Back to school header — We are looking forward to the 24-25 school year! This newsletter includes everything you'll need to know for the upcoming school year.

Message from the Superintendent: Getting Schools Ready for Fall!

Dear Raider Families,

Excitement is in the air as we count down to the start of the 2024-2025 school year! This time of year is always bustling as we finalize preparations before we officially open our doors. You may have already noticed some of our summer projects, and more improvements are on the way. Here are a few highlights:

Outdoor improvements: Enhancements are happening across the entire district.
District-wide camera project: Upgrading our security systems.
Bleacher replacement: New bleachers at the high school.
Flooring replacement: New flooring in the high school's commons and music areas. Additional flooring projects across the district.
Interior and exterior door projects: Upgrades throughout the district.
Cafeteria upgrades: Improvements at Pinecrest.
Middle School pool maintenance: Ensuring our pool remains in top condition.
Middle School door additions: Enhancing the structure and safety.
Tuck pointing: Structural improvements at the high school.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all our new Raider families. We are thrilled that you chose Hastings Public Schools. As the proud superintendent, I can assure you that our staff is dedicated to welcoming you and ensuring the best possible experience for every student. I am proud to work alongside such a committed team, always putting students at the heart of everything we do.

Finally, welcome back! Today is a great day to be a Raider - GO RAIDERS! Together, we’ll make the 2024-2025 school year a great one.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tamara Champa

Staggered Start for the First Day of School

District Calendar

School Hours

School Supply Lists

Kennedy School Supply List

McAuliffe School Supply List

Pinecrest School Supply List

Middle School Supply List

High School Supply List

Still Time to Enroll!

Visit our website for more information.

Transportation Routing Information

Transportation routing information, including courtesy bus stop information, will be available on the Campus Portal on August 19th 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 dropoff location is inaccurate, please contact your child’s Building 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. If your information is not accurately reflected, please email jseubert@isd200.org.

The walking distance for elementary students is 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.

HFS School supplies — Click image for more information.

2024-2025 School Picture Information & Dates

Cahill Studios Picture Day Information!

All galleries will be emailed to parents 2-5 business days after picture day. If you order a Package or a BYOP bundle within seven days of galleries going online, you'll receive a FREE Social Media Image, so don't forget to order!

Cahill Studios will send you important picture day information from the following email address: no-reply@imagequix.com, so keep a lookout!

View your 100+ FREE background options online to coordinate your students' outfits best!

www.cahillphotostudio.com

Don't like your first-day 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.

The Cahill Studios Customer Care Team
Email: service@cahillphotostudio.com
Office Number: 715-268-9363
Toll-Free Number: 866-229-0135

Picture Dates:

Thursday, September 5th

7th Grade & 8th Grade Picture Day

Friday, September 6th

5th Grade & 6th Grade Picture Day

Wednesday, September 18th

Elementary Schools Picture Day

Retake Dates:

Tuesday, October 8th

Middle School Retake Day

Wednesday, October 23rd

Elementary Schools Retake Day

Hastings High School Picture Dates TBD

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

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 2024-25 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

Hastings High School Fall Sports Registration

Hastings High School is proud to sponsor over 80 different co-curricular activities for students throughout the school year. We offer over 30 Minnesota State High School League sports, 14 music options in band, choir, and orchestra, three theater productions, and 34 other clubs and organizations. Students who engage in at least one school-sponsored activity have stronger connections to peers, higher grade point averages, and better attendance rates.

The first day of practice for Hastings High School fall sports is Monday, August 12. On-time registrations were accepted from July 15-August 9. If your child is still interested in participating, late registration will be processed on a timely basis, but you will need to contact the athletic office for an eligible start date. Access the "Registration" tab on the HHS athletics home page at THIS LINK to view complete details and instructions. If you have questions, please call the athletic office directly at 651-480-7597.

For information about practice times, equipment, where to report, and any other sport-specific items, please visit the sport-specific page on the athletic website under the "teams" tab. You may also contact the sports head coach directly. A staff directory, including email and phone contact information, is available on the HHS athletics website and can be accessed directly at THIS LINK.

The HHS parent handbook is a valuable resource. Intended to offer guidance and support, the handbook outlines the purpose of HHS athletics and our definition of success. It provides comprehensive information about athlete eligibility, spectator sportsmanship, and communication protocol. It also contains links and resources to support your sports parent role further. View the handbook at THIS LINK.

Thank you, GO RAIDERS!

Check Out the Online School Store for All Your Raider Gear Needs!

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:

Tilden Community Center 651-480-7670
Kennedy Elementary (K-4) 651-480-7221
McAuliffe Elementary (K-4) 651-480-7390
Pinecrest Elementary (K-4) 651-480-7280
Hastings Middle School(5-8) 651-480-7060
Hastings High School (9-12) 651-480-7470
Hastings Alternative Learning Center 651-480-7690

*If you need any assistance in translating the Raider Update, contact us at kgorr@isd200.org.

Website: www.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1000 11th Street West, Hastings, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hastingspublicschools