June

Principal Corner

Ryan Wynn

Dear HMS Parents, Guardians, and Students,

As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, I want to share my appreciation for your partnership and involvement. This year has been filled with incredible energy, learning, and growth, and our students have risen to every occasion with heart, effort, and Raider pride.

I’m especially proud of the positive culture we’ve built together through the Raider Way. Our students continue to show what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible, and our staff has remained dedicated to reinforcing those values in ways that are clear, consistent, and community-minded. Staff feedback from our spring survey highlighted how far we’ve come with collaboration and student engagement, while also giving us insight into the areas we’ll continue to strengthen next year. Raider Way tickets, Rock Star awards, and student-led presentations have all played a role in helping students feel recognized and invested.

One of the best snapshots of our community came during this year’s Tug of War event. Not only did it raise over $5,000 for Hastings Family Service, but it also featured incredible costumes, team spirit, a student flash mob, and truly kind behavior across the board. It was fun, meaningful, and a great reminder of what makes our school special.

Our Student Council and student leaders across grade levels have also helped create positive momentum this year. From organizing events to giving back through service projects, their efforts have made HMS a better place for everyone. Their creativity and commitment reflect the best of what student leadership can be.

As summer begins, I hope all of our students take time to recharge, stay curious, and enjoy the break. Whether it’s reading a good book, helping around the house, or simply spending time outside, summer is a great opportunity to rest and reset. We’ll be hard at work preparing for another great year ahead, focused on supporting student learning, strengthening our PBIS systems, and building even stronger school connections.

To our 8th graders, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to HMS. You are ready for high school and we are proud of you. To everyone returning in the fall, we can’t wait to welcome you back.

With Raider Pride,


Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Updates

June Events

2 8th Grade Day of Caring
4 8th Grade Field Trip to ValleyFair
5 8th Grade Celebration
5 Last Day of School
6 Lost and Found Items Donated

Back to School 25/26

August 26 Open House: 5-7 pm
September 2 First Day of School: 5th Grade
September 3 First Day of School: All Students


6th Grade Parents

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

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.

All items left after the last day of school will be donated.

Please remind your child to look for any missing items!

School Supply List for 25/26 School Year

Below is the school supply list for the upcoming school year. As your child empties their backpack, you may find that some items can be reused for the next school year.

25/26 School Supply List

Fall Sports Registration – 2025-26

Registration opens Wednesday, July 16. The first day of practice is Monday, September 8. All student-athletes must be registered and cleared by the Athletic Office to participate.
To participate:

  • Complete online registration

  • Ensure all equipment from previous sports is returned

  • Provide medical clearance if injured/ill since last physical

  • Have an up-to-date physical (good for 3 years). Check in Infinite Campus under Health > Immunizations for the last sports physical date.

Note: If not cleared, you’ll be notified of what’s needed. Missing equipment (e.g., jerseys) must be returned or fines paid before registering. Multiple reminders have been sent to those affected.

Visit the Middle School Athletics website for more info.

Fall Sports Offered (Grades 5–8 unless noted):

  • Soccer – Boys & Girls

  • Cross Country – Boys & Girls

  • Girls Tennis

  • Girls Volleyball – 7th & 8th only

  • Girls Swim & Dive – 7th & 8th may be invited to varsity; middle school season begins in February

First Practice: Monday, Sept. 8 – all athletes meet in the gym after school.

Questions? Contact Katie McAlpin at kmcalpin@isd200.org

Congratulations to Our Retirees

Congratulations to our Hastings Middle School retirees Becky Hartung, Jean Lindberg, Lori Marsh, and Mary Pasch. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on both students and staff. We appreciate all you've done, and you will be truly missed!

retirees

Wishing Our 8th Graders the Best!

While we're sad to see our 8th-grade students leave, we're excited to see all they will accomplish in high school. It's hard to believe they were 5th graders just a few short years ago! We wish them all the best and look forward to welcoming them back as seniors in the Class of 2029!

Parent Partnership

Parent partnership is an important part of making Hastings Middle School a success! Whether it’s through volunteering your time or contributing resources, your support can make a big difference.
PTA Membership: Our PTA is looking for parents/guardians to help support students and staff! Meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the HMS media center. Contact the Middle School PTA with questions or interest at: hastingsmiddlepta@gmail.com.
Donate Items to Support the Raider Cove: Any items purchased through this Amazon link is appreciated! Amazon PTA Link

HMS Highlights!

Tug of War
We had a wonderful day celebrating our HMS community while raising donations for Hastings Family Service. Together, our school raised $5,035! A big thank you to Cheryl Fitzgerald-McNelis for organizing the event and to Heather Maier for coordinating the unforgettable staff flash mob!

tug of war
day of caring

Day of Caring
Our 8th-grade students gave back to the Hastings community by pulling weeds and picking up trash at several parks, in the downtown area, and at a few of our local retirement communities. This effort was a collaborative partnership between the City of Hastings and Hastings Middle School. Special thanks to the Hastings Bus Company, Fleet Farm, and Culver’s for their generous donations in support of this day.

Honoring Our Raider Rockstars!

We’re proud to recognize the outstanding staff and students who exemplify the Raider Way every day. Your dedication to being safe, respectful, and responsible sets a positive example and makes you true leaders in our school community.

5th Grade
6th Grade
7th grade
8th Grade
Staff