Students at Hastings Middle School could exhale deeply today now that their state testing is complete. This morning during Seminar, Mr. Keller, Mr. Long, Mrs. Basye, and Mrs. Coenen's classes held a short "Fun Friday" competition in the hallway. The goal was to land a ball into one of three baskets worth 1, 2, or 3 points. Team Basye/Coenen started strong with the first throw being a 3-point basket but Team Keller/Long took the win. Great job on all your hard work during this testing period!

A special shoutout is due for 10 of our student-athletes who were recognized last night at Harper Creek High School for earning I-8 Scholar Athlete honors. The criteria used for selection for this honor include earning two varsity letters (minimum) during their senior year and qualifying within the top 10 of those students who accomplished that feat. The list is as follows: - Isabel Gee - Donald Kuck - Brandon Simmons - Kennedy Lewis - Victoria Tack - Jordan Milanowski - Rachael Hewitt - Naomi Grummet - Micah Johnson - Jett Barnum Congratulations to these young people that have left an indelible mark on Hastings High School during their careers as Saxon student-athletes. Congrats, also, to their families and educators who have played a significant supporting role in their successes.

Move over, Milan, Paris, and New York, the real fashion capital might just be Northeastern Elementary. Yesterday, Mrs. Langeland, Mrs. Slagel, and Mrs. Nickels, which are three of our district’s more fashion-forward educators, showed up rocking identical outfits: denim jackets, black tops, and khaki pants. The best part? It wasn’t even planned. Coincidence? Maybe. Style icon status? Absolutely. Better jump on the trend before it hits the runway!

Today, the GFWC Hastings Women’s Club welcomed our senior girls for the cherished annual Senior Tea, a tradition where generations of women come together to share wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration as our Saxon seniors prepare for life beyond high school. This year’s tea featured two dynamic guest speakers, Danielle Schneider, and Sophia Baker, both of whom work in the engineering field. They shared powerful insights about breaking into, and succeeding, in all industries and encouraged our seniors to follow their passions. The club also presented a scholarship to senior Lilyah Solmes, who, like the keynote speakers, will study engineering this fall at BYU. Thank you to the Hastings Women’s Club for your hospitality!

Star Elementary students dazzled last night at their spring concert. There are more fun elementary musicals/concerts on the way, including: - April 29 (tonight): Central Elementary - April 30: Northeastern Elementary - May 1: Southeastern Elementary All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. Break a leg, guys!

Students at Central Elementary had plenty to celebrate at today’s assembly. They were celebrating the end of March Is Reading Month and the Kids Heart Challenge along with weaving in their regularly scheduled character trait assembly. Big winners in the Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser had the opportunity to spray silly string on staff members. It’s looking like they may have enjoyed it a little too much.

Jazz Fest rolls on today. Hastings Middle School's eighth grade choir performed this morning at Grace Lutheran Church. Choirs get to perform a couple of songs and then receive feedback from a clinician, so it's also a great learning experience. Hastings High School Sonos will also perform at Grace at 1:15 p.m. today and the varsity singers will perform at 2:15 p.m.

The 80-degree, sunny weather was the perfect backdrop for the Hastings Steel Drum Band yesterday afternoon. The Saxons took the stage at Thornapple Plaza to perform as part of day one of Thornapple Arts Council's Jazz Fest!

You can't beat free! Southeastern Elementary has a table of free books for students to pick through.

Wayland-based restaurant 4 One 2 throws ice cream parties for beloved teachers around the area. After receiving numerous nominations for him, 4 One 2 staff came to Star Elementary yesterday and treated Mr. Kingshott and his classroom. They honored him for his leadership roles, passion for teaching, and the care he gives to each of his students. Congratulations, Mr. Kingshott!

They handle the work behind the scenes, in front of the scenes and pretty much everywhere else. Yesterday was National Administrative Professionals Day, and we extended a huge thank you to our rock star staff of administrative assistants and secretaries!

A 🎵 music-filled 🎶 week in on tap as the Thornapple Arts Council Jazz Fest hits the streets of Hastings! Our talented Saxon musicians will be performing alongside bands from all across the state. Check out this schedule to see where and when they’re performing. Come out, show your support, and soak up sounds from some great musicians.

From field trips to game days, our students are always on the go—and it’s all thanks to the awesome folks behind the wheel. 🚌 Today is Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we’re sending a big thank you to our incredible drivers who keep things rolling safely and smoothly. Let’s show them some love!

Our school board will be meeting on Monday, April 21 at Hastings Middle School.

Happy Easter to the Saxon community!

Congrats to the newly-named drum majors for the upcoming marching band season!

Do you have your Kindergartener or Young 5s student enrolled with Hastings Area Schools, yet? Our Kindergarten Enrollment Night provides the opportunity to complete the enrollment process alongside our staff. Please bring with you: • Student’s birth certificate • Proof of residency (i.e. driver's license, utility bill, etc.) • Immunization records or waiver Please join us from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Middle School commons. We look forward to enrolling our future Saxons!

Congratulations to our Young Citizenship Award recipients for the month of April! In partnership with the Hastings Kiwanis Club, we honor students in each building for their top-notch character and service to their school. This new group of award recipients was very worthy of that honor. Great work!

While our halls are empty of students over spring break, crews have kicked off another important bond-funded project as they work to renovate the boys and girls lorckerrooms at the high school. This will lead into a total renovation of the athletic commons over the summer!

Hastings Area Schools were represented well at the 2025 Michigan Art Education Association State Show in Adrian, which wrapped up over the weekend. Held at the Hickman Gallery on the campus of Adrian College, the show featured the top 100 works from elementary and high school students across the state. Central Elementary fifth grader Kallen and Southeastern Elementary kindergartener DJ had work displayed at the show. Kallen’s work depicted a Husky Zentangle and DJ’s piece was a penguin. Additionally, Hastings High School senior Raine created a piece titled Star Within The Tar, which made it into the top 30 in the state. Great work, everyone!