Hastings Public Schools

Staff Spotlight, Anne Stoneberg, Coordinator of Raiders Study Center, HHS For 31 years, Ms. Anne Stoneberg has been a dedicated and invaluable part of ISD 200, and our schools are deeply grateful for the community members who devote their careers to making a positive impact. Currently serving as the coordinator for the Raiders Study Center at the High School, Anne plays a pivotal role in helping students develop skills for lifelong learning. “The Raiders Study Center is a guided study space where we focus on the importance of organization, building connections, and managing daily homework. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy and pride in a student after they’ve worked hard to overcome a challenge,” she shares. Whether working with students or colleagues, Anne is known for her unwavering respect, integrity, and perseverance. We’re grateful that she’s passing these vital qualities on to our students. Anne has loved working in our public schools, especially as it allowed her to raise her four children within the same system. The Stoneberg family is a true example of Raider Pride! “My family, including my two sweet grandsons, inspire and challenge me to be curious, accepting, helpful, adventurous, patient, confident, and grateful,” Anne says. Outside of her work with students, Anne enjoys traveling through life’s journey with her husband, Brad. She also loves spending time in the garden, taking daily walks, reading, listening to podcasts, and hosting family and friends. Thank you, Ms. Stoneberg, for your dedication to our schools over the years. We are so fortunate to have an incredible staff member like you who helps our students thrive!

Staff Spotlight, Thomas Garding, Special Education Teacher, HMS Our students who need additional support receive exceptional guidance from a fantastic new teacher. Thomas Garding joined the outstanding Special Education team at Hastings Middle School this year. This dedicated group of educators empowers our students to develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential. Thomas has called Hastings home for the past four years and was eager to become more involved in our community. Despite holding a teaching position in a nearby district, he felt that working in Hastings would offer a unique opportunity to contribute to our collective growth. He is also the proud father of a two-year-old daughter, who is already on track to be a future Raider! Mr. Garding thrives on connecting with his students, sharing moments of laughter, and witnessing their progress. He wants the community to know how deeply the students he works with feel supported and how much they appreciate that encouragement. His inspiration comes from his daughter: "Her courage, curiosity, and kindness constantly motivate me to be better and to bring out those qualities in everyone around me," he says. When he’s not helping students at school, Mr. Garding enjoys reading, writing, gardening, woodworking, tackling house projects, and playing guitar. Welcome to ISD200, Thomas. We’re so happy to have you with us!

Staff Spotlight, Bethany Bagwill, Academic and Restorative Coach at HHS Hastings Public Schools is proud to have a team of dedicated Academic and Restorative Coaches across the district. These professionals play a vital role in fostering a positive school climate and culture, offering invaluable support to staff, students, and families. They are trained in restorative practices that empower students to resolve conflicts, repair harm, and build stronger relationships. Additionally, they guide educators with key behavioral interventions and professional development. Thanks to their efforts, students gain critical life skills—such as responsibility, respect, relationship-building, and reintegration—that help them thrive in school and beyond. One standout team member is Ms. Bethany Bagwill, who has been with ISD 200 for eight years and has profoundly impacted Hastings High School. Although she wishes there were more hours in the day, Bethany says, "One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the ability to connect and collaborate with all students and staff throughout the building." Her positive influence can be felt throughout the school, as she tirelessly supports individuals and groups. Many people inspire Bethany in her life, but none more than her mother. "She’s the strongest, feistiest person I’ve ever met. She is truly amazing," she says. A Hastings native, Ms. Bagwill has deep ties to the community, even though she now lives outside the city. She loves Hastings's small-town feel and is proud to serve the community that shaped her. Bethany cheers on her two sons at their sporting events when she's not at school. She also enjoys motorcycle rides, spending time at the lake and cabin, and making memories with her friends and family. We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated professionals like Ms. Bagwill on our team. Her contributions not only support our students' academic and emotional growth but also enrich the entire school community. The resources and guidance she provides help prepare our students for success in ISD200 and in future endeavors. Thank you, Ms. Bagwill, for all that you do!

Staff Spotlight: Rosario Mollo, 6th Grade STEM, HMS Mr. Mollo has been inspiring our 6th graders for the past nine years through his passion for STEM. As a dedicated educator, he’s been helping students build essential computer skills, from digital literacy and coding to robotics. “My class works with tools like Google Sheets and programming languages. It’s incredible to see students imagining themselves using these skills in their future careers,” says Mr. Mollo. An advocate for collaboration, Mr. Mollo values input from families. “I send a weekly email to parents, updating them on the projects we’re working on,” he explains. “If there’s a concept or skill in STEM that would benefit the students, I’m always happy to hear suggestions.” For Mr. Mollo, teaching goes beyond just imparting knowledge—it’s about encouragement. “I love seeing students thrive in a non-traditional classroom setting,” he shares. “Sometimes, kids doubt themselves and give up before they even try because they don’t believe they can succeed. But the adults in their lives—teachers, parents—are here to help them realize their potential.” Having strong local roots, Mr. Mollo is married to a Hastings alum and has close ties to the community. “I’ve heard so many great things about this district from friends and family, so I knew it was the perfect place for me,” he says with pride. Mr. Mollo draws his inspiration from his own upbringing. “My parents are Italian immigrants with little formal education. Their incredible work ethic and positive attitude taught me the value of perseverance,” he reflects. Though he’s busy shaping young minds, Mr. Mollo still finds time to enjoy life outside the classroom. With three young boys—ages 7, 3, and 1—he and his wife are always on the go. As a huge sports fan, you can often find him multitasking, catching a game whenever possible. We’re incredibly grateful for Mr. Mollo’s dedication to developing strong computer skills in our middle schoolers. These technical abilities are essential in today’s digital world and will serve them well for years to come.

Staff Spotlight: Jenny Cooper, Art Teacher - Kennedy Meet Ms. Jenny Cooper, the talented new Art Instructor at Kennedy Elementary! After teaching in another district, Jenny sought a full-time position in a school community where the arts are truly appreciated and celebrated. She's thrilled to have found her new home in Hastings, where she feels welcomed and at ease. While Ms. Cooper wishes for a few more hands-on days filled with messy, creative projects, her favorite part of teaching art is watching students who may struggle in other subjects truly shine in the art room. "Creation is an innate part of being human," she explains. "By providing students with a rich, hands-on art experience, we can nurture their creativity, which is key to both their academic success and personal happiness." Ms. Cooper is excited to be part of her students' artistic journeys. She hopes the skills and perspectives they gain in her classroom will inspire them long after they leave elementary school. "I want them to carry a creative spirit with them as they move forward in their school and professional careers," she says. When asked about her personal inspirations, Ms. Cooper reflects, "The helpers of the world inspire me—the people who step up in times of crisis, those who put others' needs before their own, and the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to care for others. These are the people who inspire me the most." Outside the classroom, Ms. Cooper enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, Evie and Bree. Together, they love mountain biking, cooking delicious meals, and traveling whenever possible. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, Ms. Cooper has played on a women's soccer team for 16 years! We're so grateful to have Ms. Cooper with us at Kennedy Elementary, inspiring our students and fostering a love of art. Thank you, Ms. Cooper, and welcome home!

Hastings School Board Directors Jessica Dressely and Mark Zuzek Honored with MSBA Director’s Award. Congratulations to Hastings School Board Directors Jessica Dressely and Mark Zuzek, who have been recognized with the Minnesota School Board Association's (MSBA) Director's Award! This prestigious honor is given to board members who achieve 100 or more points for attendance at MSBA training programs over the course of their term(s). We are proud of Jessica and Mark for their commitment to professional development and dedication to serving our community.

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Anderson ECSE Teacher/ECSE Department Lead - Tilden For nearly a decade, Sarah Anderson has started each day with smiles, laughter, and the eager curiosity of young minds ready to learn. As an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher, she plays a pivotal role in preparing the youngest members of our community for their academic journey and future success. The ECSE program serves children from birth through kindergarten entry, providing specialized educational services to those who face developmental delays or medical conditions that impact their growth. Depending on a child’s age and needs, services are delivered in a variety of settings. Sarah values the collaborative spirit of the Tilden-based ECSE team, which includes teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other support specialists. Together, they work to integrate their students into the enriching preschool programs offered within ISD 200. “I love greeting kids as they come to school for the first time, meeting them where they are at, providing supports that are needed to help make every kid as successful as they can be, watching every one of them grow and learn. I love that a preschooler’s work is play. As the ECSE department lead, I am oftentimes a family’s first connection to the school district, and I take pride in making that a positive experience,” shares Sarah. A native of Prescott, Wisconsin, Sarah moved to Hastings in 2008 to be closer to family. After seven years working in a different district, she eagerly applied for a position in Hastings when it became available. “I love the sense of community here,” she shares. “The commute is easy, and we’re truly a family invested in the success of ISD 200. My husband, Brent, works as the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, and our two kids are students here. We enjoy living and working in the same community, and it’s always a joy to bump into past and present students and their families.” Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys cheering on her kids at their various activities—more Raider Pride!—as well as camping, solving puzzles, and spending time outdoors with her family. Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication to our youngest learners and your continued support of our school community!

Ms. Alex Westby is one of the newer faces at Kennedy Elementary, but in just two short years, she has already made a significant impact. Her passion for teaching and connecting with her students is evident in everything she does. “I love seeing the smiling faces each morning when I greet my students at the door,” she says. “It’s exciting to watch them get enthusiastic about learning.” Before joining the Kennedy Elementary team, Ms. Westby taught Special Education in Wisconsin. Eager for new opportunities, she had always heard great things about the Hastings School District. “I’m very happy to be working here in Hastings,” she shares. “The community and staff are incredibly supportive, and it’s been a rewarding place to grow professionally.” Since arriving in Hastings, Ms. Westby has fully embraced her role both inside and outside the classroom. She enjoys volunteering at after-school events, finding it a great way to connect with students and their families. “It’s been wonderful to build relationships with not just my students but their families as well,” she says. “Those connections are so important for creating a strong community, and I’ve loved getting to know everyone.” What drives Ms. Westby in her work is a deep commitment to helping every student succeed. When asked who inspires her, she reflects on her own experiences as a student. “I remember struggling a lot in school when I was younger,” she says. “I had teachers who supported me and helped me find my way. They made all the difference. Now, I want to be that person for my students—to help them believe they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.” Outside of school, Ms. Westby is a passionate sports fan, especially when it comes to Minnesota teams. Whether it’s cheering on the Minnesota Vikings or the Wild, she enjoys the thrill of the games. She’s also recently welcomed a new puppy, Miss Luna Mae, to her family. The playful pup keeps her on her toes, but when she has a moment of downtime, Ms. Westby enjoys reading and spending time outdoors. We are so grateful to have Ms. Westby as part of our team, inspiring our young learners to set high goals and pursue them with confidence!

Raider Staff Spotlight - Bridget Dean-Kautto, LEAP Teacher, HMS The students in the LEAP classroom are fortunate to have such dedicated support from Bridget Dean-Kautto, who is making an incredible impact in her first year at ISD 200. The LEAP program, designed for elementary-age students with special needs, provides a range of resources that help kids thrive in a positive, nurturing environment. “I’m enjoying getting to know my students and working together to find solutions that fit their unique needs,” shares Ms. Dean-Kautto. The solutions she creates are as individual as the students she serves, tailored to help them reach their full potential. If Bridget could make one wish, it would be for additional support staff to help further enrich the classroom experience. "A person with a disability is not 'without' ability," she says. “Each of my students brings joy, strength, and depth to my life, their learning environment, and the entire Hastings community." Originally from outside the area, Bridget and her family recently moved closer to the Twin Cities, where her husband works as a firefighter in St. Paul. We are fortunate to have Bridget here in Hastings, where her dedication to our students shines daily. Her commitment is fueled by her students, colleagues, family, and friends—each of whom inspires her to give her best. Hastings is lucky to have such a strong support system for students in ISD 200, thanks to staff like Ms. Dean-Kautto. Bridget enjoys rowing, hiking, reading, and writing—activities that keep her energized and inspired when she's not making a difference in the classroom.

Raider Staff Spotlight - Mary Pasch, ELA Teacher HMS The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that’s certainly true for Ms. Mary Pasch, the English Language Arts teacher for our 6th graders at HMS. Born and raised in Hastings, Mary saw firsthand her mother's impact as a teacher and administrator in the school district she would eventually serve. After a brief time away, she and her husband returned to Hastings, where they raised their family, and Mary dedicated her career to ISD 200. She is now in her 36th year of teaching within the district. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside amazing students, parents, staff, and community members over the years,” says Ms. Pasch. “My life is richer because of these connections, and I’ve learned so much from everyone.” Mary finds deep satisfaction in her role. “I love watching my students’ academic and social/emotional growth throughout the year,” she explains. “I also appreciate the many opportunities I’ve had to try new things, which have helped me grow personally and professionally.” Mary’s inspiration comes from the strong women in her family—her mother and grandmother—who were trailblazers in their own right. Both women, she says, demonstrated the confidence and work ethic to carve new paths and accomplish great things for themselves and others. It’s clear that Mary continues to follow in their footsteps. When she’s not helping students thrive, Ms. Pasch enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, canning, and hiking.

Raider Staff Spotlight - Heather Beedy, MS Bridge Program Teacher 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.

Raider Staff Spotlight - Tonya Zeien, HHS Custodian School district budgets often include a significant allocation for maintaining buildings and grounds. Our school facilities are more than just structures—they are the heart of our district, where students gather to learn, grow, and thrive. Creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment is essential to student success, and much of that responsibility lies with our incredible custodial team. Our dedicated custodial staff works year-round to keep our buildings clean, safe, and operational. In addition to regular cleaning duties, they oversee major updates and improvements. These updates, alongside their daily work, help ensure that each school day begins with a safe, healthy environment for both students and staff. One of the newest members of our custodial team is Ms. Tonya Zeien, who recently relocated to Hastings from Ellsworth. After working for four years in the River Falls School District, Tonya chose to join the ISD 200 family. She brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for cleanliness to her work. "I enjoy making sure every area is clean and looks great. I pay close attention to detail to ensure everything is sanitized and ready for students and staff," Tonya says. "Hastings High School is such a big and beautiful school, and I'm looking forward to getting to know the teachers and staff here." When she's not working hard to keep our schools looking their best, Tonya enjoys outdoor activities like tennis, pickleball, and camping. She also values spending time with her family and finds inspiration in her two daughters' successful careers. We want to express our deepest gratitude to Tonya and all the members of our custodial team for their unwavering dedication. Thanks to their efforts, our school buildings not only look great but also serve as a true reflection of our Raider Pride. We appreciate everything they do to create an environment where students and staff can succeed.

The AVID 8 class recently practiced the focused note-taking process—ice cream style! They took notes about how to make ice cream in a bag, processed their notes, added questions and connections, and wrote a summary. Finally, they got to test it all out—an assessment that you can eat. Yum!

Raider Staff Spotlight - Heather Maier, FACS Teacher HMS 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.

Raider Staff Spotlight - Bree Paananen, Paraprofessional, Pinecrest Every student in our district deserves the best opportunities to thrive and grow! Many children have these opportunities come to life through our incredible Special Education program in ISD 200. Thanks to a dedicated team of exceptional staff members, our special education department provides programs and resources to support community members from birth to age 21. One standout among them is Ms. Bree Paananen, a talented paraprofessional who joined the LEAP classroom at Pinecrest Elementary last year. Bree's favorite part of her job is watching students achieve their goals. "I love being in the classroom, witnessing the children's growth and milestones. Supporting others has always brought me fulfillment," she shares. Living in Hastings, Bree is excited for her daughter to attend ISD 200 schools one day. She feels fortunate to work in the LEAP program, where she can observe her sister, who has Down syndrome, in the classroom. "I'm continually impressed by the positive experiences my family members have had in Hastings' Special Education classes over the years," she says. We are grateful for Bree's commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for our students. When she's not supporting her amazing kids, Bree enjoys spending time with her family and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. Thank you, Ms. Paananen, for your dedication to helping our students grow!

Raider Staff Spotlight - Michelle Munger, Special Education Teacher at HHS 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. Michelle enjoys fishing, spending quality time with family and friends, and bowling outside of the classroom. 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 positive impact on many lives.

Last week, third graders in Mrs. Beard's class enjoyed the beautiful weather while learning about shadows and the sun's position in the sky. At three different times during the day, students went out to trace their shadows and made observations about the changes they saw. This is just one example of empowering students to use their scientific learning in the world around them.

Raider Staff Spotlight - Jonah Conway, Music Teacher at McAuliffe William James once said, “I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing.” At McAuliffe Elementary, this sentiment rings true, thanks to Jonah Conway, who has been nurturing the musical talents of students for the past five years. “I love connecting with students, staff, and community members through music education,” he shares. During his college years, Jonah had the privilege of mentoring under the remarkable Lisa Poncelet at Pinecrest. “Working with Lisa opened my eyes to the unmatched commitment to students and music in ISD 200. I knew I wanted to end up in Hastings one day, and I was fortunate to be hired at McAuliffe right after graduation,” Jonah recalls. ISD 200 boasts an exceptional music program, thanks to dedicated staff who share their passion for music with students and the community. Jonah emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for music from a young age: “My goal is to provide my students with a positive experience in music during elementary school. I hope they continue making music after they leave, cherishing their time in my classroom.” Inspiration surrounds Mr. Conway every day, particularly from his wife and son. He expresses deep gratitude for his music colleagues and the incredible staff at McAuliffe but notes, “As a teacher, my students are always my biggest inspiration!” Outside the classroom, Jonah enjoys watching and playing sports, spending time with his dog, and, of course, creating music. His passion for music education not only enriches the lives of his students but also fosters a vibrant musical community at McAuliffe Elementary.

Students have received their Direct Admissions letters... now what? Watch this video to be sure your child is taking full advantage of the Direct Admissions program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toA3WLEO_90. This video will provide information about students' next steps after receiving their letters. Also, please check your email for directions about selecting schools and moving forward.

Raider Staff Spotlight - Kristin Poellinger, Registrar - Counseling Office HHS For the past seven years, the students and staff at HHS have had the privilege of having Kristin Poellinger at the helm of the Counseling Office. Kristin’s daily tasks are vast, but her role supports both students and staff. Kristin is known for trying to brighten your day by sending funny memes in any of the multitude of emails she sends to the teachers. In addition to processing students’ grades, she manages all new student enrollments, withdrawals, records requests, and required legal documents and schedules intake meetings. Ms. Poellinger also assists in student registration, inputting course requests, creating master rosters, and running multiple different reports for staff. To say she is an asset to the teachers and staff is an understatement! The other joy of her job comes from her interactions with students. “I am the face of the counseling office, and I appreciate being able to help guide students to the resources they need. I love being the extra support to our students, making them feel seen and cared for. I work with many students who struggle, and sometimes, they need an extra smile and someone to show that they care,” shares Kristin. When Kristin isn’t helping our high school students navigate the resources available to them, she loves spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys camping, reading, crafting, volleyball, and being outside when the weather is nice! Thank you, Kristin, for assisting our high school students and staff. Your job is multifaceted and positively impacts so many students and colleagues. You are appreciated!