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We are looking forward to the 24-25 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,

As we approach the start of a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you. Whether your student(s) will be starting on Tuesday, September 3, or your first experience will be at a Raider, Set, Go Conference, I am excited that you’ve chosen Hastings Public Schools to provide a high-quality education for your child(ren).

This time of year always brings a flurry of activity as we prepare for another successful school year. We’ve recently welcomed new staff members to the Raider Family, and next week, we’ll kick off the year with our entire team.

As you make your final "back-to-school" preparations, please take a moment to review the following important updates:

  • Student Handbook: We are proud to introduce a unified district-wide handbook, designed to make it easier for you to find essential information. The handbook is organized into four key sections: general information, academics, rules and discipline, and health/safety and annual notifications. Each topic clearly indicates which grade levels it applies to.

  • New District Website: You may have noticed our redesigned district website. We’ve streamlined the navigation to make it easier and quicker for you to find the information you need with fewer clicks. We hope you’re finding it user-friendly as you explore the updated content.

  • Menus: All menus for the school year are now live and easily accessible from the district homepage. We’re pleased to continue offering breakfast and lunch at no cost to families. Please note that fees apply for additional entrées, milk without a meal, or à la carte items.

  • Transportation: Up-to-date transportation schedules are available through your parent portal. Please review them to ensure a smooth start to the year.

  • Calendars: School calendars can be quickly accessed through a direct link on our new website. Please refer to them for important dates and events.

On behalf of the entire district, we are deeply grateful that you have chosen Hastings Public Schools. We are honored to serve your family and look forward to a wonderful school year ahead.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent, Hastings Public Schools


Superintendent Champa
ISD 200 app
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HS open house
Middle School open house
Raider Set go days

This event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd, and Wednesday, September 4th. These days will provide an opportunity for you and your kindergarten through 4th-grade child(ren) to connect with their new teacher, bring in supplies, and share about their school interests. Families will schedule a 25-minute appointment with the links below:

McAuliffe:

https://ptcfast.com/schools/Christa_McAuliffe_Elementary_School

Kennedy:

https://tinyurl.com/JFK2024RSG

Pinecrest:

https://ptcfast.com/schools/Pinecrest_Elementary

Raider Set Go, in place of a traditional open house, will allow families and students to meet and connect with their teachers in a more personalized manner.

The first full day of school for Grades K-4 is Thursday, September 5.

first days of school

Staggered Start for the First Day of School

District Calendar

School Hours

school supply list

School Supply Lists

Kennedy School Supply List

McAuliffe School Supply List

Pinecrest School Supply List

Middle School Supply List

High School Supply List

Enroll now

Still Time to Enroll!

Visit our website for more information.

Transportation Routing Information

Transportation routing information, including courtesy bus stop information, will be available on the Campus Portal on August 19th by clicking “More” and then “Bus Information.” Please remember to recheck routing information closer to the start of the school year, as minor adjustments may be made. If your pickup or dropoff location is inaccurate, 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.

HFS School supplies
Click image for more information.
student device protection plan
school year picture

2024-2025 School Picture Information & Dates

Cahill Studios Picture Day Information!

All galleries will be emailed to parents 2-5 business days after picture day. If you order a Package or a BYOP bundle within seven days of galleries going online, you'll receive a FREE Social Media Image, so don't forget to order!

Cahill Studios will send you important picture day information from the following email address: no-reply@imagequix.com, so keep a lookout!

View your 100+ FREE background options online to coordinate your students' outfits best!

www.cahillphotostudio.com

Don't like your first-day photo?
Wait to purchase photos, and your student can have their picture taken on Retake Day. 

If you have any questions, you can reach out to Cahill Studios. 

The Cahill Studios Customer Care Team
Email: service@cahillphotostudio.com
Office Number: 715-268-9363
Toll-Free Number: 866-229-0135

Picture Dates:

Thursday, September 5th

  • 7th Grade & 8th Grade Picture Day

Friday, September 6th

  • 5th Grade & 6th Grade Picture Day

Wednesday, September 18th

  • Elementary Schools Picture Day

Retake Dates:

Tuesday, October 8th

  • Middle School Retake Day

Wednesday, October 23rd

  • Elementary Schools Retake Day

Hastings High School Picture Dates

Tuesday, September 3rd

  • 9th Grade

Wednesday, September 18th

  • 10-12 Grade

special services logo

Parents of students with special needs are invited to join Hastings' Special Education Staff in discussing how to support one another and providing input on district programming. Please mark your calendars for the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) 2024-2025 meeting dates!

- October 28th - time and location to be announced

• February 24th - time and location to be announced

• April 2025 - All Dakota County SEAC - Date, time, and location TBD

For more information about SEAC or if you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Jill Petersen at 651-480-7008 or jpetersen@isd200.org

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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 student 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 2024-25.

  • 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 2024-25 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 Krystel Ebel 651-480-7050 or Brittney Hirschauer 651-480-7126

middle school fall sports
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Check Out the Online School Store for All Your Raider Gear Needs!

School Store
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Hastings Public Schools

The Hastings School District consists of approximately 4,300 students. Please click on the links below to email the building principal or site leader. We've also included the phone numbers to the main offices of each of our district's sites:

  • 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