Starting the New School Year Off Strong

In today’s rapidly evolving world, academic success alone is not enough to prepare children for the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives. Recognizing the significance of holistic development, we have begun emphasizing the teaching of social-emotional skills in our elementary schools. These skills include skills for learning, empathy, emotional management and problem-solving, and friendship skills.

Social-emotional skills cultivate emotional intelligence in children, enabling them to understand and manage their own emotions effectively. By learning to identify and regulate their feelings, children become more resilient and capable of coping with stress and adversity. This emotional intelligence also extends to their interactions with others, promoting empathy, compassion, and kindness, which are crucial for building positive relationships and fostering a harmonious classroom environment.

Research has consistently shown a positive correlation between social-emotional development and academic success. When children are equipped with social-emotional skills, they can better concentrate, manage their time effectively, and collaborate with their peers. By promoting self-discipline and self-motivation, these skills empower students to set goals, persist in the face of challenges, and ultimately excel academically.

Elementary school can be a challenging environment where conflicts may arise. Educators provide students with the tools to navigate conflicts peacefully and constructively by teaching socialemotional skills. Children learn how to communicate effectively, actively listen, and seek fair and inclusive resolutions. Such skills foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, reducing instances of bullying and promoting a positive and healthy school climate.

All Hastings elementary schools use the social-emotional learning curriculum Second Step, which focuses on teaching positive relationship skills, managing emotions, and setting goals. This program is taught during morning meeting times and incorporated into our daily learning. Students are also recognized regularly for demonstrating positive attributes at school with recognition tickets and classroom or school-wide celebrations.

Social-emotional skills are not only vital during childhood but also have a profound impact on individuals’ lives as they grow into adults. These skills lay the groundwork for success in higher education, careers, and personal relationships. By cultivating self-awareness and empathy at an early age, children develop a strong foundation for becoming responsible and well-rounded adults who can navigate challenges, work collaboratively, and contribute positively to society.

The Future of Athletics: How Technology is Transforming the Experience

Raiders Athletics continues to leverage technology to enhance the experience of athletes, families, coaches, and spectators. We currently partner with a wide variety of different software platforms. They provide a diverse set of tools that impact the effectiveness and efficiency of our entire department. Internally, tasks that used to be laborintensive or time-consuming have become faster and more secure than ever before. Externally, technology services allow us to connect with athletes, families, and our community in various creative ways.

From a management perspective, the athletic office uses sport technology platforms to schedule and publish games, manage athlete registration and team rosters, and coordinate and pay officials. We also use technology to inform, celebrate, and communicate with stakeholders. For example, we post resources, directories, and sportspecific pages on our athletics website. We share news and special moments on social media and create attractive online newsletters to share seasonal stories. Fans and families can purchase game tickets and season passes online and watch live-stream videos of games in progress. Athletes complete seasonal surveys, watch videos of games, training sessions, and games on HUDL, and take IMPACT concussion tests. Coaches complete professional development requirements, access team video, and statistical analytics, communicate with players and teams, and conduct conference and section meetings. Even our scoreboards run on wireless technology. No matter what your role in or connection to HHS athletics is, you benefit from the technology partnerships that we have in place.

It’s incredible to consider that registration was done in person and on paper only ten years ago. Game schedules were printed on posters. Information and changes were sent by mail, memo, or “phone trees.” There was no website or social media to provide information and relatives out of town couldn’t see games unless they were here in person. We are grateful for all of the benefits that technology services provide. They continue to enhance our internal processes and improve the athletic experience for our students, families, coaches, and community.