Hastings Happenings
We are WELL-BALANCED when we make intentional decisions to recognize, prioritize and enjoy the academic, emotional, physical, and social aspects of our lives.
This week, we are celebrating another student, Kendall! She has a talent for advanced LEGO building, transforming complex instructions and loose pieces into impressive creations. She also has an incredible ability to assemble (Ikea), repair, or troubleshoot just about anything in our home, a skill that has earned her a reputation as the family's go-to problem solver. When she's not building, you'll often find her in the kitchen baking, a talent honed by hrt time with grandma. Her love of trivia reflects her endless curiosity and eagerness to learn, as she's always collecting fascinating facts and surprising us with her knowledge (e.g. what's the school mascot of Bucknell?)
We are grateful to have you at Hastings, Kendall! Keep being you!
🚨 Reminder of Early Release
We will be running an early release schedule on Wednesday, September 16th. The bell schedules are also linked on our website, at the top of Hastings Happenings.
🍂 Need Service Hours? Want to Give Back?
Looking for service hours or an opportunity to give back to your elementary school? The Windermere Fall Family Festival is happening on October 2 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Windermere Elementary!
Middle school students are welcome to volunteer and help make this fun event a success. If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using the link below!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4FAAAA2BA7F49-65439304-family#/
Parent and HMS Staff Book Club Interest Survey
We are excited to bring back our book club this year! This opportunity is open to parents and staff members to participate in. This event aims to foster insightful conversations on the topics that matter most to our families. To help us gauge interest and shape this program, please fill out this survey by 9/24.
Go Gold for Childhood Cancer
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 8th grade health students are working with non-profits from the Columbus area to help raise awareness during the month of September. October 2 is the "Go Gold" football game at Upper Arlington High School. Please see the flier below for more information on this event and how to order t-shirts to support the cause.
Helpful Attendance Information
Whether your child misses school due to an illness without a medical excuse, surgery with a medical excuse, a travel sports event, or a family vacation, all absences count toward the same chronic absenteeism thresholds under Ohio's updated attendance law.
This means that families may receive an attendance notification based on the total number of hours a student has missed, regardless of whether those absences are excused or unexcused. Please note that this is different from habitual truancy, which is based only on unexcused absences.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Megan Lippert.
Student Clubs
We truly believe that Hastings is a place for everyone! One way we help students develop a strong sense of belonging is by offering a variety of student clubs and groups where they can connect with others who share their interests.
If your child would like to start their own club, we encourage them to reach out to their school counselor for more information.
The link below is a working document that includes the student groups and clubs currently being offered at Hastings. We hope your child finds something that sparks their interest and helps them feel connected to our school community!
Fidgets/Squishies/Toys
As a middle school, we want to support students in using the tools they need to self-regulate while also maintaining a focused learning environment. Please remember that toys are not permitted at school.
Squishies, stress balls, stuffed animals, and similar items should not be carried around during the school day unless a student has received permission from their school counselor or an administrator.
Thank you for your partnership and support!
Hastings Lost and Found
The Hastings lost and found is already full. From lunchboxes to water bottles, we have accumulated a huge collection of missing items. Please encourage your child to check the Lost and Found area in the commons this week for any lost items. Thank you for helping us reunite these belongings with their owners.
6th Grade Camp
Black House will attend Monday the 14th to Wednesday the 16th.
On the morning of departure, please have your child arrive at Hastings between 7:30 - 8:00 AM. Luggage should be taken to the far side of the parking lot, near the track where teachers and high school students will be located.
Students will proceed to the Auditorium and wait for the bell to ring. Then, they will go to the Commons and gather by Flex.
A copy of the packing list was sent home today. Click HERE to access it digitally.
Please remember to pack toiletries in a string sack. Also, be sure your child has a peanut-free sack lunch on their first day of camp.
Students need to be picked up at 1:00 PM on the day they return from camp.
If you have any questions, please email Dana Flowers at dflowers@uaschools.org or Joanna Kaliker at jkaliker@uaschools.org.
**If your child is not attending camp, they will receive their schedule next week.
Amplify
Upper Arlington Schools' student voice committee, Amplify, is seeking new 7th-grade representatives from Hastings Middle School. Amplify gives students a direct role in shaping district policy, fostering inclusion, and elevating the student experience.
To apply, enroll in the Amplify Application course in Canvas, navigate to Assignments for instructions, and submit a 90-second video application. All applications must be submitted by September 14th.
Want to learn more before applying? You can view this Amplify Presentation or reach out to current 8th-grade representatives to hear about their personal experiences.
Pittsburgh 2026
Trip Dates: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Thursday, October 15, 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 Guardian/Parent Meeting #1
There will be two opportunities to attend the first meeting for this year’s Washington DC trip. Please do your best to attend, as we will be reviewing trip expectations and details of the trip!
Option #1
Date: Monday, September 14th
Location: Hastings Middle School
Time: 7:30pm
Option #2
Date: Tuesday, September 15th
Location: Jones Middle School
Time: 7:30pm
Washington DC 2026-2027 Trip: May 11, 2027 - May 14, 2027
