Dear HMS Parents, Guardians, and Students,

This week at Hastings Middle School was filled with holiday cheer and student leadership. On Tuesday evening, our 5th and 6th grade choir students gave a beautiful winter concert, showcasing their talent and preparation. Midweek, two of our seventh graders spread joy by organizing a Grinch-themed dress-up day on Wednesday. The halls were full of green outfits and smiles as students and staff embraced the "Whoville Wednesday" spirit.

We also celebrated student achievements and community support. As winter break nears, students wrapped up projects and demonstrated academic growth in their classrooms. On Friday, we recognized several students with Level Up Awards for exemplifying the Raider Way by being safe, respectful, and responsible. Our families also generously donated items for next week's Jingle Bingo celebration. Thank you for making HMS a supportive and joyful community.

As we head into winter break, I am grateful for our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Together, we make Hastings Middle School a wonderful place to learn and grow. I wish you all a safe, relaxing break and happy holidays.

Go Raiders!

Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Hastings Middle School has been invited by Dakota County and the Public Arts Advisory Committee to help promote the 2026 Dakota County Student Art Contest. This annual event celebrates young artists across the county, and we encourage our HMS students to showcase their creativity!

Key Details:

Families and students can view the official flyer here:

This is a great opportunity for our artists to shine! Thank you for encouraging your student to participate!

Our Lost & Found is overflowing! Any unclaimed items will be donated on Tuesday, December 23rd.

Please have your student take time to check the Lost & Found for missing jackets, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, water bottles, and other belongings before they’re donated. Thanks for helping us get items back to their owners!

As you plan ahead for the rest of the school year, winter break is a great opportunity to refresh your student’s school supplies. By this point in the year, pencils are scarce, binder covers are barely hanging on, and dividers have a habit of disappearing.

Taking a few minutes over break to restock and reorganize items like pencils, binders, binder tabs/dividers, and other daily essentials can help students return feeling organized, prepared, and ready to learn. A fresh start with supplies can make a big difference in helping students stay focused and successful as we head into the second half of the year.

Thanks for your continued support in setting students up for success!

Student Council is excited to wrap up December with a couple of fun dress-up days next week as we head into Winter Break!

We love seeing students participate and show their school spirit—thanks for helping make the final days of December extra fun!

12/24-1/4 No School: Winter Break

We’re currently hiring Paraprofessionals (PSAs) across the Hastings School District! These positions play an important role in supporting our students and staff every day.

If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference in our schools, we encourage you to apply today!

👉 Apply Now!

While we’re just settling into fall and enjoying the cooler temperatures, it may seem early to think about the holidays, but Hastings Family Service is already preparing!

Project Share is an annual holiday gift and meal assistance program for families who live within ISD 200 and have children. Registration opened October 22, when families will meet one-on-one with a volunteer to:

• Share their children’s holiday wish lists

• Indicate whether they’d like gifts wrapped

• Request a holiday meal

• Select small gifts or stocking stuffers for each household member

If your family could benefit from this support, or you know someone who might, please visit Hastings Family Service to learn more and register.

Students will complete their IXL Benchmark and FastBridge screeners in January during their math and language arts classes. Thank you for supporting strong attendance and engagement during these important testing windows.

FASTtrack Reading
• Dates: January 12–13
• Where: Language Arts classes
• What students need: Wired headphones

aMath Screener
• Dates: January 14–15
• Where: Math classes
• What students need: Wired headphones

IXL Benchmark Window
• Dates: January 5–23
• Where: Math and Language Arts classes
• Note: Specific testing days will be determined by classroom teachers.

Ryan Wynn – Building Principal

Pam Johnson – 7th & 8th Grade AP

Scott Addyman – 5th & 6th Grade AP

Brooke Johnson – 5th Grade Counselor

Jade Achman – 6th Grade Counselor

Ellen Rademacher – 7th Grade Counselor

Megan Latch – 8th Grade Counselor

Cyndi Sheehan – School Social Worker

Main Office 651-480-7060

Wellness Center 651 480-7084

Nurse's Office 651-480-7072

Attendance Line 651-480-7061 (late or absent), 651-480-7062 (passes to leave school)

7:55 AM – 2:35 PM

The Raider Way is a team of dedicated staff who work to ensure that everyone at HMS is being safe, respectful, and responsible by using the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework.

All HMS students will get to participate in our schoolwide Jingle Bingo on Tuesday, December 23rd from 2-2:35 p.m. in their 6th hour classes. We are thankful for all parents who donated items and who are volunteering their time to support this event!

We are seeing many cases of Influenza A circulating in the building this week. Influenza can look different from student to student, but some of the common symptoms we are seeing include:

Please continue to monitor your student for symptoms and keep them home if they are not feeling well. Getting plenty of rest, fluids, and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce the spread and support recovery.

Thank you for helping us keep HMS healthy,
Nurse Erin and Nurse Katie 🌸

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.

Please remind your child to regularly check the lost and found for any missing items throughout the school year. Unclaimed items will be donated on the following dates:

• December 23

• February 25

• March 13

• May 1

Parent/guardians are welcome to eat lunch with their student. Please alert Rachel Boatman in the Welcome Center 24 hours in advance either by phone (651-480-7062) or email (rboatman@isd200.org). When notifying Rachel Boatman, 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: 11:19-11:44
Grade 6: 12:16-12:41
Grade 7: 10:50-11:15
Grade 8: 11:47-12:12

If you need assistance logging into the Parent Portal and Schoology:

Reach out to Natalie Zeyen nzeyen@isd200.org 651-480-7084

Parent partnership is a vital part of making Hastings Middle School a success! Whether it’s through volunteering your time or contributing resources, your support makes a big difference for our students and staff.

PTO Membership
Our PTO is looking for parents/guardians to join and help continue supporting our school community. If you are interested, please contact Devyn Dimmick-Partington at devyn.dimmick@gmail.com.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Volunteer Sign-Up (Raider Cove): Click here to volunteer

• Raider Cove Amazon Wish List: View the wishlist here