Day as a time to honor and celebrate the culture, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. With the new requirement and the desire to ensure that the district was meeting the statute, I regret and apologize for not providing specific information in advance of the holiday. The feedback from both students and faculty regarding the Indigenous People's Day recognition will be utilized as we set the foundation for future programming.
I also deeply regret the use of an inappropriate word by one of our speakers during a presentation at the high school. I understand that word was offensive and for that I sincerely apologize. I have spoken to our speakers and their purpose in talking to our high school students was to provide context of the lived experience of indigenous individuals both the past harms and future opportunities.
As we plan for 2024 and beyond, we will work diligently to improve our messaging as we plan informational, inclusive and respectful programming for all our students. If you would like to learn more, please visit Minnesota’s Historical Society’s Our Home: Native Minnesota exhibit website.
Veterans Day -
Remember - The annual Veterans Day Program is returning! We are proud to host the 2023 program at the Hastings High School to honor all who have served on Friday, November 10th at 10am. Please help us spread the word and make plans to attend.
In closure, thank you for all you do to support Hastings Public Schools. As always, please contact me with any questions or feedback regarding our schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent
(651) 480-7001
October 2023 Dates to Remember
Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids
Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids
When: Saturday, October 21st
10:30 am-12 pm
Where: St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
2035 W 15th St, Hastings
Mother Seton Hall
The Hastings Knights of Columbus Council 1600 will be distributing winter coats at no cost to any child in need of a winter coat. Boys and girls sizes from 12M to teen XL while supplies last. The Knights of Columbus wants to ensure that no child goes without a coat during the winter season.
School Picture Retake 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
Retake Dates:
Tuesday, October 17th
High School Retake Day
Wednesday, October 25th
Elementary Schools Retake Day
- 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.