Raider Families and Staff,

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many things we’re grateful for. No matter how you celebrate the holiday, I hope it brings you meaningful moments with family and friends.

In this week’s update, I’m excited to share important opportunities and highlights. Don’t miss your final chance to contribute your voice to the district’s strategic planning process. While there’s still time, the link will close at 11:59pm on 11/25.  In today’s update, you’ll also find details about the latest community survey, and important upcoming calendar events.  With the upcoming holiday, there will not be a Raider Update on Sunday, December 1.

Thank you for staying connected and engaged in our school community!

Hastings Strategic Plan

Thank you to everyone who participated in the strategic planning listening session, facilitated by Gail Gilman of the Minnesota School Boards Association. Your feedback, along with input gathered through the online survey (linked below) and the recent School Perceptions Survey, will play a key role in shaping the ongoing discussions to update the district’s strategic plan.

The school board will continue this important work during its upcoming work session on December 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. On behalf of the district, we appreciate your engagement and commitment to helping shape the future of our district!

Please click here to access the online survey.  Please note this link will close at 11:59PM on Monday, November 25th.

School Perceptions Survey

The Results Are In!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s survey. Your input has helped identify the district's top priorities, which will shape our new strategic plan and guide our efforts moving forward.

The Community Engagement Tour will kick off with the start of the new school year, providing opportunities to share updates and gather further insights. If your group or organization is interested in learning more about the district's initiatives and progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Top Priorities Identified by Survey Participants:

• School Safety and Security: 55%

• Student Behavior and Discipline: 50%

• Recruiting and Retaining High-Quality Staff: 47%

• Mental Health Services for Students & Career and Technical Education: 41%

• College Credit Opportunities: 32%

• Community Business Partnerships for Students: 17%

We value your feedback and look forward to working together to address these priorities for the benefit of our students and community!

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • November 28-29 Fall Break

  • No School December 2: District Staff Development

• 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

For a decade now, we have had the privilege of having Ms. Heather Beedy as a teacher in the Bridge program at HMS. The Bridge program offers support and services to the many middle school students who need a smaller, more resource-filled educational environment. 

Middle School can be challenging for many students. Dealing with additional hurdles makes it even more difficult. Because of Ms. Beedy's amazing support, these kids are set up for success! She loves watching her students grow, learn, and mature over the years they spend at the Middle School.

“I love working with students at the Middle School level! They can be challenging, but I enjoy helping them find success and gain pride in their abilities. Students are going through so many changes at this age, and it is amazing to help them learn skills to last a lifetime,” shares Heather. 

When she first visited Hastings 20 years ago, she fell in love with it! While she lives in St. Paul, she knew she wanted to be a part of this community. “It is amazing to feel part of a community where you are not just a number but an integral part of a team,” she says. 

Heather has always wanted to be a teacher, but she was truly inspired by her high school language arts teacher, Ms. Wicklund. She was a great educator, someone she looked up to immensely. In addition, Ms. Beedy’s mom is a huge inspiration, as she is the hardest-working and strongest person she knows!

Heather is kept busy with her 17 and 20-year-old sons. They love the outdoors and spend as much time as they can hunting for the biggest fish on the lake! “We are in the boat from ice out and then on the ice as soon as it’s thick enough to drive our 4-wheeler out,” she shares. When not watching her bobber, she has her nose in a book, finishing at least 50 books yearly!  

Ms. Beedy, thank you for your dedication to our middle schoolers. Your work and commitment to our students set them up for success, and many look up to you as much as you did to your educational mentor.