Hastings Public Schools

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!

Artists in Mrs. Kampa’s art class read "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds and created dot art to celebrate International Dot Day on September 15th!

Last night, McAuliffe families enjoyed a beautiful night at the Back to School Cookout hosted by the McAuliffe PTC. The playground was filled with laughter and great food—what a great way to start the school year!

Staff Spotlight: Susie McQuade Pupil Support Assistance staff (PSAs) are paraprofessionals who help provide support and resources to students in our district so these children can thrive and succeed to their highest potential. PSAs assist by helping with teachers' educational reinforcements, collaborating with Special Education staff to implement strategies for student’s individual needs, and facilitating guidance in social/emotional needs and behavior supports. It is an understatement to say they wear many hats to help our kids succeed. Susie McQuade has been wearing those hats for 17 years in ISD 200. She worked as a PSA for 14 years in middle school but had just started her third year at HHS. “I work with a wide variety of students. They are all important, and all deserve a quality education. I think it’s important for them to know that they have someone who cares about them at school,” shares Ms. McQuade Ms. McQuade started working in ISD 200 when her children were in school. While she wishes school started later so she could sleep in longer, she loves her job! “I love my coworkers! People who work in public education are caring, supportive, and FUN! I also love the variety of my job, going to different classes, and making meaningful connections with students. Susie says that her family inspires her. She enjoys having her summers off to spend time with family and friends and be outside as much as possible. She loves boating, concerts, flowers, and long walks in the sunshine. Thank you, Susie, for your work with our students in ISD200. You make a difference every day!

Melissa Cole is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Christa McAuliffe Elementary. With five years under her belt, Melissa has made a significant impact on her students, and her dedication to their growth and development shines through in every interaction. Melissa's favorite aspect of her job is witnessing the remarkable progress her students have made over the years. “I have students I have worked with from kindergarten all the way up through 4th grade,” Melissa shares. “It is remarkable to see the progress they make in their communication skills. As bittersweet as it is, I love when students are able to 'graduate' from Speech after meeting all of their goals. It is a huge accomplishment, and I love being able to celebrate with them!” Melissa emphasizes that her work extends beyond simply addressing speech sounds or grammatical structures. “When students come to Speech, it is more than just practicing their 'R' sound or working on verb tenses - we are building and cultivating important relationships. These students are so cherished!” Her commitment to fostering these connections is a testament to her deep care for her students. Melissa’s decision to join ISD200 was influenced by her positive impressions of the Hastings community and school district. “I grew up hearing great things about the Hastings community and school district. When we moved to the area, it seemed like a no-brainer to explore employment with ISD200.” Melissa draws immense inspiration from her students. “They overcome hardships, learn new skills, and do so with a positive attitude. I'm inspired by their resilience and ability to find joy in so many things.” Their perseverance and enthusiasm fuel her passion for her role. Outside of her professional life, Melissa enjoys a variety of activities that keep her engaged and fulfilled. She loves spending time with her family, reading, running, and attending concerts. Her well-rounded interests reflect her vibrant personality and zest for life.

During the 23-24 school year, the Hastings School Board created a committee with the purpose of engaging with our community. Don’t miss the first event of the 24-25 school year.

Direct Admissions is here to offer our seniors a look at the many postsecondary possibilities that await them after high school! Through the new Direct Admissions program, seniors will be notified of multiple Minnesota colleges and universities that are offering them proactive admission to attend their institution. As part of the program, seniors benefit from: ✔️ Stress-Free College Admissions Process ✔️ No Application Fees ✔️ Boosted Confidence Knowing They Are College Ready! Learn more about this new program at www.ohe.state.mn.us/directadmissions

Our 4th graders had an amazing time in the art room today! Mrs. Cooper's class embarked on an exciting Art Room Scavenger Hunt, where teamwork was the name of the game. Great job to all our young artists for their enthusiasm and teamwork!