Raider Families and Staff,

Although it’s a shorter week, it’s filled with exciting activities and important events. Along with parent-teacher conferences and fall break, we’ll also be honoring and celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. 

In this week’s Raider Update, you’ll find details about the authors presenting tomorrow for Indigenous Peoples Day, updates on our Safe Routes to School initiative, a reminder to take part in the ongoing School Perceptions Survey, a preview of the district’s Vision Card, and key reminders to help you stay connected to all Raider happenings. Please also note that due to fall break, there will not be a Raider Update next week.

Indigenous Peoples Day

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, we are excited to welcome two distinguished authors. Tara Perron will visit all three elementary schools, while Teresa Peterson will join students at the middle school and high school. Details on the specific times for each grade level can be found in the posters below.

Safe Routes to School

You likely noticed a number of people in safety vests during drop-off and pick-up last Thursday.  These teams were assessing each location to better understand traffic patterns, walking routes, ADA accessibility, and other key factors. 

We encourage you to participate in the following opportunities:

1. Survey - Please take a few minutes (5) to complete the survey by October 15. Your input is invaluable. SURVEY LINK 

2. Interactive Map - Visit our interactive map to share your input on current walking and biking routes, and highlight any barriers or areas for improvement. Your insights will help us enhance the safety and accessibility of our schools.  INTERACTIVE MAP

3. Conferences - Materials and staff will be present at conferences  - please stop by.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement!

School Perception Satisfaction Surveys 

You should have received your invitation to participate in the survey, and we want to thank everyone who has already shared their feedback. If you haven’t had a chance yet, there’s still time—the survey will remain open until 5 p.m. on October 21. Student surveys will be administered this week, and due to the short schedule, may also be completed on the 21st. If you didn’t receive the email invitation, please be sure to check your spam or junk folder. We value your input and appreciate your participation!

District Vision Card 

At the upcoming school board meeting on October 23, we’ll be presenting the updated District Vision Card. A comprehensive review will be featured in the Raider Update on October 27.

Calendar Reminders

• Monday, October 14 - Indigenous Peoples Day - author visits (see posters below for additional information)

• Week of October 14 - Conferences

• October 17-18 - No School - MEA

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

This year, ISD 200 proudly celebrates Michelle Munger, a passionate Special Education Teacher who is marking her 20th year with the district. With nearly two decades of experience, Michelle has significantly impacted the lives of her students and the broader community.

Michelle’s favorite part of her job? The kids! She thrives on learning alongside them and celebrating their successes. Her enthusiasm for education is infectious, creating an environment where students feel motivated to engage and excel. Michelle believes every achievement deserves recognition, no matter how small, and she is dedicated to nurturing her students’ growth.

While Michelle’s passion for teaching is evident, she acknowledges the role's challenges. When asked what she would change about her work, she wanted more time to prepare, plan, and address the behind-the-scenes tasks essential for effective teaching.

Michelle’s dedication to ISD 200 is deeply rooted in her love for the community. As a parent of three—two of whom have graduated and one currently in 7th grade at Hastings Middle School—she has always wanted to teach in the community where she and her family live. This connection fuels her appreciation for the youth of ISD 200 and the incredible accomplishments they achieve.

Outside of the classroom, Michelle enjoys fishing, spending quality time with family and friends, and bowling.

Michelle Munger embodies the spirit of ISD 200 through her dedication to her students and community. As she celebrates 20 years of service, we thank her for her unwavering commitment and her positive impact on so many lives.

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