District Newsletter
February 9, 2026
Waitsfield
Waitsfield students have been embracing winter this past month; there was a lot of cheering for the groundhog/ whistlepig /woodchuck to see his shadow the other day! From Nordic skiing in PE class to one of the best seasons remembered for our Wednesday ski program, and from igloo construction at recess to Kindergarten’s scientific study of pushes and pulls (best experienced from a sled), we are exploring multiple ways to enjoy what Mother Nature has been sharing this season.
Warren
Moretown
On January 17, the Moretown Lego Robotics team joined more than 100 teams from Vermont schools at GlobalFoundries to compete in the First Lego League Vermont State Championship. The competition engages students from fourth to eighth grade in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through robot building and project presentations. The volunteer group of 10 students and 2 teachers met regularly after school and even gave up lunch and recess to prepare for the competition.
BPS
Fayston
February is I Love to Read and Write Month, a celebration focused on the joy of reading and writing! Students take part in fun, creative literacy activities that remind us that reading and writing are meant to be enjoyed and shared. In past years, students have loved events like Mystery Guest Readers, writing challenges, book swaps, and Pajamas, Books, Bears…OH MY! This year, we’re thrilled to add something new: Inklings Children’s Books is partnering with us to help organize a local Book Fair!
CBMS
HUMS
8th grade families: On Thursday, February 12 we will hold 9th grade transition night from 5:30- 7pm (building tours from 5:30-6pm, presentation 6pm-7pm). High school counselors will talk about how to prepare for high school and about the course selection process.
Students are encouraged to come along but will also get a presentation at school and will do course selection in early March during class time (with support of the middle and high school counselors).
Responsible Decision Making
Life is full of choices—so let’s help our children get great at making them!
One simple and fun way to build decision-making skills at home is by playing “Would You Rather?” This game encourages kids to think critically, consider options, and explain their reasoning—all while having a good laugh together.
Here are some examples you can try at home:
- Would you rather play with blocks or play outside?
- Would you rather eat apples or bananas?
- Would you rather read a story or sing a song?
Elementary:
- Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?
- Would you rather have a dog or a cat?
- Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains?
Middle School:
- Would you rather have no homework or no chores?
- Would you rather be famous for your talent or known for your kindness?
- Would you rather lead a team or work quietly behind the scenes?
- Would you rather be the President or a Supreme Court Justice?
- Would you rather take a gap year to travel or go straight to college?
- Would you rather have your dream job in a small town or a good job in a big city?
After each question, invite your child to explain their choice—what made them decide that way? Encouraging them to share their reasoning helps strengthen their decision-making “muscle” and builds communication and empathy skills.
When our previous Athletic Trainer, Danni LaFlame, submitted her resignation, HUUSD Athletic Director Ian Fraunfelder began recruiting right away, while the position was simultaneously posted through SchoolSpring, Indeed, and NATA. Additionally Ian consistently reached out to neighboring schools and universities to identify leads and recruit recent graduates. Due to industry-wide changes requiring a five-year master’s degree and an extremely limited candidate pool, this search ultimately became a multi-year effort.
During the search, we interviewed five candidates and adjusted the salary to ensure it remained competitive. Throughout this time, we were fortunate to have the support of VASTA, GMVS, and neighboring schools, who helped cover required games and ensured our student-athletes continued to receive appropriate care and support.
We are incredibly excited to finally be announcing that Rebekah Bernard will be joining us next school year as our full-time Athletic Trainer.
Rebekah enters her 12th year as a certified and licensed Athletic Trainer. She and her fiancé are excited to plant roots in the area and become part of the Harwood Union High School community. Rebekah grew up in Freehold Township, New Jersey and graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2015, where she played field hockey and majored in athletic training.
Athletic training has taken Rebekah to several states throughout her career. She is currently in her seventh year at Walter Panas High School and has previously worked at Freehold Township High School and Bellows Falls Union High School. Her goal is to bring a “college-level” approach to care—providing thorough injury evaluations, rehabilitation, injury prevention, emergency care, education, and wound care—all with the focus of keeping athletes healthy and participating in the sports they love.
Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys hiking in the mountains, running trails, training in the gym, playing field hockey, and exploring small towns in search of a good cup of coffee.
We are thrilled to welcome Rebekah and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our student-athletes and school community.
- February 10: Early Voting Begins at Town Clerks' Offices
- February 11: HUUSD Board Meeting
- February 18: HUUSD Board Meeting
- February 19: Budget Public Forum @ 7:30 PM
- February 23 - March 3: February break; no school
- March 2: HUUSD Annual Meeting
- March 3: Town Meeting Day and Budget Vote
- March 4: School Resumes
