Hastings Happenings
This week, we would like to highlight one of our students, Beckett!
Beckett truly showed us what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to be Open-Minded and Empathetic by welcoming a new student to his lunch table and eagerly learning how to use Google Translate to communicate with them.
He spent lunch and intramurals connecting with his new friend, learning a new skill himself, and even discovering a shared love of fried chicken! Beckett and his new friend continued sitting together throughout the week, and Beckett encouraged him to interact with the other students at the table. Before long, he was using Google Translate to communicate with much of the table!
Thank you, Beckett, for being you and for sharing your empathy with the Hastings community!
Date: Tuesday, August 25
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:40 p.m.
Who: Parents/Guardians Only
If possible, please do not bring small children or your student. Some classes have up to 27 students, and our classrooms are not large enough to comfortably accommodate additional guests.
Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Be mindful of limited parking and plan ahead! First period begins at 6:00 p.m. SHARP, and we will be assigning lunch detentions to any parent/guardian who is late! 😄
- Dress comfortably and in layers! While our classrooms are air-conditioned, the hallways and commons spaces are not.
- Test scores will be available for pick-up if you were unable to attend Back-to-School Night.
- Make sure you know your child’s schedule, including room numbers! As a reminder, the web-based version of PowerSchool works much more efficiently than the app.
- During lunch periods, stop by the cafeteria/commons area to learn more about our amazing PTO!
📸 School Picture Day
School picture day is scheduled for Friday, August 28th. Pictures are coordinated through HR Imaging Partners Inc. Please consider this date when scheduling appointments and absences for your student. Orders can be purchased at shop.hrimaging.com.
AM Arrival / PM Dismissal
- If you are dropping off/picking up your student, please make sure they are ready to exit the vehicle.
- In order to keep our car line moving, we also ask that you pull all the way up, if there is space to do so, before letting your child(ren) out of the car.
- Please do not park in the staff parking lot or use Hastings Lane to drop off or pick up students. We kindly ask that you use the stop, drop and go line in the parking lot loop.
- Please do not turn left out of the parking lot onto Hastings Lane when dropping off / picking up.
- Please do not ride your bike or walk through the parking lot. The parking lot is very busy at drop off/pick up times. We want to keep our bikers and walkers safe! When you get to the school sidewalks, we kindly ask that you walk your bike to keep our walkers safe.
- At all times, during arrival and dismissal, please use the sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Students are not permitted to cross Hastings Lane outside of the crosswalk.
- It is our district’s policy that dogs are not permitted on school grounds. If you are walking and have your dog, please keep your dog leashed and then allow your child to walk by himself/herself, if on school property.
Thank you again for helping to keep all of our students safe.
Hello 6th-grade families!
I’m thrilled to formally introduce myself as the school counselor for the Class of 2033! I’ll be supporting your students throughout their entire three-year journey here at HMS. With 14 years in education and two wonderful years in UA, I am so happy to be part of this community.
On a personal note, I’m a proud mom to my 8-year-old daughter, Luka, and our energetic dog, Rudy. I love outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, but I also value a relaxing "lazy day" to recharge. If you visit my office, you’ll see my collection of rubber ducks, a fun hobby I’ve had since I was in middle school!
I’m here to support your students in many joyful ways, including, but not limited to:
One-on-one student chats and check-ins
Peer mediation and conflict resolution: please note that all students involved will be notified in advance and given the option to participate or not in the mediation meeting.
Fun and collaborative small-group sessions
Celebrating student achievements, big and small!
Sources of Strength programming to build school-wide connections
Answering questions about schedules and school opportunities
Coordinating 504 plans to ensure student success
My door is always open! Students can easily reach out by scanning the QR codes located around the building. I love hearing from them and always find the best time to connect so they feel supported while staying engaged in their learning.
If you ever want me to check in with your child or have any concerns, please feel free to email or call. I’m here to help our students thrive!
I am so excited for the year ahead! This group has already shown incredible kindness: I’ve seen them helping one another with lockers and navigating the halls with such care. It’s going to be a fantastic middle school experience!
Kind Regards,
Carla Langford
Pittsburgh 2026
Trip Dates: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
Total Cost: $430
Final Payment Due Date: Friday, August 21st, 2026
For payment:
Go to Nowak Tours Website
Click on Traveler Login
If you were unable to attend the parent meeting, please click the links below:
For scholarship needs, please contact our principal Matt Jordan, mrjordan@uaschools.org
Washington DC 2026-2027
Our 8th grade class travels to Washington DC each May for three nights, four days. More information will be sent out in September.
Dates: May 11, 2027 through May 14, 2027
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 27th
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: HMS Auditorium
