Welcome back to a new school year at McAuliffe Elementary! As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I’m filled with excitement about the opportunities ahead and the chance to work with our amazing students, staff, and families once again.
One of the most exciting additions this year is the introduction of a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) class for all students. Offered as part of our “specials” rotation, this hands-on class will allow students to explore coding, building, engineering, and problem-solving in creative and engaging ways. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand their thinking, encourage collaboration, and prepare them for the future. We’re also continuing our strong focus on literacy—the foundation of all learning. Throughout the year, we’ll celebrate literacy with reading events, family nights, and other engaging activities that inspire a love of books.
Most importantly, our mission is to create a school where every student feels safe, respected, and honored for who they are. "We care, we empower, we achieve—students are at the heart of all we do!" We believe that when children feel truly seen and valued, they are empowered to take risks, try new things, and grow in confidence. Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we are ready to support their growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
We also know that a strong school community includes our families. Your involvement—whether attending events, supporting homework, or encouraging your child each day—makes a big difference. Please stay connected through our school website, newsletters, and communication from your child’s teacher.
The first day of school is always special. It marks a fresh start, full of hope, joy, and excitement. We can’t wait to welcome your child and begin this new journey together. Let’s make this a year of exploration, belonging, and achievement!
Sincerely, Mr. Esterby Principal, McAuliffe Elementary
ABOUT US
Attendance Line: 651-480-7391
Main Office: 651-480-7390
Nurse: 651-480-7395
Kids' Campus: 651-480-7423
Hastings Bus Company: 651-437-1888
DATES TO REMEMBER
AUGUST 15 - Teacher Assignment & Busing Information released on Parent Portal (end of day)
SEPTEMBER 1 - Labor Day 2 & 3 - Raider Set Go (info below) 4 - First Day of School for K-4 students 17 - Elementary School Picture Day 18 - Back to School Picnic, Hosted by the McAuliffe PTC, 5:30-7pm 22 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Development
BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION
Raider, Set, Go - September 2nd & 3rd
We are excited to start this year alongside students and families with our annual Raider, Set, Go connections. Family engagement is a key focus in our district. We want students and families to be seen, feel valued and supported while having a strong sense of belonging in our school community. Our Raider Set Go time gives us the opportunity to build solid relationships with each student and family where individual needs can be shared and better understood. It is also a time designed to build strong family-school partnership, fostering meaningful conversations between educators, students, and their families at the beginning of the year.
It includes open-ended questions that cover:
Student interests and preferences inside and outside of school
Strengths and challenges the student may face
Emotional and academic needs
Family interests
Opportunities for collaboration, including volunteering and teacher support
When are Raider, Set, Go Conferences?
Tuesday, September 2nd from 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
OR
Wednesday, September 3rd from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
How do we sign up for a Raider, Set, Go Conference?
Similar to parent-teacher conferences, families will use this link to PTCfast to sign up for their 25 minute time slot. SIGN UP HERE
What should we bring?
Students are often excited about school supplies and are welcomed to bring them to their classroom at this time.
Computers will be available for parents to update portal information and complete the annual updates, if needed.
School Day
School begins at 8:50 AM and students should arrive at school from 8:30 AM to 8:50 AM to be ready for the start of the learning day. Students are dismissed at 3:25 PM.
Homeroom Teacher Assignment
Assignments will be available on Friday, August 15th (by the end of the day) by logging in to Infinite Campus Parent Portal (go to Documents, then select homeroom assignment). Call 651-480-7391 or email Beth Dannenberg at edannenberg@isd200.org if you need to set up a portal account.
Click Above to Log in to Your Parent Portal Account
Bus Information
Transportation routing information, including courtesy bus stop information, will be available on the Campus Portal on August 15th by clicking “More” and then “Bus Information.” Please remember to recheck routing information closer to the start of the school year, as minor adjustments may be made. If your pickup or drop-off location is inaccurate, please contact the McAuliffe Office.
Just a reminder that the district had an opt-out of transportation for students in grades K-8 and an opt-in for transportation for students in grades 9-12. This information has been updated in the Campus Portal.
The walking distance for elementary students is up to a .75-mile radius from the school and a 1.75-mile radius for secondary students. Detailed maps of the walking areas are available on the district’s website.
Back-to-School Annual Updates
Hastings Public Schools is pleased to provide families with an easy way to sign annual forms and review and update household contact information for the 2025-26 school year through their Campus Parent Portal Account. Beginning mid-August, families will be asked to review and update their household contact information and review and agree to school handbooks, student device agreements, and other annual forms. Once you complete the Annual Update process, be sure to go to the district ePay system if you wish to purchase the protection plan. Although the Online Update process will provide some information on the plan, you must go to the ePay system to complete the purchase. (Link: https://hastings.epaytrak.com/). Be sure to watch your email and our website for more information on how to complete our electronic Annual Updates process.
One parent or guardian from the primary household will be required to provide information for your children. Parents/Guardians from a secondary household will be able to update their own contact information.
After logging into your Parent Portal Account, click More and Back-To-School Annual Updates to begin.
Hastings Family Service is accepting donations of school supplies for distribution. Donations of school supplies, new socks, underwear and backpacks may be brought to HFS.
If you are in need of school supplies, please make an appointment by calling 651-437-7134. Distribution dates are August 19, 20, 21, 22.
Click image for more information.
Elementary Picture Day
2025-2026 School Picture Information & Dates
Picture Date: Wednesday, September 17th Retake Date: Wednesday, October 22nd
Student galleries will be online to view and order 2-5 business days after Picture Day, so watch for a link from the email address: no-reply@imagequix.com
If you order a Package or a BYOP bundle within 7 days of galleries going online, you'll receive a FREE Low-Resolution Digital Download so don't forget to order!
Visit Cahill Studios website to check out their 100+ background options and tips for preparing for Picture Day!
Don't like your photo? Wait to purchase photos, and your student can have their picture taken on Retake Day. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Cahill Studios. Email: service@cahillphotostudio.com Office Number: 715-268-9363
Minnesota Free School Meals Program
What is the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school.
Can the meals be picked up or brought home like we did during the pandemic?
No. Congregate meal service is required in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Meals may not be taken off campus, sent home, delivered, or picked up by parents or others.
Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?
Families need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and support. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as:
WIC Benefits
Metro Transit Assistance Program
FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced price internet programs
Some summer camps, athletics programs, and child cares offer scholarships or discounts
What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
The student must choose at least three items to be counted as a reimbursable meal at breakfast. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their breakfast. At lunch, the student must choose at least three components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their lunch.
What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single-item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include: a carton of milk, snack items, a second entrée, a second breakfast, or a second lunch, meals that do not meet the minimum requirements, and meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults.
The price for student breakfast and lunch meals will be $0 for all sites.
Fill out the Form! The Application for Education Benefits helps determine how much education funding your school will receive. Complete an application for your student for the school year 2024-25.
Students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Parents should complete an Application for Education Benefits.
Only meals that meet the requirements are reimbursed. Students that want additional or single items will be charged for those items.
The 2025-26 Free and Reduced Meal Application will be available online this summer on the district website under Food Service, and a paper application has been mailed out to families.
For more information, please call Krystel Ebel 651-480-7050 or Brittney Hirschauer 651-480-7126
MDE Launches Families READ Toolkit to Expand Student Reading Skills at Home
Free literacy activities support Minnesota families as they learn and read together this summer
MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced Families READ, a new toolkit designed by educators to help families support their children’s reading skills at home. This collection provides families and caregivers with age-specific information and simple activities in five core reading skills—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension – and represents Minnesota’s continued commitment to expand literacy support.
“Summer is a perfect time for families to connect and learn together,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “Our new Families READ Toolkit includes easy, research-backed literacy activities families can use to engage minds, build family bonds, and set young learners up for a lifelong love of reading.”
The Families READ Toolkit resources and activities can be integrated into families’ everyday lives and are available now on the Students and Families Literacy page of MDE’s website. Copies of free literacy games will also be available for visitors at the MDE booth in the Education Building at the Minnesota State Fair.
Passed and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz in May 2023, the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act put our state on track to have every child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten. Additional resources for educators are available on the READ Act section of MDE’s website.
The Families READ Toolkit is made possible using federal investments, 84.371C-Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program by the MDE CLSD Project under Award #S371C190002 – 22D.
BULLETIN BOARD
Parents of students with special needs are invited to join Hastings' Special Education Staff in discussing how to support one another and providing input on district programming. Please mark your calendars for the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) 2024-2025 meeting dates!
October 28th - time and location to be announced
February 24th - time and location to be announced
April 2025 - All Dakota County SEAC - Date, time, and location TBD
For more information about SEAC or if you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Jill Petersen at 651-480-7008 or jpetersen@isd200.org
Click Here for More Information
Hastings Public Schools
The Hastings School District consists of approximately 4,300 students. Please click on the links below to email the building principal or site leader. We've also included the phone numbers to the main offices of each of our district's sites:
