I feel lucky to deliver this update for every member of the HMMS community who works so tirelessly to make a difference in our students' lives. Whether it’s crafting lessons that are engaging, creative, and challenging or witnessing those "aha" moments when students apply what they’ve learned in a previous class, our teachers pour their hearts into their work.

Teaching doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Our educators constantly reflect, asking themselves, “What could I have done to make that lesson more clear or more engaging?” They do this because they love what they do. Even the smallest signs that they’ve made an impact—like hearing students use newly learned vocabulary or watching them play a game they just learned in PE—can fuel them for days, weeks, and months.

Today, I want to use this space to highlight one area of school-wide improvement: Math. The progress our students have made is incredible, and I want to acknowledge both the dedication of our staff and the commitment of our students to our systems.

6th Grade:

• The number of students with urgent needs halved from 5th to 6th grade.

7th Grade:

• The number of students with urgent needs dropped from 29% to 8% from 6th to 7th grade.
• The number of students at grade level increased by 9%.

8th Grade:

• The number of students with urgent needs halved from 7th to 8th grade.
• The number of students at grade level increased by 6%.

I am grateful to be a part of the HMMS community. Please see important updates/information below.

As I’ve shared before, our students recently took a belonging survey where they answered questions about their experiences at HMMS. This gave us valuable insights into specific parts of their day where they may feel uncertain or less connected. One of the key areas that stood out was passing time.

In response, the belonging group, along with administration and our HHS intern Harper Fallon, have been working to better understand why students might feel this way and what we can do to improve. As a first step, they created advisory slides focusing on safe and respectful hallway etiquette. They also put together a fantastic video to share with students! Take a look!

• 6th-grade BAND and CHORUS concert (with Glee Club and Brocal Cords) 1/27/2025 in HMMS gym. 7 pm.

• HMMS MUSICAL Meeting in person and virtual 6 - 7 PM 1/29/25 *this coming Wednesday* in the HMMS Library, also a Google Meet opportunity if coming in person cannot happen. That link is here: meet.google.com/bhk-ftya-vmo
• PARENT & CAREGIVER DINNER & MOVIE - Connect with other parents/caregivers and learn how to support your child's growth in a world full of technology! As parents, we all want the best for our children. Friday, January 31st during the next HMMS dance
• Team Atlas is hosting a Glow-in-the-Dark themed dance and activity night this Friday, January 31 from 6-8pm. Admission is $5 or $4 with a canned good for the UV Haven. There will be snacks, raffles, good music, and good memories made. If there are any families who would like to donate snacks/baked goods for the dance, please reach out to a Team Atlas teacher before Friday.
• HMMS Pride Club Fundraiser! - It’s time to shine our Hartford Pride! Get the latest Hartford Pride gear, including this year’s special student-designed shirt by 6th grader Maddie Dustin-Eichler, from our GrandStand Apparel Store, open now until February 14th.

• The Hood Museum of Art's Lunar New Year Celebration is on Saturday, February 1st, from 1:00-4:00 pm.

  
  

  At the event, drop in anytime and we’ll be offering the following:

  • Artmaking activities for all ages, such as red envelope decorating and printmaking a collaborative banner of this year’s zodiac animal, the snake.

  • A special tour of “Attitude of Coexistence”, the current exhibition of Asian art on view in the galleries.

  • A reading nook with books for children, young readers and adults, as well as a special event coloring page.

  • Music and snacks will be provided for folks to try.

• 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) will be taking place the week after February Break. Here is the link to the parent informational survey

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Another reminder of the scheduling adjustment for the upcoming Concert Grande. The original concert date of Tuesday, March 11th, for all 7th–12th grade band and chorus students will remain the same.

However, if a snow day makeup is required, please note that the concert will no longer be on March 12th, as previously indicated. Due to SAT testing at the high school on that date, the snow day makeup concert is now scheduled for Tuesday, March 18th, in the Hartford High School gym.

Regardless of the date, all students should still wear formal black attire. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility, and we look forward to a wonderful evening of music!

Warmest regards,
Kristen Chapman, HMMS Choir Director & Damaris Tyler, interim HMMS Band Director

Dear HMMS Families,

The PTO is looking for volunteers to help serve hot chocolate to students during Winter Activity Thursdays.

Please use this link to sign up: Link Here

The next PTO meeting is February 27th at 6:30 pm in the HMMS library or on Google Meet.

We hope that you can join us!

Dear Parents,

We’re excited to invite your middle schooler to participate in our 12-Hour Dance Marathon!

This event is a fun and energetic way for students to come together, enjoy music and

activities, and support a great cause. Below, you’ll find all the details you need to know:

Event Details

Date: March 21st - 22nd
Time: 7pm - 9am
Location: Hartford Memorial Middle School Gymnasium

Purpose of the Event

This dance marathon will raise funds for the Upper Valley Haven and CHAD (the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth), teaching students the value of giving back while having fun.

What to Expect

1. Entertainment & Activities:

• Live DJ

• Dance-offs

• Costume parades and prizes

• Themed dance sessions

2. Food & Refreshments:

• Meals, snacks and beverages provided throughout the dance

Information Meetings

• Learn more about the event by attending one or more of the following parent meetings

• Wednesday January 22nd @ 6pm (HMMS Library & Google Meet - LINK)

• Tuesday February 25th @ 6pm (Google Meet - Link to follow)

• Thursday March 13th @ 6pm (HMMS Library)

Questions?

For more information, please contact:
Event Coordinator: Brycen Nardone
Email: nardoneb@hartfordschools.net

We can’t wait to see your child on the dance floor!

• The Family Place is hosting two new groups for caregivers, facilitated by their therapists. One group is for grandparents who are caregivers and the other is for caregivers of children who have experienced some kind of trauma. Both groups are drop in groups, are FREE and take place at the Family Place's facility in Norwich.

• Coffee Hour: Grandparents raising grandkids - 1st & 3rd Thursdays at The Family Place; Starting 2/6/25 @ 8:45 am

• Caring for kids with Trauma - 2nd & 4th Thursdays at The Family Place; Starting 1/23/25 @ 8:45 am

• Need information on upcoming athletic events? Check out https://hmmsvt.com/extracurriculars/hmms-athletics .

• • Athletic schedules link

  • Be on the lookout for Spring Sports Registrations in Early February

Please check out the regularly updated Student Assistance Program newsletter, click here– SAP Newsletter for information on prevention, substance misuse, bullying and wellness

Cody TanCreti

Principal HMMS

tancretic@hartfordschools.net