HMMS Newsletter

This week, the HMMS staff came together for our first few days of in-service, and the energy in the building has been great! Staff were eager to reconnect, collaborate, and begin the important work of preparing for the year ahead.

In this first newsletter, you’ll get a glimpse of what we’ve built into our in-service agenda and the steps we’re taking to ensure a strong start for our students. This year, our continued focus is on Belonging, with our new slogan: Be Here. Be You. Belong. We will specifically focus on advisory and its role in fostering connection.

Inside this newsletter, you’ll also find important information about 6th Grade Orientation and a link to the bus route schedule available on the district website.

We can’t wait to welcome students back into the building and are looking forward to an incredible school year at HMMS!

Hartford Memorial Middle School – August In-Service Overview
(What Our Staff Is Working On to Prepare for the 2025-2026 School Year)
At Hartford Memorial Middle School, we dedicate several days in August to prepare for a successful school year. These in-service days allow our teachers and staff to build community, strengthen instructional practices, and ensure everything is ready for our students on the first day of school.
Highlights of Our August In-Service Work
Welcoming & Building Community
- Staff gather for welcome circles and team-building activities.
- We focus on fostering a sense of belonging for both staff and students.
Professional Learning & Planning
- Teachers participate in training sessions on advisory practices, restorative approaches, and creating positive learning environments.
- Review of school systems, schedules, and expectations to ensure a smooth start.
6th Grade Orientation Preparation
- Final planning for our 6th Grade Orientation to help incoming students feel comfortable and excited about joining HMMS.
District Collaboration
- One day is spent with educators across the Hartford School District to align goals and share best practices and focus on district level goals and initiatives.
Team & Classroom Set-Up
- Time is dedicated for teachers to organize classrooms, plan lessons, and collaborate with their grade-level teams.
Why This Matters
These in-service days allow our staff to come together, learn, and prepare so that your child’s first day—and the entire school year—is positive, engaging, and well-supported.

If you have specific questions about the work we have completed during Inservice please don't hesitate to reach out.

6th Grade Orientation – Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

We’re excited to welcome our new 6th graders to HMMS! This half-day event will give students the chance to meet their teachers, explore the building, and start building connections with classmates.

What to Expect:

Welcome & Check-In (8:30 AM) – Students will be greeted as they arrive, get name tags, and have a chance to meet others.
Team-Building Activities – Fun, interactive games designed to help students get to know each other.
Advisory Introduction – Students will meet their core teachers and learn about our Advisory program, which supports connection and community at HMMS.
Related Arts Rotations – Students will tour and experience our related arts classes like Art, PE, STEM, Music, and more.
Q&A Time – Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about HMMS and get answers from their teachers.
Group Photo & Lunch (Pizza Lunch Provided) – We’ll take a group photo of the Class and enjoy lunch together.
Dismissal (12:00 PM) – Students will head home ready for the school year!