Raider Families and Staff,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! As we step into this new chapter, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and excitement for the year ahead. As we embark on our 2025 journey, today’s update includes information on the development of our 2025-2027 strategic plan, feedback from the community input session, an opportunity to schedule a community engagement session, and for your calendar planning - all of our upcoming events.

Strategic Plan 2025-2027 - 

Whether you participated in the satisfaction survey or attended the in-person community input session, thank you for sharing your valuable feedback! The district is currently using insights from students, staff, and families—gathered through the survey and the in-person event—to shape a strategic plan that is both relevant and meaningful to the needs of our entire Raider community.

While the satisfaction survey results were shared earlier, I also want to ensure you have access to key insights from the in-person event and electronic submissions. The following summary, generated by the Minnesota School Boards Association, highlights the collective input we received.

LINK

Community Engagement Opportunities: There are so many more initiatives and continuous improvement opportunities to share.  Please consider a presentation for your club or organization with time for questions.  Call the district at 651-480-7013 to schedule.  

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • No School January 20

  • No School January 21 Teacher Workshop

  • No School January 27 Professional Development

• 24-25 School Calendar in its entirety

Raider Events

• Raider Athletic Calendar

• Raider Events Calendar  

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our schools. Your engagement, ideas, and partnership are invaluable as we work together to make 2025 a year of meaningful progress and lasting impact for our students and community!

Sincerely,

Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent, Hastings Public Schools

Ms. Alex Westby is one of the newer faces at Kennedy Elementary, but in just two short years, she has already made a significant impact. Her passion for teaching and connecting with her students is evident in everything she does. “I love seeing the smiling faces each morning when I greet my students at the door,” she says. “It’s exciting to watch them get enthusiastic about learning.”

Before joining the Kennedy Elementary team, Ms. Westby taught Special Education in Wisconsin. Eager for new opportunities, she had always heard great things about the Hastings School District. “I’m very happy to be working here in Hastings,” she shares. “The community and staff are incredibly supportive, and it’s been a rewarding place to grow professionally.”

Since arriving in Hastings, Ms. Westby has fully embraced her role both inside and outside the classroom. She enjoys volunteering at after-school events, finding it a great way to connect with students and their families. “It’s been wonderful to build relationships with not just my students but their families as well,” she says. “Those connections are so important for creating a strong community, and I’ve loved getting to know everyone.”

What drives Ms. Westby in her work is a deep commitment to helping every student succeed. When asked who inspires her, she reflects on her own experiences as a student. “I remember struggling a lot in school when I was younger,” she says. “I had teachers who supported me and helped me find my way. They made all the difference. Now, I want to be that person for my students—to help them believe they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.”

Outside of school, Ms. Westby is a passionate sports fan, especially when it comes to Minnesota teams. Whether it’s cheering on the Minnesota Vikings or the Wild, she enjoys the thrill of the games. She’s also recently welcomed a new puppy, Miss Luna Mae, to her family. The playful pup keeps her on her toes, but when she has a moment of downtime, Ms. Westby enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

We are so grateful to have Ms. Westby as part of our team, inspiring our young learners to set high goals and pursue them with confidence!

Congratulations to Katie Matzek, Kindergarten Teacher at Pinecrest Elementary, on being named the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce's Educator of the Year!

This well-deserved honor is a testament to Katie's dedication and impact on our students. The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce's award winners, including Katie, were nominated by community members and selected by a panel of local business owners.

Katie will be recognized at the Chamber's Annual Awards Dinner on January 23. We are so proud of her achievement!