Raider Families and Staff,

I hope this week’s Raider Update finds you well and adjusting to the ever-changing Minnesota temperatures—only in Minnesota, right? In today’s update, I’ve included information on how school-related decisions are made during extreme cold weather. Additionally, I have included details about the St. Croix Valley Foundation, formerly known as the Hastings Public Schools Foundation, to help clear up any confusion with the Hastings Foundation in Nebraska. As always, you'll also find key calendar reminders and upcoming Raider events.

Extreme Cold Weather Temperatures:  

Making weather-related school decisions is always challenging, and extreme cold temperatures add even more factors to consider. Some of the key questions that are evaluated include: When will the coldest temperatures occur? Is the forecast at the level of an extreme warning or just an advisory? Will a two-hour delay allow for safer conditions?

For the decision to close on Tuesday, Hastings was under an extreme temperature warning, with no improvement expected until midday. I’ve heard some questions about why there wasn’t a delay or closure on Wednesday, given that temperatures were only slightly warmer. On Wednesday, however, Hastings was under an advisory, with temperatures improving earlier in the day.

Please know that these decisions are never made lightly and, unfortunately, will never satisfy everyone’s expectations. If a school-related weather decision doesn’t align with what you feel is best for your family, you always have the option to make an attendance decision that works for you. Your child’s safety and well-being are the top priority.

St. Croix Valley Foundation:  When you receive donation requests, please take a moment to verify the source—especially the state. Recently, we learned that some community members received donation requests from the Hastings Foundation in Nebraska, which may have caused confusion. Here in Hastings, MN, the Hastings Foundation transferred all of its funds to the St. Croix Valley Foundation in 2023.

For your reference, I’ve included the original announcement below and provided a link to the foundation here.

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • February 28: No School: Conferences

  • March 17-21 No School: Spring Break

• 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

Ms. Jackie Morrison has been an invaluable member of our high school staff for six years, serving as a Special Education Resource Teacher. She is deeply committed to her student's success and takes great pride in being a part of their educational journey. Watching her students grow and evolve over their four years is something she cherishes, though, like many Special Education teachers, she wishes the paperwork could be less demanding!

"I strive to have a positive impact on every student I interact with—whether I'm co-teaching in math classes, supporting the National Honor Society, managing my caseload, or simply crossing paths in the hallways. My goal is for each student to feel uplifted when they see me," Jackie shares.

Recruited to ISD200 by a former Special Education Director, Jackie quickly felt at home in our district. Her connection to the community was so strong that after just a few years, she convinced her husband to relocate their family to Hastings. Together, they have three young children: Ida and Leona, who attend McAuliffe Elementary, and their son Cyrus, who will join them soon.

Jackie's passion is fueled by the incredible dedication of her colleagues. "Every day, I am inspired by the commitment, passion, and care my coworkers demonstrate toward our students," she says.

Outside of her work supporting students and managing IEPs, Jackie enjoys reading, traveling, playing games, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

The work of our Special Education Department is essential in providing the support and resources many of our students need. Their efforts are vital not only for the students but also for their families. We are incredibly grateful to Jackie for the profound impact she makes on our community every single day.