Raider Families and Staff,

As we approach Veterans Day tomorrow, I would like to extend, on behalf of the entire district, our deepest gratitude to our staff, family members, and community members who have served or continue to serve in our armed forces. Your dedication, courage, and sacrifice have safeguarded the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy today. Tomorrow and every day, we honor and respect your service, recognizing the impact you have made. We are truly grateful for your service.

As noted last week, we are returning to offering a district-sponsored program every other year and are proudly making plans for our 2025 event.  Although the district is not hosting a formal observance tomorrow, in alignment with MN Statute 120A.42, one hour of the school day will be devoted to a patriotic observance of the day.  

In addition to honoring Veterans Day, today’s update highlights the district’s safety response protocols, a reminder to update your contact information, and an opportunity for you to share your input as the board embarks on strategic planning.

Emergency Safety Response Protocols:

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.  We recently adopted the “I Love U Guys” program for our emergency response plan, a protocol that has been implemented by over 50,000 schools, districts and agencies. This all-hazards approach emphasizes clear, action-based responses—Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter—rather than focusing on specific scenarios. Below are the icons representing each of these responses, along with examples to help familiarize you with the procedures.

HOLD: The HOLD directive is used when it is necessary to keep hallways clear. This measure can be implemented for various reasons, such as a medical emergency, a student experiencing distress, or a significant spill. During a HOLD, classrooms continue normal activities, but movement in the hallways is restricted. It is important to note that a HOLD is typically not communicated broadly, as it is often a precautionary measure to manage internal situations efficiently.

SECURE: The SECURE directive is issued when there is a potential threat or concern outside the building. In this situation, everyone is instructed to move inside, and all external doors are secured to ensure safety. Activities within the building proceed as normal, maintaining a calm and controlled environment. Examples of situations that may prompt a SECURE directive include the presence of a dangerous animal nearby or an alert from law enforcement regarding external activity.

LOCKDOWN: The LOCKDOWN directive is activated when there is an immediate safety threat or concern within the building. During a LOCKDOWN, specific measures are taken to secure all areas to protect students and staff. Depending on the nature of the threat, an evacuation may also be required. To the extent possible, communication about a LOCKDOWN is shared as quickly and transparently as possible to ensure awareness and maintain safety.

EVACUATE: The EVACUATE directive is issued when an emergency within the building, such as a fire or chemical spill, requires everyone to exit promptly for safety. Each building has designated rallying points where staff and students will gather after evacuating to ensure accountability and safety.

SHELTER: The SHELTER directive is used when staff and students need to take cover due to specific threats, such as severe weather. In Minnesota, this would most commonly be initiated during a tornado warning. The directive ensures everyone moves to designated safe areas within the building to remain protected until the threat has passed.

To ensure that you are notified of any emergency situation or inclement weather, please review all your contact information.  

Hastings Strategic Plan

Mark your calendars to share your insights as the Hastings School Board updates the district’s strategic plan. This input session, facilitated by Gail Gilman from the Minnesota School Boards Association, will guide the district's direction, incorporating feedback from the recent School Perceptions survey. Your voice is essential in shaping our district’s future!

DATE: Monday, November 18, 2024

TIME: 6:00 PM

LOCATION: High School Lecture Hall

The district’s current strategic plan is available for your review here.

The flier in its entirety is available below.

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • November 28-29 Fall Break

• 24-25 School Calendar in its entirety

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

Family and Consumer Science (FACS) is an invaluable course offered to middle school students at Hastings Middle School. The curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics, including career planning, financial literacy, nutrition and wellness, life skills, and human development—equipping students with the practical knowledge they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

While the subject matter is rich and diverse, it’s clear that one of the driving forces behind the program is Ms. Heather Maier, a passionate educator who has been shaping young minds in ISD 200 for 18 years. Despite the extensive material to cover, Ms. Maier says one of her biggest wishes is to have more time to engage with families and celebrate the many wonderful things happening at Hastings Middle School. “I’m deeply committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for students to learn,” she explains. “Building connections through team-building activities is one of my favorite ways to get to know my students and have some fun along the way.”

A resident of Hastings and the proud parent of three children who attend Hastings Public Schools, Ms. Maier’s connection to the community runs deep. “I chose to work at ISD 200 because there are so many great people in the community who care and want to make a positive difference in our world. We have loved every single teacher our children have had and are so grateful for what our district does for our children’s academics, social and emotional development,”

Her own children have profoundly influenced her teaching philosophy. “Becoming a parent changed how I view my students,” she shares. “My kids remind me every day of the importance of patience, understanding, and what truly matters in life. They inspire me to be a better teacher and a better person.”

When she’s not at school, Ms. Maier stays active by training for ultramarathons, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Thanks to dedicated educators like Ms. Maier, Hastings students are gaining the life skills they need to thrive in the future. We’re fortunate to have such a passionate and caring individual helping to shape our children’s educational journeys.