HMMS Newsletter

The week before break was filled with joy and laughter across \our school. We ended the week with our Winter Carnival. The carnival was originally planned as a full day of events. With the weather shifting our plans to a half-day schedule, both staff and students adjusted with ease . It was truly impressive.

As I walked around the building, I saw students and staff engaged in fun and creative activities karaoke performances, floor hockey matchups, mini-hoop basketball games, and so much more. The team music video competition was a hit and I was a part of a small group who was tasked with judging the videos. There were so many highlights that made me proud to be part of this community.

As we return from break, our focus will shift toward transitions and finishing the school year with purpose . This is an important stretch of the year.

In this newsletter, I have included a specific section for 8th grade families outlining how students are placed in high school math classes, along with a timeline that explains how the middle and high school work together to ensure a smooth transition.

Winter sports have officially wrapped up, and spring sports registration is now open. Please be sure to review the details included.

Please take a look

• Monday, March 2 (no school)

• Tuesday March 3 -PK-12 Inservice.

• Thursday March 5 Polaris Town Meeting Culminating Event

• March 16th Concert Grande 7th - 12th grade band and chorus concert 7PM at HHS gym. A walk through the decades! Join us!

• Thursday, March 19th, EARLY RELEASE (12:30)

• Friday, March 20th, NO SCHOOL (student led teacher conferences)

• Friday, March 20th - 21st 7PM - 9AM Hartford Memorial Marathon Dance (HMMD)

• Monday, March 30th DELAYED START–two hours (10:20am)

• Monday, April 13th DELAYED START–two hours (10:20am)

• Monday, April 20th-Friday, April 24th: April Break!!

🗓 Week of March 5

High School Student Panel Visit
9th grade counselor and members of the high school team will bring a panel of current high school students to meet with our 8th graders.
Students will:

• Hear advice about transitioning to high school

• Learn what to expect academically and socially

• Have the opportunity to ask questions

🗓 Week of March 10–14

Math & Spanish Recommendations Shared
HMMS will finalize and share course recommendations for Math and Spanish. (Preliminary Spanish recommendations are already in progress.)

🗓 March 10

Course Selection Materials Distributed
9th grade counselor will deliver:

• Course selection sheets

• Program of Studies

These materials will be distributed and reviewed in Advisory.
We will also share a link for families to access this information on the high school website.

🗓 Week of March 18

Course Enrollment Support Sessions
9th Grade counselor will return to the middle school to meet with groups of students to complete course enrollment sheets.

• Copies of completed sheets will be made at school.

• Original forms will be sent home for parent/guardian signature.

🗓 March 31

High School Parent Night
Families are invited to attend an evening event at the high school to:

• Learn more about programming

• Ask questions

• Meet high school staff

Additional details will be shared soon.

🗓 April 2

Course Registration Forms Due
Signed course registration sheets must be returned to the high school by this date.

A 12 hour charity dance fundraiser. This dance marathon is intended to not only raise money for a local charity (determined by student council) but also build community throughout the school, connect the school to the larger community, and create a sense of belonging for the students of our community.

To learn more about, check out this slideshow! - Student Presentation Marathon Dance Introduction

We are selling merchandise! A percentage of the proceeds goes directly to the marathon dance, changing lives of those who will receive the funds! Consider purchasing a new sweatshirt, t-shirt, or more!

STORE LINK

Additionally, if you are interested in donating to the dance, scan the qr code found on our poster below to donate!

• • OVX Prevention Group partnered with the Hartford Community Coalition to travel to Montpelier to rally against vapes and flavored nicotine products targeting children. Students also had the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and advocate for youth health.

  • HMMS Drama Club performed The 10 Best/Worst Things About Middle School twice on February 14th to enthusiastic audiences. These 14 performers worked incredibly hard to successfully reintroduce the Drama Club to Hartford Memorial Middle School. They are already thinking ahead to next year’s one-act production!
    🎭 Next up: The Spring Musical! Visit hmmsmusical.com for updates.
    🎶 This year’s show: Willy Wonka

  • 6th Grade Team Nebula (ELA) is diving into Greek mythology. Students researched a Greek god or goddess and designed a modern-day bedroom that reflects their deity’s personality and powers.

  • 6th Grade Science students recently wrapped up their Penguin House projects. They tested materials and designed insulated houses to protect their “penguins” (ice cubes) from melting. The Nebula team is proud of the creativity and problem-solving skills students demonstrated!

  • Atlas and Nebula 8th Graders in PLACE visited the Natural Resources Program at HACTC. Some students even had the opportunity to try tree climbing as part of their exploration of environmental and technical pathways.

  There is so much to celebrate across our building.

Club Meetings - HMMS offers many amazing club and organization opportunities for students. Add the calendar, linked below, to your own calendar to see when clubs are meeting!

HMMS Clubs and Organizations Calendar

Assembly Schedule - HMMS Kicked off monthly assembly schedule Each month focusing on different themes. See the list below:

Time to register for Spring sports! HMMS offers Spring Track for grades 6-8, as well as baseball and softball for grades 7-8. Please sign up now to ensure we have the right amount of equipment/coaches/uniforms!

Cody TanCreti

Principal HMMS

tancretic@hartfordschools.net