Hello Hastings Middle School families,

I hope you all enjoyed a restful spring break. This week, our hallways and classrooms were filled with renewed energy as students and staff settled back into routines. On Monday, we started the week by revisiting our core values of being safe, respectful, and responsible. During advisory, teachers led a refresher lesson on school-wide expectations, even focusing on positive behavior in our bathrooms and reminding students to alert the office if any issues arise. It was a proactive way to re-establish a positive rhythm after break, and I’m proud of how our students responded.

Our classrooms have been buzzing with engagement and creativity. In 6th grade Language Arts, for example, students have built an inspiring culture of literacy and belonging. They’ve been celebrating reading achievements, setting ambitious year-long goals, sharing book recommendations, and even buddy-reading novels together. Recently, while reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the classes took a fun “sorting hat” quiz to discover their Hogwarts houses, connecting students who discovered shared traits and sparking new friendships through their love of reading. It’s wonderful to see students excited about learning and forging connections in the process.

We also saw many student achievements and contributions shine this week. Our Jazz Band gave a stellar performance at their concert on Thursday night, filling the school with music and Raider pride. Thank you to Mr. Oldham and our talented musicians for all their hard work preparing, and to the families who came out to support our students. Our student leaders have been busy as well; the HMS Student Council, together with our Raider Way team, worked hard to organize the 5th & 6th Grade “Under the Sea” dance held this evening. This event has been a true collaborative effort. Students took the lead in planning a fun experience for their peers, staff members volunteered as chaperones, and many parents stepped up to help with decorations and supervision. We’re so grateful for everyone’s contributions in making this a safe and memorable night for our young Raiders.

I’d also like to recognize the dedication of our HMS staff. This week our teachers jumped right back into collaboration and planning to ensure a strong finish to the year. In fact, some of our staff even spent their break engaged in professional learning. We are lucky to have educators who constantly seek to grow and bring back fresh ideas to support our students. To all our teachers and support staff: thank you for the energy, care, and creativity you pour into our kids each and every day.

As we wrap up this week, we have many reasons to be proud of our HMS community. From students helping one another in class, to clubs and music groups showcasing their talents, to staff going the extra mile. It truly takes a village, and our village is strong. Thank you, families, for all you do to support your middle schoolers. Your encouragement at home makes a difference here at school.

Looking Ahead: We have a busy April coming up. Please make note of a few important dates and events as we continue into the final stretch of the school year:

April 14–15: Reading MCA testing for all grades (state assessments).

April 17: 7th & 8th Grade Spring Dance (evening at HMS).

April 21–22: Math MCA testing for all grades.

April 29 & May 1: Science MCA testing for 5th and 8th grades.

We will send more details about testing logistics as those dates approach. For now, ensuring students get good rest and arrive with charged Chromebooks on those days will help everything go smoothly.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. It’s amazing to watch our students learn and grow, and to be part of such a caring, positive school community. Enjoy your weekend, and as always…

Go Raiders!

Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

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

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:

• May 1

• June 9

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