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.
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!
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.
Mrs.Matzek’s kindergartners had a FANTASTIC first day of school!
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!!!
Did you know that June is Dairy Month? Last week, Mrs. Beard’s 3rd-grade classroom at McAuliffe Elementary celebrated with a dairy day! Students learned about the history of June Dairy Month and dairy milk production. They also sampled different flavors of cheeses, made and tasted butter, and wrote thank-you notes to farmers. What a fun day of learning!!
Hastings Middle School 8th graders did an excellent job representing HMS on our first-ever Day of Caring! Students pulled weeds and picked up garbage downtown and along the Mississippi River. This day was made possible due to time or donations from the City of Hastings, Hastings Park and Rec, Hastings Family Service, Hastings Bus Company, Fleet Farm, Culvers, and HMS parent volunteers. Students were also inspired by Nicole Sindelar earlier in the day as she challenged students always to try to make a positive impact on others and their community!
Mrs. Munson’s 3rd Graders were wearing the tie-dye shirts they made together last week. They were proud to wear them together for the carnival and even won the 3rd-grade tug-of-war trophy! 🏆
All outdoor athletic competitions have been canceled due to the impending severe weather.
Eating lunch with second graders who have read 500+ books is always a great day! Way to go, Kennedy, Daniel, and Beckett!
