Hastings Public Schools

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!

🎉 Exciting News! 🎥 We’re thrilled to share our new District promotional video with you all! It’s a fantastic way to see all the wonderful things happening in our schools and community. A huge thank you to Hastings Community TV for their incredible work in bringing this vision to life. 🙌 📹 https://youtu.be/P9mshIP9EHE

This week, Connie Beissel, Chair of the Dakota County Labor Assembly, and Colleen Nocerini of the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation visited Hastings High School to deliver much-needed supplies. Thanks to the generosity of union groups affiliated with the Dakota County Labor Assembly, they collected monetary donations to purchase essential school supplies for the district. Among the donations were 20 scientific calculators and 240 boxes of Kleenex, which will greatly benefit Hastings students. These expensive graphic calculators will be loaned to students in need and returned for future use with other students. ISD200 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the union groups for their incredible support of Hastings Public Schools. Your generosity makes a real difference in our students' lives!

Our Back-to-School Raider Update is now available to view. https://hpsd.edurooms.com/engage/raider-update/newsletters/raider-update-back-to-school-24-25 This issue is a one-stop-shop of everything families need to know to get ready for the school year, including: -Update from the Superintendent -MS and HS open house dates and times -District Calendar -School supply lists -Annual update notification Annual update notification -Minnesota Free School Meals Program -Transportation information Transportation information -And so much more!!!

HMS Summer School had a jam-packed three weeks of field trip adventures. This year, the goal of summer school was to provide students with enrichment opportunities to fuel their passion for learning and to give these students positive school experiences. The students were able to explore parts of Hastings to learn healthy living habits and historical pieces of our community, and they traveled to different locations in the city area to learn about future careers and the history of Minnesota. 7th and 8th grade students attended field trips to: -Spectro Alloys -Inver Hills Community College -Lakeside Cemetery and St. Croix Beach -Sibley Historic Site -Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art -St. Paul Cathedral, James J. Hill House, and Wabasha Street Caves -Lebanon Hills Regional Park -Science Museum -C.P. Adams Park and Old Mill Park 5th and 6th grade students attended field trips to: -Sibley Historic Site -Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art -St. Paul Cathedral, James J. Hill House, and Wabasha Street Caves -Science Museum -C.P. Adams Park and Old Mill Park

A group of 20 Spanish students just returned from a ten-day language-focused trip in Puerto Rico! Students had a busy itinerary that included staying in Puerto Rican homes and taking daily Spanish lessons for a portion of the trip. Some other highlights include learning to dance salsa and an Afro-Caribbean dance called la bomba. They met painter and sculptor Samuel Lind in his home studio, where he personally shared his work with them. They kayaked to a bioluminescent bay and witnessed the water sparkle and glow in the nighttime darkness. Our Hastings students were immersed in culture and history each day, and it would be impossible to capture all of them in one post! Spanish teachers Cindy Davis, Julia Massmann, and Ashley Hoffman led the trip. They are so proud of the effort these students put in to make this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new school district website! 🌐 Our updated site features a modern design, easy navigation, and all the latest information about our schools, programs, and events. As with any major update, the website's appearance and navigation will change. Please be assured that we are committed to continuous improvements and training opportunities throughout the summer and fall. Visit us now at www.hastings.k12.mn.us to explore and stay connected with everything happening in our district!