Hastings Middle School Family Flier

Dear HMS Families,

Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” At Hastings Middle School, we strive every day to foster a culture of growth, respect, and inclusion. Students at the middle level are continuously learning.

I am incredibly proud of our school community and the amazing things that happen here each day. Our students, staff, and families demonstrate kindness, perseverance, and a commitment to learning—not just academically, but also in how we support and care for one another.

One area we are focusing on at HMS is addressing stereotyping when it arises. Stereotyping occurs when we unfairly assume that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same. These assumptions can be harmful, even when unintentional, and often, we don’t realize the hurt caused by an insensitive joke or comment. We are encouraging our students to be upstanders—to speak up, challenge stereotypes, and use their actions to create a safe and welcoming environment for all. My hope is that we will stretch and grow as a school community by addressing these things when they arise at school.

It continues to be my pleasure to serve the Upper Arlington school community, and I truly appreciate the strong partnerships we have built with our parents. Your support is invaluable as we work together to guide and inspire our students.

Thank you for all that you do!

Warm regards,

Penny Stires

Principal

Hastings Middle School

Iowa Assessment Results

Iowa assessment results will be sent home in sealed envelopes for each student on Thursday, February 13th. If your child misplaces their assessment results, please reach out to Megan Lippert (mlippert@uaschools.org).

House 7 Gold-Star House Service Project

The students and teachers of House 7 Gold are excited about their service project with the Star House. Beginning Monday, February 3 through February 14, we are collecting supplies for the Star House, a youth and young adult center that provides various services for homeless youth. We are collecting new socks, reusable water bottles, toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc..), new or gently used winter coats, rain ponchos, and jackets as well as new and gently used men's and women's clothing (for ages 14-24/sizes adult small and up). Students can bring the items in and drop them off in their classrooms.

Service Hours

There are two ways any Hastings student can earn service hours supporting the Star House service learning project.

1. If you do extra chores around the house and earn money to purchase toiletries or new socks, you may count the time spent doing chores. All the money you earn must be spent for Star House supplies in order for it to count as service hours.

2. If you spend time at your house (with an adult) sorting through items to donate, you may count that time.

When you enter the hours, you must use an adult in your home as the verification contact. In addition, you need to explain in the reflection section exactly what you did and how you earned the hours.

Amy Aspengren

Last names starting with PSU

aaspengren@uaschools.org

Last names starting with JLM

abanks@uaschools.org

Last names starting with EKNOWXYZ

mbiedenbach@uaschools.org

Mary Anne Holloway (Matt's substitute)

mholloway@uaschools.org

Last names starting with CDQTV

mkeen@uaschools.org

Last names starting with ABFI

emhughes@uaschools.org

(Please note em not e or l)

Last names starting with GHR

hpeebles@uaschools.org

IB Information Night

HERE is the presentation from Thursday's IB Information Night.

Juvenile Law and Sexting 101

Each year at Hastings we partner with the Franklin County Prosecuting Office to come in and talk with our students about Juvenile Laws, Sexting Laws and Online Safety. This year, on February 18th 2024, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Irene Knapp will be joining us to talk with our students about these issues. Each grade level will listen to the presentation in school during their enrichment period. Please feel free to check out this flier that shares more about what will be discussed. If you have any questions and/or concerns about this presentation, please reach out to your grade level counselor.

The students will then have a follow up conversation on some of the topics covered during their advisory period on February 21st, 2025, to ensure that students have understood and absorbed the key content from the presentation.

If you want to opt your student out of the presentation, and the follow up conversation, please click here.

Counseling Intern

Mrs. Chloe Perry will be working on her counseling internship and practicum this spring and next year. At this time, Mrs. Perry will be primarily sitting in on meetings and observing, but as the semester progresses she will begin taking a more active role with students. (Her process is similar to that of a student teacher in a classroom.)

Helpful Links

Hello Hastings Community! Check out the updates below for what’s shakin’ with the Hastings PTO:

The PTO is in dire need of a Co-Treasurer for 2025-2026 and a Spirit Wear chair. These positions are critical to the success of the PTO. Please reach out to hastingspto@gmail.com to get more details!

Thanks to everyone who helped make our Concession Stand a success!! We appreciate the volunteers and committee chairs who made it happen.

Help PTO feed our teachers during Winter Conferences on Thursday, February 13th. PTO will provide the soups and salads and we need your help with the drinks, desserts, and sides. If you don't have time to shop, please consider donating via Venmo @Hastings-PTO and we will do the shopping for you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F49ABAD28AA8-54617581-hmswinter

Our February Restaurant Night partner is fan favorite Meza Wine Shop!! Enjoy a date night “in” delivered to your door with $25 from each order going directly to support Hastings. The package includes 2 bottles of wine and a charcuterie package for two - OR choose the charcuterie only package. Orders must be placed by Sunday, February 9th by 9pm. Orders will be delivered on Tuesday, February 11th between 1pm and 6pm to your door.

Hastings Middle School Fundraiser — meza wine shop

FROZEN FRIDAYS have started - the PTO provides entertainment for the students during the winter weeks when they cannot go outside for “recess.” Support this committee by purchasing supplies to keep the activities going - we appreciate your donations! Please volunteer your time to support each Frozen Friday - see the sign up genius below to volunteer!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4EA4A722ABFC1-54253250-frozen#/

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/27HBH2CHJQYE5?ref_=wl_share

TISSUES are in major need at the school - please send a few boxes with your student so their classrooms are ready to handle the winter sniffles.

Come work the school store!! Check out the great social experiment, lunchtime at a middle school - work a shift at the school store! Volunteers needed during all lunch periods on Wednesday and Friday every week. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4AABA82DAAF49-46358601-hastings#/