HMS Family Newsletter | Apr. 17th

 
HMS Newsletter Template 25-26

Principal Corner

Dear Hastings Middle School Families,

This week at Hastings Middle School was defined by perseverance, encouragement, and school spirit. Our students approached Reading MCA testing with focus and maturity, and I appreciated the steady way classrooms and advisories supported them throughout the week. Staff also continued emphasizing Raider Way expectations during testing and finding ways to celebrate students for being prepared, focused, and giving their best effort.

Of course, this was not exactly a typical week. Wednesday’s power outage and unexpected bear-related excitement gave us all a reminder that middle school is rarely boring. I am grateful to our students and staff for the calm, flexible, and responsible way they handled the disruption. Even without power, and even with a bear briefly becoming the most talked-about “visitor” in the area, our school community showed resilience, patience, and a great sense of humor.

We also saw strong examples of student recognition and positive momentum. Sixth grade enjoyed an extra outdoor advisory opportunity after earning the Clean Up, People! award, and staff spent time nominating students and colleagues for April Level Up Awards. Those recognitions matter because they highlight growth, leadership, organization, work ethic, and the positive attitudes we want to continue building across HMS.

Behind the scenes, this week also included a great deal of planning and teamwork. Staff met in grade-level, MTSS, AVID, and student support settings to review student needs, share strong examples of student learning, and continue improving the systems that support students day to day. That collaboration continues to make a real difference for our students.

Ryan Wynn

We also wrap up the week with excitement as we prepare for our 7th and 8th grade Sky Full of Stars dance on Friday evening. I am grateful to the parents, staff members, Student Council students, and National Honor Society volunteers who helped make the event possible. Their support reflects the strong sense of community that continues to define Hastings Middle School.

As we look ahead, Math MCA testing will take place on April 21 and 22, HMS Jazz Night is scheduled for April 23, and there will be no school on Friday, April 24. Students attending the dance are also reminded that admission is $6.00, or $5.00 with a food shelf donation, and that students must be present during the school day in order to attend.

Thank you for your continued partnership and encouragement.

Go Raiders!

Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Dates to Remember

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.

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.

E-Bike Safety Reminder

As e-bikes become more common in our community, we want to remind families and students about important safety expectations. In Minnesota, riders must be at least 15 years old to operate an e-bike. E-bike riders are expected to follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists and may ride on city streets, bike lanes, and city trails unless posted signs say otherwise. Riding on sidewalks is not allowed, riders must always yield to pedestrians, and only one person is allowed per e-bike. On city trails and in parks, the maximum speed is 15 mph. Proper bike lighting is also required when riding at night. Families are encouraged to review these expectations together to help keep everyone safe.

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

Tonight Hastings Middle School is hosting the Sky Full of Stars Dance for our 7th and 8th grade students. The dance is from 6:30-8 p.m. in the HMS cafeteria. The cost is $6.00 to attend or $5.00 with a food shelf donation. Items will be available for purchase between $1-$3 and we encourage small bills. School rules apply and students must be present the day of the dance to attend. A huge thank you to the parents who are volunteering to support tonight's dance!

🏥 Keeping HMS Healthy

No new updates from the health office this week 🙂

As always, we encourage everyone to continue practicing healthy habits—washing hands, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated—to keep our HMS community feeling their best.

Thank you for your continued partnership,
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