⚠️ Correction – M-STEP Permission Deadline ⚠️
Hastings Middle School families,
Please note a correction to our previous message:
👉 Parent permission forms must be submitted by Friday, May 1 (not May 8).
You can complete the form here: bit.ly/hmsmstep or return the paper copy sent home.
Thank you for your attention and helping us stay on track for testing.
Hastings Middle School families,
Please note a correction to our previous message:
👉 Parent permission forms must be submitted by Friday, May 1 (not May 8).
You can complete the form here: bit.ly/hmsmstep or return the paper copy sent home.
Thank you for your attention and helping us stay on track for testing.
🚨 Important M-STEP Update & Parent Action Needed 🚨
Hastings Middle School families,
Due to a statewide technical issue with the M-STEP testing platform on April 21, testing was significantly disrupted for our students.
To ensure a fair testing experience, we are working with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to regenerate the test, allowing students to retake it from the beginning under proper conditions.
✅ Parent permission is required
👉 Please complete the form here: bit.ly/hmsmstep
📄 A paper copy will also be sent home, but you may complete either the paper form OR the online form.
📅 We are planning for a tentative retest date of Wednesday, May 6
⏰ Please submit permission by Friday, May 1
📌 You can also use the QR code for quick access.
Thank you for your support!
Today we’re celebrating two of the absolute best—Mrs. Winick and Mrs. Smith! 🎉💙💛
If you’ve ever called the office, stopped in with a question, needed help in a pinch, or just needed a friendly face… you’ve experienced firsthand how incredible they are. They keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, support our staff and students, and truly are the backbone of Hastings Middle School.
Their kindness, organization, and willingness to jump in and help wherever needed does not go unnoticed. We are so lucky to have them as part of our Saxon family! 🙌
Be sure to give Mrs. Winick and Mrs. Smith a shout-out today—they’ve more than earned it! 👏😊
#SaxonPride
If you’ve ever called the office, stopped in with a question, needed help in a pinch, or just needed a friendly face… you’ve experienced firsthand how incredible they are. They keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, support our staff and students, and truly are the backbone of Hastings Middle School.
Their kindness, organization, and willingness to jump in and help wherever needed does not go unnoticed. We are so lucky to have them as part of our Saxon family! 🙌
Be sure to give Mrs. Winick and Mrs. Smith a shout-out today—they’ve more than earned it! 👏😊
#SaxonPride
🚨 Testing Update – Hastings Middle School 🚨
Due to technical difficulties with the M-STEP testing platform today, we were unable to complete testing and had to stop mid-session. This issue appears to have impacted schools across the state (and possibly beyond).
We are currently awaiting guidance from the State of Michigan and the testing provider on next steps and rescheduling. As soon as we have that information, we will communicate it to our students and families.
At this time:
Thursday, April 23 (PSAT – 8th Grade) is still ON
Thursday, April 30 (M-STEP – Schoolwide) is still ON
Go Saxons! 💙💛
Due to technical difficulties with the M-STEP testing platform today, we were unable to complete testing and had to stop mid-session. This issue appears to have impacted schools across the state (and possibly beyond).
We are currently awaiting guidance from the State of Michigan and the testing provider on next steps and rescheduling. As soon as we have that information, we will communicate it to our students and families.
At this time:
Thursday, April 23 (PSAT – 8th Grade) is still ON
Thursday, April 30 (M-STEP – Schoolwide) is still ON
Go Saxons! 💙💛
Join us this evening in the Hastings Middle School Commons for a community forum focused on our district’s facility and infrastructure needs. The session will be led by consultants from GMB, and we encourage all community members to attend and share their input.
Following the forum, the school board will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting.
Following the forum, the school board will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting.
Spring Break looked a little different for our tech department. Throughout the week, our tech department didn’t slow down. From closing out tickets and repairing devices to updating computers and refreshing inventory across the district, the team kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
And of course, they found a way to keep it fun. Rocking their shades and sipping on ice-cold Shirley Temples, the team brought a little Spring Break spirit to the workday. 😎
Awesome work, team!
And of course, they found a way to keep it fun. Rocking their shades and sipping on ice-cold Shirley Temples, the team brought a little Spring Break spirit to the workday. 😎
Awesome work, team!
We have another group of VERY deserving students who were given the Young Citizenship Award by the Hastings Kiwanis Club for the month of March. Great job, everyone!
The drum line at Hastings Middle School sent students off to Spring Break Thursday on an energetic note. Admit it; it's just cooler to walk out of a building with your own personal drum line playing in the background. Have a great break!
We'll see you on Monday!
Saxons have each other’s backs! 💙
In anticipation of state testing (i.e. M-STEP, PSAT, etc.), students of all ages across our district took time to write letters of encouragement to one another. Every student will receive uplifting words from a fellow Saxon, reminding them they are supported and ready to succeed.
Good luck...you’ve got this!
In anticipation of state testing (i.e. M-STEP, PSAT, etc.), students of all ages across our district took time to write letters of encouragement to one another. Every student will receive uplifting words from a fellow Saxon, reminding them they are supported and ready to succeed.
Good luck...you’ve got this!
Saxons have each other’s backs! 💙
In anticipation of state testing (i.e. M-STEP, PSAT, etc.), students of all ages across our district took time to write letters of encouragement to one another. Every student will receive uplifting words from a fellow Saxon, reminding them they are supported and ready to succeed.
Good luck...you’ve got this!
In anticipation of state testing (i.e. M-STEP, PSAT, etc.), students of all ages across our district took time to write letters of encouragement to one another. Every student will receive uplifting words from a fellow Saxon, reminding them they are supported and ready to succeed.
Good luck...you’ve got this!
It’s always special when our older students have the opportunity to give back and support younger learners. This semester, 8th graders in Mr. Renner’s Innovation and Design class took on the exciting project of building 3D printers.
Jackson, Davis, Karter and Kenna assembled the printers from kits, calibrating them, troubleshooting issues, and learning how all of the mechanical and electronic components come together. And the best part is that these printers will be given to our elementary schools here in Hastings.
This project was made possible through the generosity of the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, which provided funding through the 2025–26 CISD Mini Grant Program. Hastings Area School System received four mini grants, which helped purchase the Prusa CORE One+ kits used in the project.
A big thank you to William Renner, Jessica Fleis, Julie Carlson, and Elizabeth Macklin for their work in securing these grants and helping make this opportunity possible for our students.
Jackson, Davis, Karter and Kenna assembled the printers from kits, calibrating them, troubleshooting issues, and learning how all of the mechanical and electronic components come together. And the best part is that these printers will be given to our elementary schools here in Hastings.
This project was made possible through the generosity of the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, which provided funding through the 2025–26 CISD Mini Grant Program. Hastings Area School System received four mini grants, which helped purchase the Prusa CORE One+ kits used in the project.
A big thank you to William Renner, Jessica Fleis, Julie Carlson, and Elizabeth Macklin for their work in securing these grants and helping make this opportunity possible for our students.
Look for the full list of Young Citizenship Award recipients in Thursday's Hastings Banner. We're proud of these students who lead by example!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This is a friendly reminder that our Culver’s/Biggby Coupon Book fundraiser has ended, and we began collecting coupon books and money last week. If your student still has any unsold coupon books or money that has not yet been turned in, please remember to send those items to school with your student as soon as possible.
If you would prefer, you are also welcome to drop them off at the middle school office.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Winick in the Hastings Middle School front office, and she will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Jeff Saunders
Principal
Hastings Middle School
This is a friendly reminder that our Culver’s/Biggby Coupon Book fundraiser has ended, and we began collecting coupon books and money last week. If your student still has any unsold coupon books or money that has not yet been turned in, please remember to send those items to school with your student as soon as possible.
If you would prefer, you are also welcome to drop them off at the middle school office.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Winick in the Hastings Middle School front office, and she will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Jeff Saunders
Principal
Hastings Middle School
It's called Activity Night for a reason. The Hastings Community Education & Recreation Center was filled with activity Friday afternoon as our Middle Schoolers took it over. They enjoyed everything from swimming, music and karaoke to pizza, pool, basketball and time with friends. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this favorite event a reality!
Just a reminder that Activity Night is tomorrow, Friday the 27th, from 3:30 to 5:30 at the CERC.
The cost is $3 to get in. There will be swimming, games, and activities, and food and snacks will be available for purchase.
Please remember, rides will not be provided unless you are already a bus rider who takes the bus to the high school. Make sure you have a ride arranged for pick-up at 5:30.
We hope to see you there!
The cost is $3 to get in. There will be swimming, games, and activities, and food and snacks will be available for purchase.
Please remember, rides will not be provided unless you are already a bus rider who takes the bus to the high school. Make sure you have a ride arranged for pick-up at 5:30.
We hope to see you there!
⏰ Don’t forget!
HMS FFA Fundraiser Night is TONIGHT at Culver’s of Hastings from 5:00–8:00 PM!
Grab dinner, dessert, or a treat—a portion of all sales will be donated to support Hastings Middle School FFA.
📍 1600 W. Green Street, Hastings
Thank you for supporting our students and program! 🌾💙
HMS FFA Fundraiser Night is TONIGHT at Culver’s of Hastings from 5:00–8:00 PM!
Grab dinner, dessert, or a treat—a portion of all sales will be donated to support Hastings Middle School FFA.
📍 1600 W. Green Street, Hastings
Thank you for supporting our students and program! 🌾💙
Please remember there will be no school on Friday, February 20, and Monday, February 23 for mid-winter break.
🍔💙 Support Hastings Middle School FFA at Culver’s Night! 💙🍔
Join us on Wednesday, February 25 from 5:00–8:00 PM at Culver’s of Hastings for a delicious way to give back!
A portion of all sales during this time will be donated to Hastings Middle School FFA.
✅ Dine-In
✅ Drive-Thru
✅ To-Go
✅ Online Orders
✅ Gift Card Purchases
There’s no limit to how much heart you can put into supporting our students and community. Grab dinner, dessert, or a ButterBurger—and help a great cause at the same time!
📍 1600 W. Green Street, Hastings, M
Join us on Wednesday, February 25 from 5:00–8:00 PM at Culver’s of Hastings for a delicious way to give back!
A portion of all sales during this time will be donated to Hastings Middle School FFA.
✅ Dine-In
✅ Drive-Thru
✅ To-Go
✅ Online Orders
✅ Gift Card Purchases
There’s no limit to how much heart you can put into supporting our students and community. Grab dinner, dessert, or a ButterBurger—and help a great cause at the same time!
📍 1600 W. Green Street, Hastings, M
