This week's Raider Update features a range of significant announcements. We're proud to highlight this year’s Inaugural Native Graduate Honoring Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of our Indigenous students. Additionally, we're extending an invitation for community input on the redesign of MDE's assessments, ensuring all voices are heard and have an opportunity to provide feedback. In collaboration with the city of Hastings, we're sharing a public notice concerning PFAS, prioritizing transparency and safety within our community. Lastly, don't forget to check out our calendar reminders for important upcoming events.
Inaugural Native Graduate Honoring Ceremony -
Please make plans to join the first Native American honoring ceremony in the high school commons on May 7 at 6pm. Additional details are included in the above link.
MDE Redesigning Assessment Reports – Your Voice Matters!
The Minnesota Department of Education is beginning the process of redesigning the statewide assessment reports and your voice (families, educators and students (grades 8-12)) matters. The redesigned reports will be seen for the first time in the summer and fall of 2025. Please consider taking the survey to share your experience. The survey is open now through May 19 and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Please reach out to mde.testing@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about the survey or feedback process.
(Survey: https://prod-instrument-files.s3.amazonaws.com/INSTR_1188/MDE-Survey.html
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PFAS Public Notice - The City of Hastings has issued a public notice in response to PFAS in Hastings’ wells and drinking water. Information about an upcoming public meeting is also included below.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are a family of man made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in products such as non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, various industrial applications, cosmetics and other consumer products. They have been called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment.
Public Meeting set for Thursday, May 9.
The City of Hastings will hold a public meeting on Hastings drinking water and PFAS contaminants on Thursday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hastings High School, 200 General Sieben Drive. Park in the lower-level parking lot.
The agenda will include an information session, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations by Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and City of Hastings.
