Dear HMS Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Welcome to April! It’s hard to believe we’re entering the final quarter of the school year. As we wrap up Quarter 3 and look ahead to Quarter 4, I want to take a moment to share some important updates and encouragement as we head into a key stretch of the year.

End of Quarter 3 & Start of Quarter 4

We officially close out Quarter 3 on April 4, and I want to commend our students and staff for the hard work, focus, and progress they’ve shown throughout the year. We’re now launching into Quarter 4, which is a time for students to reflect on their growth, set goals, and finish strong. Whether students are looking to build on momentum or make a fresh start, this is the perfect time to lean into good habits like organization, time management, and consistent effort.

MCA Testing – A Time to Shine

April also brings MCA testing in Reading, Math, and Science. These assessments give us valuable information about how well students are mastering grade-level standards and help guide instruction for future learning. While we know these tests don’t define a student, they do give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning, growth, and perseverve.

A Season of Growth

Spring is always a season of growth—both in nature and here at HMS. Whether it’s academic achievement, increased confidence, improved behavior, or new friendships, we’re seeing students thrive in so many ways. I’m incredibly proud of the work happening in our classrooms, in our clubs and activities, and in the day-to-day interactions that make HMS a strong, supportive community.

Let’s continue to work together to make the last few months of the school year as meaningful and memorable as the first. We appreciate your partnership and support—now let’s finish the year strong!

Go Raiders!
Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Starting Monday, April 7th, all HMS students will experience increased security measures on their Chromebooks. To better protect student work and data, Chromebooks will automatically lock and require students to enter their Student Credential Password in the following situations:

• When reopening the Chromebook after closing the lid.

• When the Chromebook has been idle for 2 minutes or more.

• When rebooting or initially turning on the Chromebook.

This password is the same one students currently use to log in to Chromebooks, computer labs, and various technology apps such as Google Suite.

Please ensure your student knows their password before Monday, April 7th, as they will need to enter it regularly throughout the school day.

HMS students in grades 5–8 will participate in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in reading and math this April:
-Reading Test: Tuesday, April 15 & Wednesday, April 16
-Math Test: Tuesday, April 22 & Wednesday, April 23

Testing will take place during hours 1 and 2 in students’ advisory classes. Students should report directly to advisory rather than their first-hour class. The rest of the day will follow a modified schedule with shortened classes—students will still attend all classes, eat school breakfast, and participate in before-school activities.
-Arrive on time each testing day. Testing runs from 7:55–9:55 AM.
-Avoid scheduling appointments during the testing window.
-Reinforce appropriate test behavior and academic focus during testing.
-Technology such as cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds must be kept in lockers. These items are not permitted during testing.
-Charge Chromebooks fully the night before each test day. There are limited extra chargers available.
-Encourage your student to do their personal best. We are focused on growth, not perfection!

Please Note: Science MCA testing is only administered to students in grades 5 and 8. These students will take the Science MCA during their regularly scheduled science class on April 30 and May 1.

We have observed a rise in cell phone violations among students. This is a reminder that cell phone use is not permitted during the school day. All cell phones must be secured in lockers from 7:55 AM to 2:35 PM.

Additionally, smartwatches and other wearable electronic devices that can send or receive messages, make phone calls, or access the internet are not allowed to be used in this manner during school hours.

Consequences for Cell Phone Violations:

• First Offense: Parent will be notified.

• Second Offense: Parent must pick up the device.

• Third Offense: Parent must pick up the device, and a Cell Phone Use Plan will be developed.

A reminder that students entering 7th grade for the 2025-26 school year need to have TDap and Meningitis vaccines before the 2025-26 school year. Call nurse Rachel Propst with any questions at 651-480-7073.

Lost and found items are primarily located near the gym. These include clothing, water bottles, hats, and similar items, which students can collect during the school day. After school, students and families can access these items by entering through the gymnasium doors.

Smaller valuables, such as headphones and jewelry, are kept at the Welcome Center. These can be retrieved during school hours or after school until 3:30 pm.

Lost and found donations will occur on the following dates:
April 17th
June 6th

Please remind your child to look for any missing items!

Parent/guardians are welcome to eat lunch with their student. Please alert Rachel Gust in the Welcome Center 24 hours in advance either by phone (651-480-7062) or email (rgust@isd200.org). When notifying Rachel Gust, please state the day you are planning on coming in to eat lunch and your child's name/grade level. To enter the building, you will need to show your driver's license as part of our check in system.

Grade Level Lunch Times are Below:
Grade 5 11:47-12:12
Grade 6 12:16-12:41
Grade 7 11:19-11:44
Grade 8 10:50-11:15

Celebrating Our Outstanding Raiders!

We’re thrilled to recognize the amazing staff and students who truly embody the Raider Way! Your dedication, leadership, and pursuit of excellence make a lasting impact on our school community. Keep up the great work—your efforts inspire us all!