Raider Families and Staff,

I’ve heard this year’s transition into March described as a “cold lamb,” and I’m all for keeping it in “lamb” mode for the month! Fortunately, temperatures are expected to climb as we head into the week.

In today’s update, I want to share important information about a school board vacancy and the steps for those interested in applying. This seat became available following the heartbreaking loss of Director Jenny Wiederholt-Pine.

As always, you’ll also find key calendar reminders and details on upcoming Raider events.

School Board Vacancy:

The Hastings School Board is seeking a candidate to fill an interim board member position through December 31, 2025.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest to LynDee Humble at the district office or via email at lhumble@isd200.org by noon on Friday, March 21, 2025. Please include a statement explaining your interest in serving on the Hastings School Board.

The full vacancy announcement is provided below.

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

• Spring break March 17-21

• 24-25 School Calendar

• 25-26 School Calendar (amended 2/26/25)

• 26-27 School Calendar

Raider Events

• Raider Athletic Calendar

• Raider Events Calendar  

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of Hastings Public Schools. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent, Hastings Public Schools

For the past two years, Ms. Dina Greiskalns has been working with our youngest learners in the ISD 200 Preschool program at Tilden. "My favorite part of my job is seeing the excitement in the kids' faces as they are eager to learn and work alongside our incredible team of positive, experienced staff members," says Ms. Greiskalns.

Dina brings over 30 years of experience working with young children in various roles. She has a deep passion for teaching them to be thoughtful thinkers, kind friends, and enthusiastic learners. "We create a classroom family, both within our room and throughout Tilden. This preschool program is dedicated to supporting children during one of the most exciting and important stages of their lives—their first educational experience. The Early Childhood model here in Hastings is unique and effective, with a team of staff who support students, families, and each other," Dina explains.

Throughout her career, Dina has had many opportunities, but she chose ISD 200 because of its tight-knit community and its focus on the development of young children. "I love working with my coworkers and administrators!" she shares.

Dina is inspired by her 100-year-old grandmother, who continues to live independently in her own home. "She has been an incredible role model—caring, compassionate, and hardworking. She leads by example, always baking something delicious for family and friends. She lived through the Great Depression, both World Wars (including her husband's time serving and being shot down over Italy), and countless other world changes. Despite all of this, she remains the sunny, shining light in my life. I strive to follow her example by helping and caring for my family, friends, students, and coworkers," says Dina.

When not baking, Dina enjoys reading, kayaking, and hiking on the North Shore, where she practices her skills at hunting for agates.

Students, Parents and Guardians!

Help our food service staff to make your breakfast and lunch service even better! The pictured QR code or the following link bit.ly/4hgqSH1 will bring you to a short survey. Your responses will assist our staff to make improvements in the daily offerings at each school in the district. We thank you for your time and the valuable information your input will provide!