HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS

Dear HCS Families, Caregivers and Staff,

As the school year comes to a close and summer begins to settle into our beautiful corner of Vermont, we want to take a moment to thank you for being such an important part of Hinesburg Community School family.

This year has been filled with learning, growth, accomplishments, challenges, laughter, and countless moments that remind us what makes our community so special. Whether cheering on students at concerts and games, volunteering in classrooms, attending school events, or supporting learning at home, your partnership has helped make HCS a place where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best.

We would also like to recognize our incredible faculty and staff. Their dedication, compassion, creativity, and care for students shine through every day. They go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences and foster a sense of belonging for every child. We are deeply grateful for the work they do and the positive impact they have on our school community.

As we celebrate the end of another successful school year, we would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to four valued members of the HCS community who are retiring: Stephen Heney, Deb Lavalette, Karen Poulin, and Andy Smith. Together, they have dedicated decades of service, care, and commitment to the students, families, and staff of HCS. Their contributions have helped shape our school in countless ways, and their impact will be felt for years to come. We thank them for all they have given to our community and wish them many happy adventures, meaningful moments, and well-deserved relaxation in retirement.

At this time of year, we also recognize staff members whose journeys are taking them in new directions. We extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Natalie Cowden, Julia Atkins, Charles O'Brien, Kristin Littlefield, Tucker Kohlasch, Danielle Bashaw, Riley Morrissey, Lindsay Hay, Emma Pagliaro, Jordyn Rogala, and Tyler Grohowski as they move on to new schools, new roles, and new opportunities both here in Vermont and beyond. While we will miss their talents, dedication, and contributions to our school community, we are grateful for the impact they have had on HCS students and families. We wish each of them success, happiness, and fulfillment in the next chapter of their professional journeys.

As summer arrives, we hope your family finds time to enjoy all that makes this season in Vermont so memorable; days at the lake, evenings at the ball field, backyard barbecues, campfires, farmers markets, hikes, bike rides, and time spent with family, friends, and neighbors. We also hope there’s room for a good book or two along the way.

Thank you for your support, trust, and partnership throughout the year. It is a privilege to work with your children and to be part of such a caring and connected community. We wish you a safe, relaxing, and joyful summer and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall.

Warmly,

Tim, Alexis and Alicia

Throughout this school year, our 4th graders have helped bring a new story corner mural to life in the library. Inspired by the colorful and imaginative artwork of American artist Mary Blair, the mural celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the joy of reading. This collaborative project is designed to be a living work of art, and we look forward to continuing to add new layers, details, and elements inspired by favorite stories for years to come.

CVSD’s Free Summer Meals Program runs from Thursday, June 25, through Thursday, August 13. Meal box pickups will begin on Thursday, June 25, at St. Jude’s Church in Hinesburg, from 7 to 11 a.m. or until all meal boxes are gone.

The first order window will open Sunday, June 14, and all families and caregivers will receive weekly emails to place orders.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Colleen French: cfrench@cvsdvt.org

Vermont is issuing Summer EBT benefits starting in June. Most children who are eligible will receive the $120 benefit automatically. Benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online where EBT cards are accepted.

The Vermont Department for Children and Families will send you a letter if your family will get the benefit automatically. If you already have an EBT card, the benefits will be added to that card. If you need a replacement card, you can call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7). If you think you qualify, but you do not receive a letter by July, please visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ to submit a short application. Summer EBT benefits do not affect your immigration status.

Since January, 7th and 8th grade students have been caring for brook trout eggs in their classrooms and watching them grow into young fish. Along the way, they learned about trout, water quality, and the role healthy streams play in supporting local wildlife. This spring, students traveled to Lewis Creek to release the trout they had raised, giving them a chance to see firsthand how their work helps support Vermont’s natural environment.

Our 4th Grade Photography Exhibition Opening at the Carpenter-Carse Library on Wednesday, June 10, was a tremendous success! Families, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate our student photographers and the incredible work they created during their digital photography unit. Through a collaboration with math interventionist and photographer Noreen Collyer, students explored the connections between math and art while learning composition, lighting, editing, and observation skills. We are so proud of the creativity, artistic growth, and thoughtful perspectives showcased in this beautiful exhibition. To view the show visit the CCL community room through June 30th.

8th grade French students studied Morocco and engaged in a Living Art & Culture Museum where they demonstrated and shared their cultural knowledge and artistic skills with their peers.

Our fourth-grade students recently traveled to Montpelier for an exciting day of learning at the Vermont State House, the Vermont Supreme Court, and the Vermont History Museum.

At the State House, students explored Vermont's legislative chambers and learned how laws are created and how state government serves its citizens. They also visited the Vermont Supreme Court, where they gained a firsthand look at the judicial branch in action.

One of the highlights of the day was participating in a mock trial. Students stepped into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and judges, giving them a fun and engaging opportunity to experience how the court system works. The activity brought civics lessons to life and encouraged students to think critically, speak confidently, and work collaboratively.

Students also visited the Vermont History Museum, where they explored exhibits showcasing Vermont's history and heritage. Through hands-on learning and interactive experiences, students deepened their understanding of the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our state.

It was a memorable day filled with discovery, learning, and a deeper appreciation for Vermont's government and history!

Access CVU Classes & Registration

Carpenter Carse Library

Common Ground Adventure Camp

Hinesburg Food Shelf

Hinesburg Recreation Department

Mad River Path Adventures Summer Programs for Kids, Teens and Families

New Village Farm School

Phoenix Books Upcoming Events

Shelburne Museum Summer Camp Registration

Vermont Commons Day Camp Information

Tim Trevithick, HCS Principal

ttrevithick@cvsdvt.org

Alexis Kelly, HCS Assistant Principal

akelly@cvsdvt.org

Alicia Kurth, HCS Special Education Administrator

akurth@cvsdvt.org

Email: hcsinformation@cvsdvt.org

The Husky Highlights Newsletter is published weekly, when school is in session. It is available on our website and is also delivered via email. If needed, a hard copy can be provided for your child to bring home. The Husky Highlights includes upcoming events, after school opportunities, notes of interest for parents and the community and updates from our school administration.