HMS Family Newsletter | Feb. 27th

 
HMS Newsletter Template 25-26

Principal Corner

Dear Hastings Middle School Families,

This week at Hastings Middle School was full of learning, connection, and Raider pride. Our library buzzed with excitement during the Scholastic Book Fair, our students shared their talents on stage at the vocal concert, and our athletes and activity groups represented HMS with energy and teamwork. We also appreciated the strong turnout and thoughtful conversations during conferences as we partnered around student growth.

In classrooms and hallways, I saw students leaning into reading and curiosity. The Book Fair gave many students a fresh stack of books and a new reason to visit the library. I also loved seeing staff book recommendations spark conversations about what to read next. Those moments, when students get genuinely excited about a story or a new topic, are a powerful part of our learning community.

Our arts and activities were a highlight all week. On Tuesday evening, our 5th and 6th grade vocal music students performed for families, and the pride in the auditorium was obvious. Our 6th grade band also traveled to a festival performance and delivered an outstanding showing. In athletics, middle school swim and dive began, and it was great to see students jump in with enthusiasm and teamwork. Congratulations to our students who competed at section swim meets and wrestlers who represented Raider Nation at the state tournament.

Ryan Wynn

As we wrapped up the week, we were grateful for the partnership we felt during conferences. Thank you for the support you give your children and for the time you take to connect with our staff. Looking ahead, we are excited for the staff versus student Knowledge Bowl celebration and a student vote for the next Raider Nation T-shirt design.

Go Raiders!

Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Level Up Awards: Celebrating Growth the Raider Way

Last week, Hastings Middle School proudly celebrated another round of Level Up Awards! 

These recognitions highlight students and staff who have shown growth while living out the Raider Wayβ€”being safe, respectful, and responsible each day. Way to go, Raiders!

🎨 Dakota County Student Art Contest – Now Open! 

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:

  • The contest is officially open now.
  • All submissions must be submitted electronically by Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • Full contest details, requirements, and submission instructions can be found on the Dakota County website: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Government/CAC/PublicArt/Pages/art-contest.aspx 

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!

Maud Hart Lovelace Award Participation

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.

Dates to Remember

3/3 Choir Concert Grades 7/8

3/5 PTO Meeting

3/16-3/20 No School: Spring Break

3/27 5th Grade/6th Grade Dance

MCA Testing Schedule

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

  • Tuesday, April 14
  • Wednesday, April 15

Math MCA

  • Tuesday, April 21
  • Wednesday, April 22

Science MCA

5th Grade

  • Wednesday, April 29 (A Day)
  • Hours 1–3

8th Grade

  • Friday, May 1 (A Day)
  • Hours 1–3

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.

Join Our Team! 🌟

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!

πŸ‘‰ Apply Now!

Student Support Team

Main OfficeπŸ“ž 651-480-7060

 

Ryan Wynn – Building Principal

Pam Johnson – 7th & 8th Grade AP

Scott Addyman – 5th & 6th Grade AP

Wellness CenterπŸ“ž 651-480-7084

 

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

About Us

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)

πŸ•’ Schools Hours

7:55 AM – 2:35 PM

πŸ΄β€β˜ οΈ Raider Way Updates

Volunteers needed: 5th/6th grade dance March 27th

We are in need of parent/family volunteers for our upcoming 5th and 6th grade dance on Friday, March 27th from 6:30-8 p.m. If you are interested, please call the HMS Wellness Center at 651-480-7084. Thank you for your support!

πŸ₯ Keeping HMS Healthy

Nothing new to report this week πŸ™‚

As we head into the long weekend, we encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and take care of yourselves. Getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, and keeping up with good hand hygiene will help us all return ready for a strong week ahead.

Enjoy the long weekend!
Nurse Erin and Nurse Katie 🌸

HMS Website
HMS Family Resource Page

Additional Notes

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.

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:

  • March 13
  • May 1

Parent Lunch

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

Parent Portal and Schoology Access

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

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

Parent Partnership

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