Raider Families and Staff,

This month is already starting to fly by.  Hopefully you’re managing this incredibly busy season with all the school events and opportunities.  

In this week’s update, I’m excited to share highlights from the recent strategic planning in-person event and the online feedback. The insights gathered through the strategic planning process and the satisfaction survey will play a key role in shaping our new strategic plan. Additionally, the district’s initiatives will be showcased through a 2025 Community Engagement Tour—more details are provided below.

Today’s update also includes a reminder about the upcoming Truth in Taxation session and an overview of upcoming calendar events.

Thank you for your ongoing support and active participation in our school community!

Hastings Strategic Plan

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the strategic planning process, whether by attending a listening session or sharing feedback online.

The feedback revealed key themes that highlight the district’s strengths, areas for improvement, and the shared vision for the next 3–5 years. The Minnesota School Boards Association compiled these themes based on responses to each question, which are outlined below:

What are some things that are: done well/working/going well/strengths in the school?

THEME 1: (98 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools is celebrated for its caring and highly trained educators and staff who build strong relationships, provide exceptional support services, and foster student success.

THEME 2: (68 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including exceptional music and sports programs, diverse clubs, and early childhood education, providing students with numerous ways to engage, explore interests, and connect with their community.

THEME 3: (64 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools provides a well-rounded education with diverse learning opportunities, including rigorous courses, support for all types of learners, career pathways, and programs that help students explore interests and earn college credits.

THEME 4: (53 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment with a strong sense of community, pride, and respect, where students feel valued, recognized, and supported in engaging and respectful classrooms.

THEME 5: (39 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools demonstrates strong communication and transparency through regular updates, fostering engagement by welcoming input from families and the community.

What are some opportunities for improvement/areas that might be changed/things that are of concern in the school?

THEME 1: (93 related responses)

Opportunities for improvement center on addressing academic disparities and enhancing student achievement through targeted support, equitable practices, and a cohesive curriculum that emphasizes core education, individual growth, and preparation for future success.

THEME 2: (87 related responses)

Opportunities for improvement focus on enhancing school safety and creating a respectful, disruption-free learning environment through increased accountability, drug education, improved monitoring, and updates to safety measures.

THEME 3: (72 related responses)

Expanding educational opportunities could include enhancing advanced programs like advanced placement, increasing summer and after-school offerings, broadening course options, and expanded career pathways to better support diverse student interests and community needs.

THEME 4: (53 related responses)

Improving staff support and retention emerges as a key focus, emphasizing competitive salaries, enhanced morale, and sufficient staffing. Additionally, providing professional development and support for educators is essential to attract and retain high-quality, diverse staff.

THEME 5 (48 related responses)

Fostering a more connected school environment is a key priority, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and representation for all students. Building stronger connections across buildings also critical to creating a welcoming and equitable community.

THEME 6 (38 related responses)

There are opportunities to strengthen connections with the community by building partnerships with businesses, engaging families and underrepresented groups, and fostering greater involvement in school initiatives.

What are some descriptors or ideas about where you see the school three to five years into the future?

THEME 1 (related comments noted below)

Hastings Public Schools is envisioned as a district fostering academic excellence while providing a diverse array of courses, extracurricular activities, and career-focused opportunities to support the success of all students. The district strives to be a destination of choice for families and recognized for its commitment to personalized learning.

• There were 45 comments related to general academic excellence.

• There were 15 comments related to providing a variety of courses and activities.

• There were 14 comments related to providing differentiated instruction.

• There were 13 comments related to providing more hands-on/vocational Opportunities.

• There were 12 comments related to Hastings being a place where families want to bring their students.

THEME 2 (44 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools is envisioned as a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates diversity, fosters equity, and cultivates respect and compassion among all stakeholders. The district aspires to create a joyful, respectful environment where everyone feels valued and is engaged.

THEME 3 (17 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools is envisioned as a district that prioritizes the support, retention, and appreciation of excellent staff. The district aspires to foster a culture where teachers feel valued, heard, and excited to teach every day.

THEME 4 (10 related responses)

Hastings Public Schools is envisioned as a district deeply connected to its community, fostering strong relationships and encouraging active parent involvement.

School Perceptions Survey

As a reminder, the top priorities identified by our families in the recent survey are as follows:

• School Safety and Security: 55%

• Student Behavior and Discipline: 50%

• Recruiting and Retaining High-Quality Staff: 47%

• Mental Health Services for Students & Career and Technical Education: 41%

• College Credit Opportunities: 32%

• Community Business Partnerships for Students: 17%

Community Engagement Tour: 

As we look ahead to 2025, the district's priorities, key initiatives, and strategic planning highlights will be shared across the community. If your organization, club, or group would be interested in hosting an on-site session, we encourage you to contact the district office to schedule a presentation.

Truth in Taxation:

The “Truth in Taxation” process, established by the legislature in 1988, aims to increase public involvement in Minnesota’s property tax system. On December 18th, the Hastings School District will hold its public hearing at 6:00 PM in the Middle School library.

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • December 23-January 1 Winter Break

  • No School January 20

  • No School January 21 Teacher Workshop

  • No School January 27 Professional Development

• 24-25 School Calendar in its entirety

Raider Events

• Raider Athletic Calendar

• Raider Events Calendar  

  • Mark your calendars for a very busy concert week.

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

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that’s certainly true for Ms. Mary Pasch, the English Language Arts teacher for our 6th graders at HMS.

Born and raised in Hastings, Mary saw firsthand her mother's impact as a teacher and administrator in the school district she would eventually serve. After a brief time away, she and her husband returned to Hastings, where they raised their family, and Mary dedicated her career to ISD 200. She is now in her 36th year of teaching within the district.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside amazing students, parents, staff, and community members over the years,” says Ms. Pasch. “My life is richer because of these connections, and I’ve learned so much from everyone.”

Mary finds deep satisfaction in her role. “I love watching my students’ academic and social/emotional growth throughout the year,” she explains. “I also appreciate the many opportunities I’ve had to try new things, which have helped me grow personally and professionally.”

Mary’s inspiration comes from the strong women in her family—her mother and grandmother—who were trailblazers in their own right. Both women, she says, demonstrated the confidence and work ethic to carve new paths and accomplish great things for themselves and others. It’s clear that Mary continues to follow in their footsteps.

When she’s not helping students thrive, Ms. Pasch enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, canning, and hiking.

Information for registering your 2025-26 kindergarteners will be mailed out in early January. Additional information regarding The Countdown to Kindergarten will also be included in that mailing. This event creates an opportunity to visit our school and meet kindergarten teachers.