What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Education Edition ▲ August 15, 2025)
Pictured here is a typical day in the life at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School. The image captures the energy and atmosphere within the school environment. Photo credit goes to HastingsNow.com/ashley.
Hastings is buzzing: new school leaders, inclusive sports sign‑ups, concert dates, fall classes, and pre‑K openings. Our educators and families are dreaming big, and there’s still time to join in on the fun. Register today; celebrate learning in Hastings together.
Programs & Classes
Cosmetology & Hair Technician Program Starts Sept. 2 (Hastings Beauty School)
Dreaming of a beauty career? Hastings Beauty School invites you to its Cosmetology & Hair Technician Program beginning on September 2 2025. Students learn from professionals, work with real clients and graduate ready to rock the salon floor. Spots are limited, so secure your seat soon by messaging the school and asking about tuition assistance. Don’t miss this chance to turn your passion into a paycheck and meet other creative stylists in a friendly, hands‑on environment.
👉 Link: Hastings Beauty School
Ballroom Dancing Classes This Fall (Hastings Arts Center)
Get ready to twirl! Hastings Arts Center is partnering with dance instructor Cody Arndtson to offer ballroom dancing classes on Tuesday evenings starting in September 2025. No partner is needed—just come willing to learn. Classes are held at the arts center, and Arndtson promises a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and experienced dancers alike. If you’re interested, call 651‑366‑7813 or email arndtsonarts@gmail.com for schedules and fees. It’s a fun way to stay active, meet neighbors and maybe surprise yourself on the dance floor.
👉 Link: Hastings Arts Center
Pre‑K Program Now Enrolling (Little Beginnings Learning Center)
Little Beginnings Learning Center is accepting applications for its Fall 2025 pre‑kindergarten program. The school year runs from September 2 2025 through May 29 2026 and offers kindergarten readiness, outdoor classrooms, nature play and a nurturing faith‑based environment. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included, and both full‑time and part‑time options are available. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour by emailing info@littlebeginningslc.com; spots fill quickly, so don’t delay. It’s a warm, caring way to give your child a strong start.
👉 Link: Little Beginnings
Hastings Sharks Special Olympics & Soccer (Hastings Community Education)
Hastings Community Education highlights inclusive programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Hastings Sharks Special Olympics team offers year‑round sports training and competitions, and soccer registration is now open hastingscommunityed.com. Participants must be at least eight years old; unified partners attend practices with athletes. Scholarships are available, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Learn more and register online through the Community Education website, or contact Youth Services Coordinator Jaci Hansey (651‑480‑7673) for details. It’s a wonderful way to build fitness, friendships and confidence.
👉 Link: Inclusive Programming page
AKC Events Are Open for Registration (Get Real Dog Training)
Dog lovers rejoice—Get Real Dog Training shares that American Kennel Club (AKC) events at the South St. Paul Dog Training Club are now open. These events include obedience, agility and rally competitions designed to strengthen the bond between handlers and their four‑legged friends. Check the club’s event calendar (linked in the post) for dates and requirements, then register your pup for a fun learning experience. It’s a great way to socialize your dog, build skills and join a supportive community.
👉 Link: Get Real Dog Training
Events & Key Dates
Coffee Concert & Main Event Dates Set (Hastings Arts Center)
The Hastings Arts Center hints that its 2025‑2026 concert season will soon be revealed, but residents can already mark their calendars for two highlights: the first Tuesday Coffee Concert on September 23 2025 at 10:30 AM and the first Main Event concert on Friday, October 24 2025. More details are promised later in August. For now, save those dates and plan to enjoy inspiring live music close to home. The arts center’s concerts support local musicians and bring neighbors together.
👉 Link: Hastings Arts Center
People & Community
New Principal & Teacher Opening at SEAS (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School proudly introduces its new principal, Mrs. Stacy Bauer, who has served the school community since 2011. As she steps into her new leadership role, the school is seeking a second‑grade teacher for the 2025‑2026 academic year. If you or someone you know loves teaching and shares SEAS’s faith‑focused mission, contact the school office for details or visit their job‑openings page. Hastings neighbors are encouraged to welcome Mrs. Bauer and help spread the word about the opportunity.
👉 Link: SEAS
School Supply Assistance Offered (Hastings Family Service & SEAS)
For families needing help with back‑to‑school expenses, Hastings Family Service has teamed up with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School to provide school‑supply assistance. The program helps families purchase essential supplies and ensures every student starts the year prepared. Visit the link in the SEAS post for guidelines and an application. This resource is confidential and based on need; don’t hesitate to reach out and share with neighbors who might benefit. Together, the community is ensuring no child goes without notebooks, pencils or backpacks.
👉 Link: SEAS
MMEA All‑State Musicians Honored (Hastings Public Schools)
Hastings Public Schools celebrates three high‑school musicians—Matthew Wegener, Amelia Chandler and Ryan Wentzler—who earned spots in the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) All‑State Band Camp and performed at the capstone concert. Being chosen for All‑State is the highest honor a Minnesota high‑school musician can achieve. The district applauds these hardworking students and their families. Residents are invited to congratulate them and stay tuned for future performances that showcase Hastings talent.
👉 Link: Hastings Public Schools
RECAP: Candidate Filing for School Board Closed Aug. 12 (Hastings Public Schools)
RECAP: Hastings Public Schools reminds residents that the candidate‑filing window for the upcoming school board election closed on August 12 2025. If you’re interested in serving your community in future elections, now’s the time to read up on school‑district governance and attend board meetings. The district’s elections page offers information on requirements and timelines. Civic engagement keeps Hastings schools strong, so think about running next time or encourage someone with a passion for education to step up.
👉 Link: Hastings Public Schools
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