Dear Hastings Middle School Families,

This week at Hastings Middle School was filled with meaningful learning experiences and strong Raider spirit. After the long weekend, students returned ready to engage, and it was wonderful to see classrooms quickly settle into focused routines. Across grade levels, students worked collaboratively on projects, participated in thoughtful discussions, and continued building momentum as we move deeper into the third quarter.

One highlight this week was our special guest speaker, author Anton Treuer, who visited with our eighth graders. After reading excerpts of his work in Language Arts, students came prepared with insightful questions and engaged respectfully in conversation. It was impressive to see their curiosity and maturity on display. Experiences like this bring learning to life and help students see the real-world impact of literacy and storytelling.

We also continued celebrating student voice and leadership. Advisory groups spent time reinforcing our Raider Way expectations, and students reflected on how their daily choices contribute to a positive school culture. In addition, rehearsals and practices were in full swing for upcoming concerts and competitions, with students demonstrating commitment and teamwork.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. It is a privilege to watch our students grow academically and socially each week. Enjoy the weekend, and as always,

Go Raiders!

Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

We were honored to welcome Anton Treuer to our schools and community for a full day of learning and connection.

Dr. Treuer began at Hastings High School, speaking with students about his book Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, encouraging thoughtful conversation, understanding, and critical thinking. He then joined students from the Native Club and Writing Club for lunch at Hastings Middle School.

At HMS, 8th graders explored his novel Where Wolves Don’t Die, a coming-of-age story about an Ojibwe teen. Dr. Treuer shared engaging stories, highlighted the many ways Native peoples have shaped our world, and signed books provided to students through generous Metronet funding.

The day concluded with a community event at the Hastings Arts Center, where attendees gathered for stories, reflection, and a meaningful Q and A.

Miigwech (thank you) to Hastings Reads for organizing this incredible opportunity, and to the Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Gift Fund, the St Croix Valley Foundation, and Metronet for their support.

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!

The Scholastic Book Fair is a fantastic opportunity to share the excitement of new books with your child. Independent reading fosters a love for learning and supports academic success, so don’t miss out!

School Dates:

Location: Hastings Middle School Library Media Center

Family Event Date:

Location: Near the Hastings Middle School Auditorium

Book Fair Homepage: Scholastic Book Fair – Hastings Middle School

Set up a Book Fair eWallet, a secure digital payment option that allows your child to shop cash-free at the Fair! Visit our homepage to learn more.

We can’t wait to see you there!

This year, students have the opportunity to participate in the Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award program. An engaging reading experience that puts students in the role of readers and voters! To be eligible to vote, students must read or listen to at least three nominated books. Titles are available through the library media center and the public library, making it easy for students to participate. Along the way, students will develop a love of reading, share their thoughts, and build critical thinking skills. Ask your child which book they’re cheering for.

2/24 Choir Concert Grades 5/6

2/26 Evening Conferences

2/27 No School: Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences are approaching! Here’s the important information:

Our spring MCA assessments are right around the corner. Please review the schedule below and help your student come prepared with a charged Chromebook, wired headphones, and a good night’s rest.

Reading MCA

Math MCA

Science MCA

5th Grade

8th Grade

We appreciate your partnership in ensuring students are ready to do their best. More details will be shared with students during the school day as we get closer to testing dates.

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!

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

In everything we do at HMS, we live the Raider Way. We are safe, respectful, and responsible. 

We establish clear expectations

We use positive language

We foster a climate of belonging

We celebrate student growth

One of the ways we do this is to frame expectations in a positive way. For example, instead of saying “don’t run” saying “we walk in the halls.”  Research shows that people are more likely to meet our expectations when instructions are stated positively.  This is not always easy to do!

Click here to learn more about the HMS expectations that we are teaching students

We are seeing a return of fevers and strep throat in the building. Please continue to monitor your student for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, or stomachache.

A reminder that a fever is defined as a temperature over 100°F, and students must remain home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Students diagnosed with strep should stay home until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are feeling better.

Encourage frequent handwashing, avoid sharing drinks or utensils, and make sure students are getting plenty of rest.

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:

• 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