HMS Family Newsletter | Apr. 10th

 
HMS Newsletter Template 25-26

Principal Corner

Dear Hastings Middle School Families,

This week at Hastings Middle School was filled with steady learning, positive routines, and meaningful opportunities for students to get involved. As I walked through classrooms and hallways, I saw students working hard, supporting one another, and continuing to live the Raider Way by being safe, respectful, and responsible. The consistency students showed each day helped our school feel calm, focused, and ready for spring learning.

I was especially proud of the leadership that students demonstrated. Many 6th and 7th graders followed through on the final steps of the WEB Leader application process, and I valued the thoughtful conversations I heard about what it meant to welcome others and lead with kindness. Student leaders also continued to shape our school in meaningful ways through Student Council and other groups that promoted positive culture and student voice.

Our activities and athletics brought great energy to the week. Spring sports continued to build momentum, and I loved seeing students try something new, practice with teammates, and grow through commitment. We also celebrated strong effort from our swimmers and divers, who competed with pride and represented HMS well. School spirit and community responsibility stood out as students participated in our Clean Up, People initiative and took ownership of our shared spaces.

Creativity shined in a community wide anti vaping video challenge, where Hastings Middle School students earned recognition for using their voices to promote healthy choices.

Ryan Wynn

Our ELL students also participated in a field trip experience that extended learning beyond the classroom and created new memories.

As we looked ahead, we shared reminders about the upcoming MCA testing schedule and encouraged students to prepare by getting good rest, eating breakfast, and bringing the materials they needed to feel confident. Thank you for your partnership and encouragement at home. Together, we helped our Raiders finish the week strong.

Go Raiders!

Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Dates to Remember

4/10: Middle School Play

4/23: Middle School Jazz Night

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!

👉 Apply Now!

Student Support Team

Main Office📞 651-480-7060

 

Ryan Wynn – Building Principal

Pam Johnson – 7th & 8th Grade AP

Scott Addyman – 5th & 6th Grade AP

Wellness Center📞 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)

🕒 Schools Hours

7:55 AM – 2:35 PM

🏴‍☠️ Raider Way Updates

7th and 8th grade Dance April 17th: Last call for parent volunteers

We are in need of parent/guardian volunteers for our upcoming 7th and 8th grade dance on Friday, April 17th from 6:30-8 p.m. If you are interested, call the HMS Wellness Center at 651-480-7084. The theme of our 7th/8th grade dance will be Sky Full of Stars. Thank you for your support!

🏥 Keeping HMS Healthy

🩺 Health Office Updates

We have been seeing an increase in students bringing and consuming energy drinks at school, and we want to share an important reminder about their impact on student health.

⚡ What is an energy drink?
Energy drinks are beverages that often contain high levels of caffeine, along with ingredients like taurine, B-vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many also include citric acid, which can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including some used to treat ADHD.

⚠️ Why are they a concern?
Energy drinks are not recommended for children or adolescents. Medical experts advise avoiding them due to their high levels of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants. These can lead to:

  • Behavioral changes and increased anxiety
  • Heart palpitations and increased blood pressure
  • Sleep disruption, which impacts learning and focus

We encourage families to talk with their students about making healthy beverage choices, especially during the school day. Water and other low-sugar options are always the best choice for staying hydrated and focused.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students healthy and ready to learn,
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:

  • May 1

  • June 9

Parent Lunch

Parent/guardians are welcome to eat lunch with their student. Please alert Kerry Pottinger in the Welcome Center 24 hours in advance either by phone (651-480-7062) or email (kpottinger@isd200.org). When notifying Kerry Pottinger, 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