Last night’s school board meeting featured two new members who were recently appointed to their positions. Please join us in welcoming Nick Marlatt (who was unable to attend due to a prior commitment) and Kevin Dickinson!

We look forward to introducing you to both of our new board members in the coming month. Before we do, we want to extend a sincere thank you to outgoing members Mike Nickels and Jennifer Eastman, who have stepped down from their posts. Their dedicated service has greatly benefited our district, students, and community.

Thank you, Mike and Jennifer!

Our school board will be holding a regularly-scheduled meeting this evening at the Middle School.

A huge congratulations to a Saxon who is accomplishing BIG things. Ky uses our Hastings Virtual Academy to bring her education on the road with her as she zig-zags across the country competing as a young, up-and-coming rodeo star.

At the 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo this past week in Shawnee, Oklahoma, she was crowned champion of Breakaway Roping. Great work! We look forward to seeing what’s next as she represents the Saxons on a national level!

Due to poor air quality stemming from the Canadian wildfires, our teams and clubs will not be holding any activities outdoors today, Thursday, July 16. Please consult with your coaches or advisors for further information, as indoor activities are still permitted.

We know that many students might not want to hear this, but we are already past the halfway point of summer (cue the applause from parents)! It is time to make sure your child's enrollment is all set. Whether you still need help with free preschool, Young 5s, kindergarten, School of Choice, or Hastings Virtual Academy, whatever your enrollment needs may be, our administrative staff is standing by to help you get everything squared away.

Visit - https://www.hassk12.org/o/has/page/enrollment

Hastings High School is pleased to welcome Ryan Mitchell as our new Assistant Principal overseeing Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the Hastings Virtual Academy.

Mr. Mitchell brings a strong background in educational leadership, student support, workforce development, and vocational training. Most recently, he served as Principal of Ionia Middle School, where he led school improvement efforts focused on instructional excellence, positive school culture, student achievement, and collaborative leadership.

In his new role, Mr. Mitchell will lead Hastings High School’s CTE programs and the Hastings Virtual Academy, helping expand opportunities for students to explore career pathways, develop industry-relevant skills, and succeed through both traditional and alternative learning environments.

Please join us in welcoming Jared Swiger as the new Director of Transportation for Hastings Area School System! Jared brings a blend of transportation experience, business leadership, and operational expertise to our district. We’re thrilled to have him.
We're also very thankful for the job done by Dale Krueger, who now has the opportunity to focus all his attention on buildings, grounds and facilities!

Last week, we celebrated a successful three weeks of innovation and creativity by welcoming parents to our Coding Camp finale.

Students demonstrated the projects they’ve worked so diligently on, including stop-motion videos, video games, and engineered cardboard games. They even capped off the celebration with some popsicles! Great work this summer!

Mr. Powell is certainly on the move this year!

A few months ago, we announced his appointment as our new Director of Career and Technical Education. Since then, an exciting new opportunity emerged, and we are thrilled to share that Mr. Powell will now instead serve as our new High School Principal!

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Powell on this new leadership role. Stay tuned for more exciting staff announcements at the high school and across the district in the coming weeks!

There is a lot of activity happening across the Hastings Area School System, and we're excited about these facility upgrades! 🚧

Crews are hard at work on a variety of bond-funded projects, including:

- A repaved parking lot between Central Elementary and Hastings Middle School.
- Newly remodeled boys and girls locker rooms at Hastings Middle School.
- A revamped media center at the high school, plus extensive renovations in the kitchen and cafeteria.

As progress unfolds this summer, we will provide more updates!

Bright new turf is down on Johnson Field, and it's already looking fantastic! Crews will be putting the finishing touches on the project in the coming weeks, and now football season just needs to hurry up and get here! 🏈

Our English Language Learners are having the best time at our Book and Cook Camp! By combining entertaining stories with culinary adventures, students aren't just learning new recipes, they're building confidence and practicing vocabulary. Looks delicious!

The Saxons made some noise at the Division 2 Girls Track & Field State Championship over the weekend, highlighted by a state championship performance by Bella Friddle! A trio of Saxons medaled at the meet:

🥇 Bella Friddle captured her second career state championship in the high jump, clearing a school-record 5'9". She also medaled in the long jump (4th) and 100 meters (8th).

🏅 Olivia Friddle, took 6th in discus (126'9").

🥈 Caroline Randall placed 3rd in the 3200 meters, shattering the school record at 10:45.88.

Incredible weekend for these athletes!
📸: The Hastings Banner

Here are some 📸s from last week's Concert in the Hayfield. Always a great event! A huge thanks to everyone who had a hand in organizing this year's concert and to all those who attended!

"It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure." — Ernie Harwell

Thank you for an amazing 2025-26 school year. Have a great summer and we'll see you in the fall for more adventures!

Our Middle School staff made sure our eighth graders started their final day in the building with full bellies and big smiles! They served up a delicious breakfast Friday morning! We are so proud of these students and wish them the best as they head to high school next year.

🚧 Parking Lot Closure Notice 🚧

Beginning today, the parking lot east of the Middle School, located between the Middle School and Central Elementary, will be closed for resurfacing.
If you are attending events at either school, please plan to use alternative parking areas until the project is complete.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve our facilities!

Some of our Middle School track athletes displayed their talents last night. At the MEGASTAR meet in Lowell, Emma Mansager finished second in the 55-meter hurdles and Avery Wilson fifth in the pole vault, while Tristen Sleight finished seventh in the high jump.

Personal bests were turned in by Davis Wattles in shot put, Lenna Wendt in the 800-meter run and Avery Wilson in pole vault.

Other athletes representing Hastings were: Owen Acker and Carter Kramer, who tied his personal record in pole vault.

Congratulations on a great season to all of our Saxons!

Congratulations to the many HHS students honored for their academic achievements at last night's Underclassmen Honors Night!

Events like this are a great reminder of the incredible talent and dedication our students bring to every area of learning, from CTE programs like Construction and Culinary Arts to traditional subjects like Math, Science, and English.

We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what’s ahead!