Raider Families and Staff,

I hope you're enjoying today’s sunshine and feeling ready to take on the week ahead! In this update, you’ll find the latest on the board appointment process, a reminder about our upcoming community collaboration events kicking off this week, details about our participation in the Minnesota Student Survey, and a look ahead at key dates and events on the calendar.

Board Member Appointment Process

Thank you to all community members who expressed interest in serving in this important temporary role and to the 7 selected candidates for participating in the interviews this past week.  The Board will deliberate and make a decision regarding the appointed position at a special meeting this Wednesday, April 9th, at 6:00 PM in the Middle School Media Center.

Community Collaboration Events

We're excited to kick off our series of community collaboration events! Please consider joining us this week for a discussion on the district's strategic plan, followed by sessions in the coming weeks focused on the topics outlined below. All events will begin at 6:00 PM in the High School Lecture Hall. You’ll find the full flyer with dates and details included below.

April 8: Strategic Plan

April 15: 25-26 Budget Adjustments

April 22: Deep Dive into the District’s Strategic Anchors

Minnesota Student Survey

At the regular March board meeting, representatives from Dakota County provided an overview of the Minnesota Student Survey and emphasized the importance of student participation. This statewide survey is administered every three years during the winter/spring to students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11.

The School Board approved Hastings’ participation in the survey, which is scheduled to be administered later this spring. Additional details will be shared soon, including information on how families can review the survey, opt-out considerations, and the specific schedule for both the middle and high school.

For more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Education website, linked here.

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • April 18: No School

  • April 21: No School, Staff Development, Staff Appreciation

• 24-25 School Calendar in its entirety

• 25-26 School Calendar

Raider Events

• Raider Athletic Calendar

• Raider Events Calendar  

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of Hastings Public Schools. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent, Hastings Public Schools

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Mary Shrader to the ISD200 family this year as a Parent Educator! Mary is joining the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program in Hastings, where her work is already making a profound impact on children, families, and the community as a whole.

"I am constantly inspired by the ECFE and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teachers here in Hastings," shares Mary. "My colleagues are incredibly skilled professionals who make a lasting difference for young children and their families every day."

At Tilden Elementary, Ms. Shrader’s role is centered around building and strengthening relationships—both with and within families. As Mary puts it, "The most meaningful learning for both children and adults happens within the context of relationships. In our supportive groups, parents explore science-based approaches to parenting. They work to build on their own strengths, learn from one another, and stay open to new ideas and strategies."

One of Mary’s key goals is to expand access to ECFE, especially for working parents and those with school-aged children. She is passionate about exploring important topics such as self-care, self-regulation, co-regulation, positive discipline, media and technology use, fostering a growth mindset, child-led play, and early literacy. These are just a few of the many valuable areas Mary addresses with the families she supports.

The work Mary and her colleagues do extends far beyond the early childhood years. The foundation they lay helps our youngest learners build the skills and confidence necessary for long-term academic success—impacting their entire educational journey.

When she’s not working to empower families and foster young minds, Mary enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren. Her hobbies include biking, kayaking, hiking, reading, and crafting.

Thank you, Ms. Shrader, for helping to prepare our children for a bright and successful future. Our community is truly stronger because of you!

We’re excited to invite your organization to participate in the Mobile Polar Plunge to support Minnesota Special Olympics and Unified Champion Schools at Hastings Public Schools! This event promotes inclusivity and brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together through fun athletic activities and social clubs.

When: Friday, April 25th

Where: Hastings High School

Schedule: Pep rally at 9:25 AM, plunging to follow (exact times to be sent closer to the event).

You can register as a team or individually at this link: https://www.plungemn.org/.../hastings-high-school-cool.../

Not ready to take the plunge? Consider donating to the cause or contributing prizes for student participants. Any support is greatly appreciated!