Dear HMMS Families,

This past week has been an energizing one! Students eagerly navigated from clue to clue to uncover our next school musical, and students from Teams Eclipse and Polaris wrapped up the week with a spirited noodle tag game in our hallways. All of this has been a reminder of the importance of fun in school. I’m inspired by the smiles and laughter shared between students and staff.

I feel fortunate for the beautiful weather we’ve had so far this year. As colder weather approaches, I’d like to remind everyone that our doors will open for students around 7:50 a.m., which is the earliest we can provide consistent supervision.

On a separate note, as highlighted recently on Channel 3, we’ll be sending out a survey to gain insight into the overall sense of belonging at HMMS. The data collected will help us identify areas where we can improve school systems to make HMMS a more inclusive, welcoming place for all.

While this newsletter may not be as packed as others please take a look for important information related to upcoming dates/events.

Thank you for your continued support!

• [REPEAT] Ski and Snowboard Club 24/25- sign up ASAP to secure your spot!

• Registration Link: click here!

• The HMMS Ski and Snowboard Club will meet on Thursday afternoons from January 16th to February 13th (with a makeup day of 2/27). Due to the popularity of the program, we may face transportation limitations this year. To ensure your student secures a spot, please fill out the Google Form as soon as possible. This year, we’ve coordinated with middle school athletics, allowing students who want to play basketball to still participate in the ski/snowboard program if they’re interested in doing both (there are no games currently scheduled for Thursdays). Additionally, we are committed to working closely with Whaleback to make sure that every child who wants to join has the opportunity to do so, regardless of cost concerns. If finances are a concern, please still express your interest, and we will provide more information in the coming weeks.

• Please email any questions you have to Emma Woodruff at woodruffe@hartfordschools.net

• [REPEAT] October 23-31st: Red Ribbon Week, Hartford Community Coalition will be joining lunches on October 8th to share information on this prevention week–please ask your student for more information and/or check out this site for more information on virtual activities that you can do–https://www.redribbon.org/virtual-activities

• Hartford High School will be hosting a Prospective Students Night on Thursday, November 14th. If your student is in 8th grade, please join us in learning more about Hartford High School through staff and student voice. We will be offering tours and an opportunity to ask questions. We look forward to seeing families Thursday, November 14th at 6:00pm in the high school auditorium.

• On Monday, November 4th, the PTO will be hosting a staff appreciation traveling breakfast cart to show our hard working staff members how much we appreciate them. They are asking for your help to by donating an item or two. The sign up link is: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F49A9A62AA1FB6-52672430-teacher
  

November 4- Early Release Conferences

November 5- No School for students Conferences

• Youth Mental Health First Aid (VIRTUAL/online) This free training program equips adults with skills to recognize and respond to youth mental health challenges and is open to anyone interested in gaining this certification. Please consider registering if you are a teacher, business owner, mentor, bus driver, community volunteer, or any other caring adult invested in the mental health of youth in our community! The workshop consists of completing 1-2 hours of programmatic pre-work online in October, followed by attending two virtual workshops held on Sunday, November 3rd and November 10th from 4:30-7 pm. The training is free, and all participants must pre-register. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

• Thanksgiving Meals - LINK

Reminder to register for winter sports!

Cody TanCreti

Principal HMMS

tancretic@hartfordschools.net