Saxon Scribe 4 pgs 8-31-13

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
District offices are open for
registration of new students
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
August/September 2013
Please bring the following information with you to register
your student: original birth certificate, immunization
records, proof of residency – driver’s license, utility bill, rent
or mortgage payment.
Hastings Area School System is participating in Schools of
Choice for the 2013-2014 school year. Students who reside
within the Barry ISD or an adjoining intermediate school
district are eligible to be accepted. Hastings has openings in
all grades Kindergarten – 12. Application deadline is
September 6, 2013.
SUPERINTENDENT’S LETTER
OPEN HOUSE INVITATION
August 27, 2013
Dear Hastings Parents and Community Members,
This is an exciting time for our community. The school year is beginning and we are
looking forward to another tremendous year for Hastings Area Schools. This is a great time
to be a Saxon!
During the past year we have enjoyed several positive things. Star School was just named
a “Reward School” based on being in the 95th percentile of state elementary schools as
determined by student achievement. Hastings High School was named a “Silver Award”
winner by U. S. News making it one of just 75 high schools in the state to receive this honor.
As a district we also overcame tremendous budgetary issues. Our fund balance in July 2012
was -$600,000. In July of 2013 I am proud to tell you that balance is +$500,000. This was
achieved by sacrifice on the part of all of our employees. Every group has contributed and
our teachers took a 6% pay cut for last year and this coming school year. We also worked
hard to reduce expenditures across the board.
As your superintendent I have been tremendously impressed with the sense of community
pride and commitment. Each month we receive donations from many different community
members and groups. In addition to monetary contributions, we also feel the community
support through those who volunteer or contribute during our strategic planning process. We
received participation by those who filled out surveys, attended community forums, were
part of our focus groups, and those 45 people who participated in a two day task force session. This commitment of money, time, and effort is what makes Hastings such a special
place.
As we look forward to this coming year we are excited about several things. We will
again be looking for community input with some committees that will be forming shortly.
These committees will continue work on the dynamic plan to look at curriculum/vocational
education, improving district communication, and reviewing our facility needs. Also, we are
extremely proud to be involved in a staff development program called, “Capturing Kids
Hearts”. It is based on the idea that the way to reach a student’s brain is through their heart.
It will help our school staff improve relationships with students, parents, and other staff.
Our Hastings Area School System staff would like to welcome you to another school year.
Through our actions this past year we are excited to be able to join our students, parents, and
community members in living the meaning of our District Promise: “Saxon Pride!
Commitment to Excellence! We don’t wish for it. We work for it!”
Sincerely,
HIGH SCHOOL
September 3 • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Todd Geerlings, Superintendent
Written requests must be submitted to Superintendent’s
Office, Hastings Area Schools, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings,
MI 49058.
The first step of the enrollment process is to pick up a
“Registration Package” from the Administration office. This
registration package is the paperwork needed to help our
counselors plan your student’s schedule. Once the registration package is complete, an individual appointment will be
set for the student, his/her parent or guardian, and the
student’s counselor. Appointments will be set on a first callfirst served basis.
Going through this process ensures a smooth start for
students to begin classes on September 3, 2013.
Hot lunches will be available for
students starting on Sept. 3rd or
students may carry a sack lunch.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
September 3 • 6:00pm - 7:00 pm
Parent/Teacher
Organizations
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
August 28 • 6:30pm - 7:30 pm
Check Each School’s Website for
PTO Meeting Dates
HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM SCHOOL HOURS
First Day of School: Tuesday, September 3, 2013
KINDERGARTEN - 5TH
8:00 a.m.– 3:15 p.m.
HASTINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL
8:00 a.m.– 3:10 p.m.
HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL
7:50 a.m.– 3:05 p.m.
HASTINGS COMMUNITY CHILD CARE CENTER
Offerings: The child care program is available for children 6
weeks through 12 years of age, Monday through Friday, 6:30 am
to 6:00 pm. A preschool program is available during the school
year with wrap-around child care. This program prepares young
children for kindergarten and is available Monday through
Friday for children 3 through 4 years of age. The child care program is open year round and stays open even when the schools
are closed. We provide breakfast and snacks within a safe and
secure environment.
Staff: The early childhood specialists at Hastings
Community Child Care are trained in CPR/First-Aid and
early childhood development. Each staff member is
screened for a criminal background and child abuse and
neglect. Each staff member is hand picked for his/her
ability to provide young children with a nurturing, learning environment.
520 W. South Street, Hastings, MI 49058
Ph: (269) 818-0040
Fax: (269) 948-2658
Program Director: Mary Robinson
Hours of Operation: Mon. - Fri,
6:30 am–6:00 pm
Email: Mrobinson@hassk12.org
Description: Hastings Community Child Care is nestled within
the Hastings Community Center. The Hastings Area School
System is a community of learners; and the child care center is
no different in that it is comprised of the community’s ‘little
learners’! The center provides a wonderful early childhood
program that fosters cognitive, social-emotional and physical
development in young children. The child care center is a place
that children and adults can consider a welcoming haven…a
place where laughter and play are cherished…a place where
children’s development is enhanced and nurtured through warm
response.
KIDS!
Hastings CERC DaveFOR
“Stormy” Storms
FALL 2013 Catalog Needle Felting
FOR ADULTS!
Animal Appreciation
Be Insurance Smart
Buying and Selling
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Eating Wellness
My First 5K
Training Program
Woodworking
Book Club
YOGA
Needle Felting
Strength and Nutrition
Water Aerobics
Water Exploration
Positive Parenting
Chinese Calligraphy
Fun with Theater
Be a Pastry Chef
Children Sing on WBCH
Christmas in Africa
Criminal Investigation
UP DOs and BRAIDS
Animal Appreciation
Warrior Tae Kwon Do
Cooking
Community Education
& Recreation Center
FOR FAMILIES!
American Sign
Language
First Aid Training
“By the People, For the People”
Register Now!
269-948-4414
FOR MORE INFO GO TO www.hasscerc.weebly.com
520 W. South St. Hastings, MI 49058; Adjacent to the high school.
Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
BOARD OF EDUCATION WORK SESSIONS 2013-2014
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
Tuesday,
September 10, 2013
October 15, 2013 . .
November 12, 2013
January 7, 2014 . .
March 11, 2014 . .
May 13, 2014 . . . .
June 10, 2014 . . . .
July 1, 2014 . . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.Hastings
.Hastings
.Hastings
.Hastings
.Hastings
.Hastings
.Hastings
.Hastings
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
School
School
School
School
School
School
School
School
Board of Education Work Sessions begin at 7:00 p.m.
HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM
Upon request to the Superintendent, The District shall make reasonable accommodation for a person with disabilities to be able to participate in this meeting.
232 West Grand St., Hastings, Michigan
ADMINISTRATION • 2013- 2014
Superintendent Todd Geerlings • Director of Business Services
Tim Berlin
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Matt Goebel
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
High School 948-4409
Administration 948-4400
Middle School 948-4404
Bus Information 948-4418
Northeastern Elementary 948-4421
Central Elementary 948-4423
Southeastern Elementary 948-4419
Community Education & Recreation Center
Star Elementary 948-4442
948-4414
CERC Child Care Center 818-0040
HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM HASTINGS,
MICHIGAN BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATES 2013-2014
Monday, September 16, 2013, Southeastern Elem. School
Monday, October 21, 2013, Star Elem. School
Monday, November 18, 2013, Central Elem. School
Monday, December 16, 2013, Hastings Middle School
Monday, January 20, 2014, Northeastern Elem. School
Monday, February 24, 2014, Hastings Middle School
Monday, March 17, 2014, Hastings High School
Monday, April 21, 2014, Hastings Middle School
Monday, May 19, 2014, Hastings Middle School
Monday, June 23, 2014, Hastings Middle School
BOARD OF EDUCATION
*All meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. unless indicated otherwise.
Dan F. Patton, President • Jon L. Hart, Vice President • Donna L. Garrison, Secretary • Kevin S. Buck, Treasurer
Robert J. Longsreet, Trustee • Valerie A. Slaughter, Trustee • Louis Wierenga Jr., Trustee
Upon request to the Superintendent, The District shall make reasonable
accommodation for a person with disabilities to be able to participate in this meeting.
A publication of the Hastings Area Schools System
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
CONCEALED WEAPONS LAW
State law requires that each student entering kindergarten, or a new school district in grades 1 - 12, have a certificate of immunization
at the time of registration. Before a child can be permitted to enter or attend school, parents or guardians must present documentation that
their child has received all required doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the required vaccines
and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals.
Requirements for children four years through six years of age:
• 4 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccine and, if a dose was not received on or after the fourth birthday, a booster dose
at school entry is required. Most children will have 5 doses.
• 3 doses of any appropriate polio vaccine and, if a dose was not received on or after the fourth birthday, a booster dose at school entry
is required. Most children will have 4 doses.
• 2 doses of any appropriate live Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine received after the first birthday, at least 28 days apart, and
with one of the doses at or after 15 months of age or current laboratory evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella.
• 3 doses are required of the Hepatitis B vaccination.
• 1 dose of Varicella (Chickenpox) is required or reliable history of disease.
Requirements for children seven through 18 years of age:
• 4 doses of any appropriate diphtheria and tetanus vaccine are required. If a dose was not given in the last 10 years, a booster dose
of Td is required.
• 3 doses of any appropriate polio vaccine are required.
• 2 doses of the MMR vaccine are required. The first dose must be given on or after the first birthday. The second dose must be given
at least 28 days from the first dose.
• 3 doses are required of the Hepatitis B vaccination.
• 1 dose of Varicella (Chickenpox) is required on or after first birthday but prior to the 13th birthday OR two doses are required, administered at least 28 days apart, if the child received the first dose on or after the 13th birthday.
Children who have not received the required immunizations will be excluded from school until parents provide proof that all required
immunizations have been given, or have a waiver on file. Parents will receive written notification of the necessary immunizations
needed by their child before the child is excluded from school.
• Meningococcal: 1 dose for children 11 years of age or older.
Generally, the concealed weapons law prohibits members of the public authorized to carry a concealed weapon on school property. The only exception to this general rule is for a parent or legal guardian “while in a vehicle on school property” to drop-off
or pick-up the student a school.
Law enforcement authorities will be notified, in the interests of safety, if any concealed weapons are brought onto school premises in a manner not strictly allowed by law.
CHILD PROTECTION ACT
Under the Michigan Child Protection Act, school employees are required to report suspected child abuse to the Family
Independence Agency. Child abuse is defined in the Child Protection Act as “harm or threatened harm to a child’s health
or welfare by a parent, legal guardian, or any other person responsible for the child’s health or welfare, or by a teacher or
teacher’s aide, which occurs through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment.”
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Sexual harassment of students, employees, or volunteers by other students, employees, or volunteers of the Hastings Area
School System is unlawful under both Michigan and federal law, and is contrary to the commitment of the School System to provide a stable learning and work environment. The Hastings Area Schools will not tolerate any sexual harassment of students,
employees, or volunteers.
Sexual harassment includes making unwelcomed sexual advances, engaging in improper physical contact, making improper
sexual comments, or otherwise creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning or work environment. All students, employees, and volunteers are expected to conduct themselves with respect for the dignity of others.
If a student has concerns about the nature of any conduct or physical contact by an adult or volunteer in the School System, by
a fellow student, or by a member of the public, the student immediately should report this concern to the principal of his/her
school.
All such reports will be investigated immediately by the School System, and all such reports will be handled discreetly to maintain confidentiality in order to avoid embarrassment and to protect the student making the report. However, it should be understood that the School System is required by law to report child abuse to the Family Independence Agency.
Copies of the School System’s policy and complaint procedure on sexual harassment are available in all school offices and at
the Superintendent’s Office, 232 West Grand, Hastings, Michigan.
HASTINGS SCHOOLS COMPLY WITH TITLE IX
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 of the United States Congress specifically states, “No person in the
United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance...”
It is the policy of the Hastings Area School System to fully comply with Title IX. Therefore, the Board of Education,
the administration, and the staff of the Hastings Area School System shall continue to take whatever steps may be necessary to prevent sexual discrimination in all educational programs and curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities.
The School System’s policy specifies that all students have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from school
activities and services.
It is a violation of that policy for the administration, teachers, or other staff members to discriminate against students
on the basis of sex in disciplinary actions, entitlement and provision of services, selection of courses or programs, counseling services, physical education and athletics, and on the basis of marital or parental status.
Likewise, no assistance, such as administrative or staff cooperation, faculty sponsorship, or use of school facilities on
school time, shall be provided to any non-school organization or individual when it has been determined that such organization or individual discriminates on the basis of sex.
For further information contact Matt Goebel, Title IX Coordinator.
HASTINGS AREA PUBLICITY INFORMATION
This announcement will serve to notify parents and guardians that throughout the school year student activities, programs, and
sports events are video taped for broadcasting on the local cable access channel (channel 2) and for other public and school viewing, and that students may be photographed for the newspapers and for display on the Internet. Parents/guardians who do not wish
their child/children to be video taped or photographed throughout the school year, are asked to send written notification to the
office at the school the child/children attend.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Hastings Area Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height,
weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
ANNUAL PARENT NOTIFICATION OF RIGHT TO REQUEST
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
Central School, Northeastern School, Southeastern School, Star School and Middle School receive federal funds for Title I programs that
are part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Throughout the school year, we will continue to provide you with important information regarding this law and your child’s education.
You have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s). If you request
this information, the district or school will provide you with the following as soon as possible:
A. If the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is providing instruction;
B. If the teacher is teaching under an emergency status for which state licensing requirements have been waived;
C. The type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree or certificate; and
D. If your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, if so, his/her qualifications.
If you would like to request this information please contact Todd Geerlings, Superintendent, at
(269)948-4400.
PESTICIDE INFORMATION
The Hastings Area Schools has a pest management program in the district. As a result, pesticides are occasionally applied in district buildings or on district grounds. Some things you should know about the Hastings Area Schools’ program are:
1) Pesticides are used only as necessary in our buildings to reduce and control
the occurrence of insects in the schools and to ensure that buildings meet health code standards.
2) Only State of Michigan licensed pesticide applicators are used.
3) Pesticides are used only in those areas of the buildings in which infestations are likely to occur, such as, food service areas.
Pesticides are NOT routinely used throughout the buildings.
4) The district has informed our licensed pesticide applicator that pesticides may NEVER be used in or near district facilities during normal school hours. Regular pesticide applications are normally scheduled once a month and after school has been
dismissed, or during other non-school days or hours. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture rules, rooms sprayed
with pesticides must remain unoccupied for at least four hours after application.
5) If, due to an emergency situation, pesticide must be sprayed in or about your child’s school day, you may request to be
notified after the spraying has occurred. Remember, such spraying will only take place after school hours or on a day when school
is not in session. If you wish to be notified of such situations, please completed the following form and mail it to: Todd Geerlings,
Superintendent, Hastings Area School System, 232 West Grand, Hastings, MI 49058.
PESTICIDE NOTIFICATION REQUEST
Parent/Guardian/Staff Member Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Student’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s/Staff Member’s School: _________________________________________________________________________
Street Address ________________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code _________________________________________ Telephone ___________________________________
I wish to be notified of any emergency spraying of pesticide in the building of the above school. I understand that emergency
spraying will only take place after school hours or on a day when school is not in session.
Parent/Staff Member signature: _____________________________________________________ Date _________________
WEAPONS FREE SCHOOLS
As provided by law, students involved in violations involving firearms will be expelled from school.
A “firearm” is defined as 1) any weapon which will or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the
action of an explosive; 2) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; 3) any firearm muffler or silencer; or 4) any destructive
device, including bombs, rockets, or any other explosive type devices.
In order to comply with laws regarding discipline for students who bring weapons to school, or who commit arson or rape
while on school property or at school activities, the Hastings Area School System’s Board of Education has included provisions
about such matters in its discipline code. A complete copy of the discipline code is available for review in any school office, but
it is extremely important that all parents/guardians understand that there are very severe penalties (mandatory expulsion; referral
to legal, social service, and mental health authorities; etc.) for students who bring weapons to school, or who commit arson or
rape.
Weapons are defined by law as knives with a blade over three inches (however no knives will be tolerated no matter the size
of the blade), knives opened by mechanical devices, firearms of any kind, brass knuckles, stilettos, daggers, dirks, or iron bars.
“Look-alike” weapons and BB guns also are included in the Board’s discipline code. If any of these items are brought on to
school grounds, on a school bus, or to any school activity, the full consequences of the state law will be implemented as required.
The possession, use, or threat to use any weapon or instrument capable of inflicting bodily injury are prohibited and such items
are not to be brought to school. Appropriate discipline will be administered.
7434 - USE OF TOBACCO ON SCHOOL PREMISES
PARENT’S RIGHTS TO STUDENT RECORDS
GUN-FREE SCHOOLS ACT
The Board of education believes that the right of persons to use tobacco must be balanced
against the right of those who do not use tobacco to breathe air untainted by tobacco.
In order to protect students and employees who choose not to use tobacco from an environment noxious to them and potentially damaging to their health. the Board prohibits use of
tobacco products on District premises (owned or leased), in District vehicles, at all school
sponsored events and in all school buildings owned and/or operated by the District.
For purposes of this policy,
A. “tobacco product” means a preparation of tobacco to be inhaled, chewed, or placed in
a person’s mouth.
B. “use of tobacco product” means any of the following:
1. the carrying by a person of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other lighted smoking
device
2. the inhaling or chewing of a tobacco product
3. the placing of a tobacco product within a person’s mouth
4. and/or the smoking of electronic, “vapor,” or other substitute forms of cigarettes,
clove cigarettes or other lighted smoking devices for burning tobacco or any other substance.
Tobacco may not be advertised or promoted on school property or at school controlled
events. Therefore, signs, clothing, bags, accessories, and other items promoting tobacco or
containing tobacco branding are prohibited on school property and at school controlled
events.
Tobacco companies/products may not sponsor any school activity or project.
The superintendent shall designate the individuals and the methods to monitor compliance
with this policy.
M.C.L.A. 333.12601 et seq.
M.C.L.A. 380,1170
M.C.L.A. 750.473
20 U.S.C. 6081 et seq.
U.S.D.O.E. Memorandum, 1995
MDE Board Policy on 24/7 Tobacco-Free Schools
~ GET CONNECTED ~
Hastings Area School System web site has valuable information at your fingertips! Check
the district calendar, see the lunch menu, check school information, link to your students’
teachers, and much more.
Log on to www.hassk12.org and check us out!
The Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA)
afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the Hastings
Area School System receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the
building principal a written request that identifies the
record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official
will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the
records may be inspected.
2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s
education records that the parent or eligible student
believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in
violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students may ask the Hastings
Area School System to amend a record that they
believe is inaccurate. They should write the building
principal, clearly identify the part of the record they
want changed. If the School decides not to amend the
record as requested by the parent or eligible student,
the School will notify the parent or eligible student of
the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional
information regarding the hearing procedures will be
provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally
identifiable information contained in the student’s
education records, except to the extent that FERPA
authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without
consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator,
supervisor, instructor, or support staff member
(including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School
Board; a person or company with whom the School
has contracted to perform a service instead of using its
own employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or
student serving on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting
another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record
in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, Hastings Area School System discloses education records without consent to officials
of another school district in which a student seeks or
intends to enroll. Hastings Area School System will
forward the records as requested.
4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S.
Department of Education concerning alleged failures
by the Hastings Area School System to comply with
the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of
the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
NOTICE FOR DIRECTORY
INFORMATION
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA),
a Federal law, requires that Hastings Area School System,
with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to
the disclosure of personally identifiable information from
your child's education records. However, Hastings Area
School System may disclose appropriately designated
"directory information" without written consent, unless you
have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with
District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Hastings Area School System to
include this type of information from your child's education
records in certain school publications. Examples include:
• A playbill, showing your student's role in a
drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing
weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if
released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations
without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two
federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs)
receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military
recruiters, upon request, with three directory information
categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless
parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their
student's information disclosed without their prior written
consent.
If you do not want Hastings Area School System to disclose directory information from your child's education
records without your prior written consent, you must notify
the District in writing by October 1, 2013. Hastings Area
School System has designated the following information as
directory information:
• Student's name
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
SCHOOLS DIRECTORY
Hastings High School
520 West South Street, Hastings, MI 49058
Telephone: (269) 948-4409
Fax: (269) 948-8081
Principal: Kevin Riggs
Hastings Middle School
232 West Grand St., Hastings, MI 49058
Telephone: (269) 948-4404
Fax: (269) 945-6101
Principal: Chris Cooley
Central Elementary School
509 South Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058
Telephone: (269) 948-4423
Fax: (269) 948-4449
Principal: Mike Schneiderhan
Northeastern Elementary School
519 East Grant Street, Hastings, MI 49058
Telephone: (269) 948-4421
Fax: (269) 948-4502
Principal: Don Schils
Southeastern Elementary School
1300 S. East Street, Hastings, MI 49058
Telephone: (269) 948-4419
Fax: (269) 948-4504
Principal: Judy Johnson
Star Elementary School
1900 Star School Road, Hastings, MI 49058
Telephone: (269) 948-4442
Fax: (269) 948-4448
Principal: Amy Tebo
SCHOOL INSURANCE
INFORMATION
The Hastings Area School System does not pay for medical expenses incurred by students, but all students have the
opportunity to purchase school-time accident insurance
through an independent company. The insurance reimburses
payment for those accidents which require medical care
according to the provisions of the policy. Information about
the school insurance will be handed out the first day of school
and is available online @ www.1stagency.com
PUBLIC RELEASE FOR FREE & REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS
HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM
Food Services Provide Nutritious Meals
Telephone: (269) 948-4417
Cost: Breakfast $1.45 • Lunch $2.55 • Milk $0.50
Matt Moore, Food Service Director
Hastings Area Schools serves well over 225,000 Type A meals each year, plus snack bar
and a la carte items. We offer over four entrees per day in all schools. This provides a
good healthy choice for each child. We also offer snack bars in the Middle and High
schools for those students who want something extra for lunch. Not all snack bar items
are sold in both schools.
Breakfast is offered each morning! We offer cereal, juice, muffins, pop tarts, string
cheese, fruit, graham crackers, and milk. If your child receives a free or reduced price
meal, he/she will receive the same benefit for breakfast.
Debit card payment system: We use a computerized debit system for payment of all
items. Parents can pay online with debit or credit card or send in cash, check, or money
order in advance for their student’s meals. Payments can be made for a week, two weeks,
or even a month. The amount is put on a computerized system for your student’s account
that corresponds to a picture identification card which is used for all purchases. Parents
can request a list of items their child has selected for meals and snacks – it’s a great way
to keep track of what your child is eating. This is a debit card system, not a credit card.
Notes are sent home when the amount of money on the debit card is getting low. It is very
important for the speed of the lunch line for students to use their ID cards. This also helps
take care of any problems with accounts. The picture ID cards are used for all students,
free, reduced cost meals, and full payment.
Applications for free or reduced price meals are available online and will be sent home
the first day of school. Please fill out online or return as soon as possible with complete
information. The debit card system also allows for anonymity of students who receive
free or reduced price meals. Snack bar items are not eligible for free or reduced price
meals.
Please Note: All Hastings Area School buildings function under a closed campus policy.
Students are expected to remain on school grounds during the lunch period.
Lunch time is an important time for children. They need nourishment to give them the
zest for learning and fun that’s in store for them in the active school day! Hastings Area
Schools intend to provide food served with care so that students can benefit physically
and emotionally.
LOCKER SEARCH POLICY
It is the policy of the Hastings Area
School System Board of Education that all
lockers assigned to its students are the property of the School System. At no time does
the School System relinquish its exclusive
control of its lockers. The school principal,
or his/her designee, shall have custody of all
combinations to all lockers or locks.
Students are prohibited from placing locks
on any locker without the advance approval
of the school principal, or his/her designee.
Legitimate Use of School Lockers: The
School System assigns lockers to its students
for the students’ convenience and temporary
use. Students are to use lockers exclusively
to store school related materials and authorized personal items such as outer garments,
footwear, grooming aids, or lunches.
Students shall not use the lockers for any
other purpose, unless specifically authorized
by school policy or the school principal, or
his/her designee, in advance of students
bringing items to be kept in their lockers to
school. Students are solely responsible for
the contents of their lockers and should not
share their lockers with other students, nor
divulge locker combinations to other students unless authorized by the school principal, or his/her designee.
Search of Locker Contents: Random
searches of school lockers and their contents
have a positive impact on deterring violations of school rules and regulations, ensure
proper maintenance of school property, and
provide greater safety and security for students and personnel. Accordingly, the Board
of Education authorizes the school principal,
or his/her designee, to search lockers and
locker contents at any time, without notice,
and without parental/guardianship or student
consent.
The school principal, or his/her designee,
shall not be obligated to, but may request the
assistance of a law enforcement officer in
conducting a locker search. The school principal, or his/her designee, shall supervise the
search. In the course of a locker search, the
school principal, or his/her designee, shall
respect the privacy rights of the student
regarding any items discovered that are not
illegal or against school policy and rules.
Seizure: When conducting locker searches,
the school prinicpal, or his/her designee,
may seize any illegal or unauthorized items,
items in violation of school policy or rules,
or any other items reasonably determined by
the school principal, or his/her designee, to
be a potential threat to the safety or security
of others. Such items include, but are not
limited to the following: firearms, explo-
EMERGENCY CLOSING / DELAYED
OPENING OF SCHOOLS
There are many factors taken into consideration when the decision to close schools must be made
because of inclement weather or other emergency situations. No matter what criteria are used to reach
the decision and despite how carefully advance preparations are made, an emergency closing may
inconvenience some people. Whatever decision is reached, it will not be satisfactory to everyone, but
the safety of students always is the primary concern in any emergency closing.
Occasionally situations allow the decision to be made well in advance of the next school day, but
usually the decision is made during the early morning hours. Every effort is made to determine an
emergency closing no later than 6:30 a.m., but there may be occasions when conditions don’t permit
that. When possible, a “hard-surface roads only” transportation schedule or a delayed opening of the
schools will be arranged instead of an emergency closing. As soon as an emergency closing, a delayed
opening, or a change in the transportation arrangements is determined, the radio and television stations
listed below are notified immediately:
WBCH (1220)
WBCH (100.1)
WWMT (Channel 3)
WBCK (930)
WCUZ (101.3)
WOOD (Channel 8)
WKMI (1360)
WGRD (97.9)
WOTV (Channel 41)
WKZO (590)
WKFR (103.3)
WXMI (Channel 17)
WOOD (1300)
WOOD (105.7)
WZZM (Channel 13)
WQSN (1470)
WQLR (106.5)
Ph. 269-948-4400
Website: www.hassk12.org
When a delayed opening is announced, students should not report to school until just prior to the
delayed start of classes.
When schools are closed because of weather or other conditions, evening classes and activities also may
be cancelled and announcements about such cancellations will be made on radio station WBCH. No media
announcements will be made when schools are open as usual.
sives, dangerous weapons, flammable material, illegal controlled substances or controlled substance analogues or other intoxicants, contraband, poisons, and stolen property. Law enforcement officials shall be
notified immediately upon seizure of such
dangerous items, or seizure of items that
schools are required to report to law enforcement agencies under the Statewide School
Safety Information Policy.
Any items seized by the school principal, or
his/her designee, shall be removed from the
locker and held by school officials for evidence in disciplinary proceedings and/or
turned over to law enforcement officials.
The parent/guardian of a minor student, or a
student 18 years of age or older, shall be
notified by the school principal, or his/her
designee, of items removed from the locker.
Asbestos Management Plan
All Hastings Area School System buildings are involved in an
Asbestos Management Plan that calls for periodic surveillance of
asbestos found in each building. Twice a year an inspection of each
building is made to determine if any change in the condition of
asbestos has taken place or if any action is needed to maintain a safe
environment.
Each school building has a specific plan for monitoring asbestos
and the plan is located in each school office. A complete School
System plan for the monitoring of asbestos is on file at the
Administration Office and the asbestos manager’s office, which is
located at Hastings Middle School.
Any operations and maintenance activity needed for asbestos situations will be performed by trained school personnel when school
is not in session. When new or replacement construction is needed,
nonasbestos material will be used.
Any major asbestos removal project will be done by a professionally licensed and Environmental Protection Agency approved
contractor.
Any response action to asbestos that is planned or completed in
the schools, other than the normal operations and maintenance program, will be reported annually to the public.
Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRAaffords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection
and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.
These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or
more of the following protected areas ("protected information survey") if the
survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of
Education (ED):
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student's family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family
relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary
to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing,
vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or
required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information
obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
Inspect, upon request and before administration or use 1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the
above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or
an emancipated minor under State law.
Hastings Area School System is developing and adopting policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to
protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for
marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Hastings Area School
System will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the
start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Hastings Area
School System will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or
email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific
activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the
parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or
survey. Hastings Area School System will make this notification to par-
ents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the
specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For
surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will
be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys
listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such
activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to
review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities
and surveys covered under this requirement:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing,
sales or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole
or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as
described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint
with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
*FALL VARSITY SPORT SCHEDULES
Thursday
09/19/13
Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills High School
(Elementary/Middle School Night)
Home (CERC)
6:00PM
Thursday
09/26/13
Calvin Christian High School
Away
6:00PM
Thursday
Saturday
10/03/13
10/05/13
Grand Rapids West Catholic High School
Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills Invitational
Away
Away
6:00PM
TBA
Thursday
10/24/13
Grand Rapids Union High School
(Seniors’/Parents’ Night)
CERC
6:00PM
Tuesday
Fri. & Sat.
11/19/13 Diving regional
11/22-23/13 Michigan High School Division 1
Swimming & Diving Championships
11/26/13 Awards banquet
Away
TBA
TBA
TK High School
TBA
Tuesday
HASTINGS COMMUNITY ED. & REC. CENTER
Address: 520 W. South Street, Hastings, MI 49058 • Telephone: (269) 948-4414
Effective Tuesday, September 3, 2013 * Scheduled days and times are subject to change
OPEN SWIM SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm • Tues, Thurs., Fri. 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm • Sunday - Closed
ADULT LAP SWIM
Mon. - Fri. 6:30 am - 9 am
Anyone 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult IN the pool. Do not drop and leave children unsupervised.
CARDIO EXERCISE / WEIGHT ROOM & AUXILIARY GYM
PASSES TO ATHLETIC EVENTS
AVAILABLE TO SENIOR CITIZENS
In appreciation for their support of the Hastings Area School System over the
years, the Board of Education allows all persons who are 60 years of age or older
and residing within the Hastings Area School District free admission to all
school athletic events except tournaments. Those persons wishing to take advantage of this opportunity may obtain an activity pass by sending a written request
for such a pass to the Administration Office, 232 West Grand, Hastings.
(Must be 14 yrs of age)
Monday - Friday 6:30 am - 9:00 pm • Saturday - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday - Closed
Anyone 12-13 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Locker rooms and showers are available.
* Check our website (www.hassk12.org) for information on special events happening at the Community Center.
Vision: Personalizing education so that students are inspired to achieve and empowered to succeed.
Mission: In a safe, caring and collaborative environment, we provide excellent educational opportunities
for all students through a rigorous curriculum and relevant programs.
Promise: SAXON PRIDE. Our commitment to excellence “We don’t wish for it. We work for it.”
August/September 2013