Hastings Middle School November

Principal Corner

Ryan Wynn

Dear HMS Parents, Guardians, and Students,

November is a time of reflection and progress here at Hastings Middle School. As the leaves fall and the mornings turn crisp, it is a reminder of the wonderful energy and resilience our students bring into the building each day. It’s inspiring to see them embrace new challenges and opportunities with curiosity and kindness, whether in the classroom, on stage, or in the gym. As we close out the first quarter, I am proud of the growth our students have shown and grateful for the support of our families in making that possible.

With the cooler weather upon us, we’re leaning into the routines that support students’ success and well-being—staying organized, showing up ready to learn, and taking care of each other. We’re also continuing to live out our Raider Way values, not just as individual students but as a community. As we work through the coming months, let’s continue to support our students in ways that go beyond academics. Whether it’s celebrating the arts, cheering them on in sports, or encouraging their everyday choices, each small moment of connection matters.

We have so much to look forward to this month. From service opportunities to special events, November is a time when our Raider spirit truly shines. Let’s keep building on that momentum together, and thank you for all you do to make HMS a place of growth and community for our students.

Here’s to a great month ahead!

Go Raiders!

Sincerely,
Ryan Wynn
Principal
Hastings Middle School

Happy Halloween!

Halloween

Parent Partnership

Lunch Time
If your child has earned a Raider Recognition coupon for an adult to eat lunch with them, please have that scheduled with your child's grade level principal 24 hours in advance.

Breakfast
Please remind your child, if they are getting breakfast at school, to report to the cafeteria right when they get to school to ensure they are in class at the beginning of first hour.

Dress for the Weather
With colder weather approaching, a reminder that the doors upon to start the day at 7:35 am. Remind your child to dress appropriately for the morning and any recess time.

Academic Support
Quarter 1 End Date: November 1st
Quarter 2:
November 4, 2024 to January 17, 2025
If you need assistance logging into the Parent Portal and Schoology, reach out to Lori Marsh.
Lori Marsh
lmarsh@isd200.org
651-480-7084

Student School Involvement
Encourage your student to be involved in HMS Athletics and Activities!
To learn more access our athletic and activities pages:
Athletics
Registration for winter sports is open!
Activities

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is starting to build up again after our first round of donations. Remind your child to take a look at the lost and found to ensure none of their items are there. The lost and found is located in the cafeteria and outside the gym. Smaller items are in the Welcome Center.

Organization

As we continue to focus on ensuring our students are well-prepared for success, we want to emphasize the importance of effective organization and planning.

We ask for your support in partnering with us by checking your student’s planner each day. This is an essential tool to help students stay on top of their studies, and your involvement plays a crucial role in ensuring they are organized and ready for the challenges ahead. By regularly reviewing their planners, you can help them stay accountable and manage their workload effectively.

AVID

Living the Raider Way

We are fortunate to have PBIS at our school! To find out more information on PBIS (living the Raider Way) check out this link on our website.

Living the Raider Way Means-

Being Safe
Being Respectful
Being Responsible

Raider-Thon

We are excited to get support again through the iMaGine Foundation! The iMaGine Foundation will be running the Raider-Thon again this year. The Raider-Thon is a fundraiser that raised $35,000 to fund field trips for HMS students. The goal is to raise more this year! All funds raised stay with the grade and any unspent funds will be given to that grades all night grad party when they are seniors.

The more money raised, the more incentives your child will earn! Incentives include Culver's tokens, gift cards, Raider clothing, and an Owala Water Bottle. The top student fundraiser will also earn a top prize!

More information and the website that accepts donations is HERE.
School Identifier: 64d26c658c7b4

Upcoming Events

November 1st:
No School (Staff Development Day)
November 4th-8th:
Penny Wars
November 7th & 8th:
Seussical Jr Musical at 7 pm
November 18th-22nd:
Eagle Bluff Field Trip
November 28t&29th:
No School
December 2nd:
No School (Staff Development)

Penny War

November 4th– 8th 
November is a month for thanks and giving!
Put your spare change toward a great cause.
All proceeds from our penny war fundraiser will go to support Animal Ark.

How It Works!

-Grade level containers are located in the Welcome Center 
-Each penny counts as one positive point for your grade level
-Each silver coin counts as negative points for OTHER grade levels. In other words, dropping a quarter in another grade level bucket takes 25 points from their total
-At the end of the day on Friday, November 8th, all change/points will be tallied, and the winner will be announced Monday, November 11th
-The winning grade level will have trivia at lunch!  Each person at the winning table will get to pick one of the coupons in the Raider Cove

Virtual Book Fair

Book Fari
Book Fari

5th and 6th Grade Opportunity

A Message from Mayor Fasbender:

What would our cities look like if kids were in charge? The League of Minnesota Cities is holding its annual essay contest to find out! Open to students who are in the fourth, fifth, or sixth grades this school year, entries for the 2024 Mayor for a Day Essay. The contest can be emailed, submitted online, or postmarked by Dec. 13. Three winners will be chosen to receive $100 prizes and will have their essays published in the League’s Minnesota Cities magazine. Winners only will be notified in early January.

The city of Hastings will also be providing recognition to one or more students for their participation. The chosen student will be shadowing me for the day and helping in running a Council meeting.

This year’s essay question is:
Cities provide a variety of services and programs that make our lives better, including parks & rec, street maintenance, water and sewer, libraries, police, fire, and more! If you were mayor for a day, what would you do to make one of the services that your city provides even better?

This essay contest could fit into a social studies or language arts unit, or you can share this opportunity with parents and caregivers. The submission form and a primer for your students on what Minnesota mayors do are available at lmc.org/mayorforaday. Participants should also submit copies of their essays to me at the following address:
Attention: Mayor Mary Fasbender
Hastings City Hall
101 4th St. E.
Hastings, MN 55033

Parent Involvement

Our PTA is looking for parents/guardians to help support students and staff! Contact the Middle School PTA with questions or interest at: hastingsmiddlepta@gmail.com.

District Reminders

Educational Benefits
Did you know "Educational Benefits" are more than Free and Reduced Lunches? By qualifying for benefits, families can access WIC Benefits, the Metro Transit Assistance Program, reduced internet programs (FCC Affordable Connectivity Program), and scholarships or discounts on camps, athletic programs and child care.

All families are encouraged to apply as these benefits also help Hastings schools qualify for education funding, discounts and other meal programs that benefit all students.

Link to apply: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/HASS01

Courtesy Bus Stops
As a reminder, the walking distance for Middle School students is 1.75 miles. The district does offer courtesy stops, registration is required.

Please see the district's transportation page on our website for additional information. A map with the available stops is posted and there is a link to the registration form.

Registrations do require a 1 week processing period prior to your student being eligible to ride.