Please remember that next Tuesday, February 4th is an early release day. There is no Pre-K that day. Early Release for K-5 is at 12:45 PM

The stomach bug is going around, amongst other things-- please see the guidance below regarding the Norovirus for HSD nursing.

Students in grades 1 - 4 are invited to audition for the youth chorus. Please email chapmank@Hartfordschools.net for more details.

There will be a Children's chorus for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this Spring's Middle School Musical. Auditions are on Feb. 8, 2025, from 1 - 3 PM at HMMS in room 104 (the chorus room).

Parents should contact Ms. Chapman for information and the signup genius for time slots to audition.

Students in grades 1 - 4 are invited to audition for the youth chorus. Please email chapmank@Hartfordschools.net for more details.

Week 17: What does it mean to be Anti-Racist?

When “Anti-Racism” is brought up, folks can feel defensive because they often don’t fully understand the concept of anti-racism and believe that it’s working against individuals or people rather than against systems and structures that perpetuate racial inequity. Most people believe that they are not racist and that should be enough. However, anti-racism is the belief that we ALL have to be part of the active practice of identifying and opposing racism to benefit society as a whole.

Racism exists on four different levels.

Internalized racism occurs when a person believes negative messages about their own, and other’s cultures and races; or an internalized privilege - beliefs about superiority or entitlement by white people. This type of racism comprises our private beliefs and biases about race and racism, influenced by our culture.

Interpersonal racism occurs when a person's conscious or subconscious racial bias influences their interactions and perceptions of other people. This is the form of racism that most people are familiar with, as it is one of the most overt forms, and can range from microaggressions to the use of slurs or even physical violence. This bias is often informed by stereotypes and misinformation, and results in a lack of respect, suspicion, avoidance, and dehumanization of people because of their race.

Institutional racism occurs within institutions and systems of power. This refers to the unfair policies and discriminatory practices of particular institutions (schools, workplaces, etc.) that routinely produce racially inequitable outcomes for people of color and advantages for white people.

Structural racism is racial bias among institutions and across society. This involves the cumulative and compounding effects of an array of societal factors, including the history, culture, ideology and interactions of institutions and policies that systematically privilege white people and disadvantage people of color.

We must address racism on all levels if we are to be truly anti-racist. Institutional and structural racism can be harder to combat unless you have status and power to enact change. We all, however, can work on our internalized and interpersonal racism, which can lead to societal shifts. To begin, we need to reflect on our own bias, privilege, and beliefs that perpetuate racism. More on privilege next week!

Listen (21 min) Not Racist is Not Enough (NPR)

Read: What does it mean to be anti-racist? (NEA)

Terms and Definitions: What is Racial Equity?

The Joy of AntiRacism

A few shots of the many fun adventures at winter sports this week!

Improving our Ice Skating, one fall at a time!

Cooking club mixing it up!

3/4 Students having a discussion about Frogs--part of their EL reading unit. Reading comprehension involves decoding words, of course, but to truly comprehend students need deep content knowledge and benefit from practice with their speaking and listening skills.

Student's in Mrs. Carbino's and Mrs. Derosier's class extended their reading unit on Paleontologist by going to the Montshire Museum and learning more fossils!

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