Hastings Area School System

"As you walk out those doors, everyone’s going to ask you ‘What’s your plan?’ Just know, your answer today will likely be different than in the next six months or the next six years," Mrs. Kramer told graduates tonight.

Class of 2026, wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll always be a Saxon. Thank you for the memories. 💙💛

Before our seniors took the big walk across the stage 🎓, our preschool (GSRP) students celebrated their graduation! With their tiny caps, these little learners are officially kindergarten-bound!

Amazing work, graduates!

On the eve of graduation, seniors, staff, and supporters filled the HPAC for Senior Honors Night. The Class of 2026 has accomplished so much this year and throughout their time at HHS. It was only fitting to honor them one final time and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements!

Hastings Middle School celebrated its hardworking students at last night’s Honors Night! The event recognized the dedication and achievements of our students throughout the year. Congratulations to everyone for a fantastic year of accomplishments!

Another season of facility upgrades is underway this spring as crews begin remodeling the boys and girls locker rooms at Hastings Middle School!

Our high school students have already been enjoying the newly renovated locker rooms completed last year, and we’re excited to see the transformation at the middle school take shape.

This project is another improvement made possible through the bond generously approved by our district community three years ago. Thank you for continuing to invest in our students and schools!

Members of the Hastings Southeastern Elementary Student Council spent Friday giving back to the community by installing bluebird houses on city-owned land along State Street near Aldi.

This project continues a tradition started by last year’s student council, helping create safe habitats for these important native birds in our area.

A special thank you to Jim Bruce of First Presbyterian Church for his dedication and hard work in organizing this wonderful project. The students’ efforts are making a lasting impact on local wildlife and the community alike!

Tonight, prior to our Board of Education meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing Teresa Heide, Stephen Crozier, Ed Domke, and Nancy Medeiros, who will all be retiring at the end of this school year.

We are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service, dedication, and commitment to our district and community. Their impact will be felt for years to come, and we wish each of them all the best in this next chapter.

🏆 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆
On Friday, the Saxons track team competed at the Regional Tournament in Williamston and the girls team made history by bringing home the Regional Championship! This marks the first regional title for the girls program in 49 years!

Some outstanding performances from the meet included:

⭐ Bella Friddle - First in high jump, long jump and 100 meters; Second in 200 meters.
⭐ Olivia Friddle - First in shot put and discus; Second in pole vault.
⭐ Caroline Randall - First in 1600 and 3200 meters; Fourth in 800 meters.
⭐ Naomi Cook - Seventh in 800 meters.
⭐ London Hammond - Seventh in pole vault
⭐ Chloe Pirtle, Emerson Leary, Malena Tomaszewska and Zikarra Warner - Sixth in 4x800 relay
⭐ Riley Furrow, London Hammond, Malena Tomaszewska and Lilly Randall - Eighth in 4x200 relay.

A special congratulations to Bella, Olivia, and Caroline for qualifying for the State Meet in their respective events!

Leadership, service, and a positive attitude are just a few of the qualities our Young Citizenship Award recipients have demonstrated over the last month. Congratulations to the students honored by the Hastings Kiwanis Club for their outstanding leadership during the month of April!

Third graders from across our district had the opportunity to attend Ag Awareness Day at the Barry County Fairgrounds. Agricultural professionals and businesses provided presentations, while some of our high school FFA members brought animals and helped guide students through each station. It was a great opportunity for students to learn about the many facets of an industry that is so important to our county!

Hastings Central Elementary celebrated yesterday students who earned a golden ticket for conquering state testing with a sweet ice cream treat! Superintendent Damico even joined in as the muscle behind the ice cream scooping, while volunteers added the toppings. A delicious way to celebrate hard work and success!

Fifth graders are in the house at Hastings Middle School this morning, checking out their new digs for next year! Thanks to the staff and students for being so kind and accommodating to our future middle schoolers!

It’s time for another incredible art display at the Hastings Performing Arts Center!
The show features work by both high school and middle school artists. We welcome families and community members to stop by and see the talented and creative artworks.

Dates the lobby will be open for viewing:

May 14 - HS Choir Concert and Awards - 7:00 PM
May 15 - Expressions Dance Centre - Evening
May 16 - Expressions Dance Centre - All Day
May 18 - District Retirement Reception - 6:00 PM
May 18 - Board of Ed Meeting - 7:00 PM
May 20 - Senior Honors - 7:00 PM
May 27 - Underclassman Honors - 7:00 PM

Five Hastings High School seniors were recognized by the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance on Friday, May 8, at KCC's Fehsenfeld Center.

Austin Abson, Ricardo Contreras, Madilyn Dinger, Isaac Lambert, and Landon Yepez successfully completed the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly Program during the Spring 2026 semester.

Through this Industrial Arts dual enrollment course, students had the opportunity to earn up to nine college credits.

Program content included workplace success skills, professional writing, lockout/tagout procedures, time management, workplace and tool safety, an advanced manufacturing simulation, and OSHA 10 industry certification.

Each student was presented with an Employability Endorsement Certification by Barry County Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Heinzman.

Congratulations to these soon-to-be graduates as they take the next step toward successful careers in the workforce!

Another Saxon has signed to compete at the next level. Congrats, Esther! Good luck at Davenport next year!

After decades of dedicated service, leadership and commitment to our students, our high school principal Teresa Heide announced she will be retiring at the end of the school year.

Mrs. Heide leaves behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and unwavering support that will be felt for generations to come.

Please join us in thanking her for her service and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter. She will join our district's other retirees on May 18 for a reception and celebration!

The track record boards were updated last week, an annual tradition that celebrates and preserves the legacy of the greatest athletes in HHS history.

Caroline Randall has earned her place among them, sitting at the summit of the all-time top 14 with her impressive 17:49.6 achieved at the State Finals at Michigan International Speedway.

The school's All-State record board was also updated to reflect Caroline’s outstanding fourth-place finish at the state meet.
Congratulations, Caroline!

If you catch the smell of something delicious around our elementary schools over the next week, it’s just Mr. Moore and his team grilling up amazing 🌭meals🌭 for our spring cookouts!

Central Elementary kicked things off today, enjoying a wonderful meal and special time together with parents and families. We’re grateful for the staff and volunteers who make these events so memorable for our students and community!

Hastings High School's TV production class brought in some promising young talent for their recent broadcasts.

Students from Southeastern Elementary did GREAT on yesterday's broadcast and students from Star Elementary are up today!

Thank you to the high schoolers for taking the time to work with our young students.

Some 📸's from prom! Thank you for everyone's hard work to make it a magical night!