As we prepare to turn the calendars from September to October, I can't help but be amazed by our students and community. Many ISD200 colleagues of mine have commented how wonderful the start to the year has been. I want to thank everyone for their collaboration and support.
Scott Doran
Principal
September Rotary Student of the Month
Congratulations to Briseis Rusnacko for being named the September 2024 “Student of the Month” by the Hastings Rotary Club! This award honors high school seniors who embody Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." Briseis was nominated by several teachers who praised her engagement, leadership, and genuine care for others. She has made a positive impact at Hastings High School through her involvement in Student Council, Link Crew, and as a student representative on the school board.
Briseis will be recognized at a Rotary meeting on October 3rd, where she will receive an award and share a brief speech about her school involvement and future plans. Congratulations again, Briseis!
Cell Phone/Device Update 
We’re excited to share some positive updates regarding our no cell phone policy! Since its implementation, we've noticed a remarkable improvement in student engagement and focus during lessons. Teachers report that students are participating more actively in discussions and collaborating effectively with their peers.
Additionally, students are forming stronger friendships and developing better communication skills as they interact face-to-face more often. We appreciate your support in fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
Thank you for partnering with us in this important initiative!
College Fair - October 1 
MEFs are college fairs held throughout the state at high schools and other venues. They are a result of the collaborative work of MACAC, public and private post-secondary schools, and high schools. College representatives from post-secondary schools (2 yr and 4 yr) throughout the Midwest and beyond. Ninety different colleges will be represented at our fair on Tuesday, October 1st. This event is for students in all grades. They will attend with their advisory class for approximately 45 minutes.
MACAC=Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling
MEF=Minnesota Education Fair
Raider Connect Days - October 3 & 4 
What is Raider Connect Time?
Raider Connect Time is a 2-day sequence that utilizes a block schedule to ‘dive deeper’ in classes and also allow for some flexible time during the school day to meet with teachers, work on projects, attend special events, etc.
What will Raider Connect Time look like?
Day 1: Hours 1, 3, 5, and 7
Day 2: Hours 2, Raider Connect Time, 4, 6
Click here to see a more detailed schedule
Students should first go to their advisory to check in and for attendance after period 2 on Fridays. They will then be directed to whom they should meet and/or the teacher(s) they need to work with.
What can I do during Raider Connect Time?
Students should first go to their advisory to check in and for attendance after period 2 of Fridays. They will then be directed to whom they should meet and/or the teacher(s) they need to work with. Here are some examples of options during the intervention period:
Complete missing work
Read, take notes, etc.
Take or retake an assessment (test, quiz, etc.)
Meet and work with a teacher
Stay and work in your advisory class, like a study hall
Help someone else with an assignment
Attend the 9th grade writing party in the writing center
Meet with a peer tutor (available in the career center)
Attend professional panels (when offered)
Attend large group presentations (when offered)
We will do an advisory activity to help you prioritize what to do during this time.
When will Raider Connect Time be happening?
October 3rd and 4th
November 7th and 8th
January 9th and 10th (prep for finals)
February 20th and 21st
April 24th and 25th
May 22nd and 23rd (prep for finals)
Students, we hope you take advantage of these days to be able to slow down and work on what YOU need to work on!
Educational Benefits 
Did you know "Educational Benefits" are more than Free and Reduced Lunches? Educational benefit applications determine how much funding our school receives for educational programs, supports and technology. Additionally, eligible families and students can qualify for WIC Benefits, the Metro Transit Assistance Program, reduced internet programs (FCC Affordable Connectivity Program), scholarships or discounts on camps, athletic programs, child care, and more. Specific information regarding family benefits are available here.
Link to apply: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/HASS01
REMINDER: If you have not yet completed the Annual Update process for Hastings Public Schools, please log into your Portal Account to complete this important process at your earliest convenience. See below for more details...
Hastings Public Schools is pleased to provide families with an easy way to sign annual forms and review and update household contact information for the 2024-25 school year through their Campus Parent Portal Account. The process will take approximately 5-20 minutes depending on the number of children. All families must complete this update by September 15, 2024. Click here to log in to your Parent Portal Account.
One parent or guardian from the primary household will need to log into their Parent Portal Account to complete this process. After logging into your Parent Portal Account, click More and Back-To-School Annual Updates to begin.
Click here to view additional step-by-step instructions.
If you do not yet have a Parent Portal Account, please contact your child's school to request an access key which you'll need to set up an account.
