Hartford School District Newsletter

December 6, 2024

Dear Hartford School District Learning Community,

I hope you all enjoyed some rest, joy and peace last week!

Winter has officially arrived, and with it some expected adverse weather! Please know that safety will always be at the forefront of any related decision regarding school and transportation, and I will always do my very best to be timely with notification and announcements.

December is a really fun month around the HSD!

I hope you can join us for some of the many special events that are happening at each school throughout the month, and that you fully enjoy the latest edition of the monthly newsletter, which features some, but not nearly all of, the many wonderful happenings that occur in this special community.

Warmly,

Caty Sutton

Interim Superintendent

Hartford School District

suttonc@hartfordschools.net

Many of you have filled out our form to capture your input regarding the work we are engaged in to determine what our community would like to see in drafting our Vision of a Graduate for the HSD!

Please use the QR code to fill out the survey!

Thank you- we really value your input!

Each day was a different theme, and the staff all coordinated their efforts to spread good cheer among the DBS community!

"Flannel/ Plaid Day" was good fun!

• 100% of families said that their child shared meaningful reflections about their learning and showed authentic examples of their work.
• In your words: “I love having the children involved so we are all on the same page and nothing is misunderstood or not relayed to all parties.” “I love having the students involved in the conference. It’s nice to have an open conversation to be sure all are aware of what’s going on and expectations.”

Learn more about why we use student-led conferences here.

The WRS community collaborated and came together once again to enjoy a meal together. As they all know well, the food all tastes better when you make it with and for each other!

White River School: December 5, 2024

Please use this link to access the HMMS Athletics page.

• The cast and crew of this year’s musical, Bright Star, brought the audience to tears and joy in three exceptional performances
• The HHS Student Council hosted a successful blood drive with our Red Cross partners. We met our goal of 23 units!
• Senior Macy Bettwieser is in the top 15 of Broadway’s Next High School On Stage Competition
• HHS’ Music Honor Society - Tri-M - held their first induction ceremony on Nov. 18
• Hartford High School scored a first place finish among high school teams at the Stowe Middle High School Scholastic Chess Tournament
• The Regional Resource Center hosted their annual Thanksgiving luncheon - an RRC tradition that dates back 50 years
• Winter sports are underway
• The Winter Concert is scheduled for Dec. 11 @ 7:00

In an attempt to strengthen Hartford’s community, senior Harper Fallon had an idea. Through a collaboration between the high school's Independent Learning Center (ILC), and Dothan Brook School (DBS) first grade teacher Mrs. Bucklin, she created a program called “Reading Buddies” with the goal of bringing elementary and high school students together through a love of reading. On November 15th Mrs. Bucklin’s class met with eighteen high school students in the HHS library. All students played a game together then they split into groups of two, (one high schooler per elementary student), to read picture book stories. Everyone enjoyed the experience and looks forward to future time together. Thank you to all participants for your amazing teamwork and leadership.

Hartford High Lites: December 6, 2024

Highlights from the HACTC: November 22, 2024

Please enjoy the Equity Newsletter for November!

A link is here for your convenience!

Hartford Athletics

Jeff Moreno, CAA

Athletic Director

morenoj@hartfordschools.net

Did you know…the girls volleyball team is only 3 years old and competes in Division I in Vermont and this past year they made it all the way to the state semi finals where they lost a close one at BFA-St. Albans. This represents a tremendous growth curve for a sport that is brand new at HHS. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and supporters who have made this possible. If you have not attended a home volleyball match yet you might make it a priority next fall. The energy in Hanley Gymnasium is INCREDIBLE and the action is intense. These Hurricanes always put on a great show. The HMMS volleyball program is also very strong so we expect the program to keep trending upwards. Keep up the great work!

Thank you to Aubree Vail for taking a leadership role with the Unified Soccer program this year. She was the go-to student leader this fall for the program in its 2nd year of existence. Great work Aubree and great work Coach Henry, all of the athletes, the staff of the RRC for all of the support, and all of the partners!

Winter sports officially started on Monday, December 2nd. Winter sports rosters include 138 students! That represents 30% of our student population!! Games and events will start on December 13th.

With the field hockey team winning the state championship last month it marked the 6th season in a row with a Hartford team winning a state title. This is a new record for HHS with the previous record being 4 consecutive seasons set fall 2008 - fall 2009. Just an incredible run of success for the Hurricane teams!

• Winter 23: boys indoor track
• Spring 23: boys lacrosse
• Fall 23: boys golf, field hockey
• Winter 24: boys indoor track, girls ice hockey, boys ice hockey
• Spring 24: boys lacrosse
• Fall 24: field hockey

Congratulations to Erin Stevens who was recently named the VPA boys golf coach of the year! Coach Stevens took over 3 years ago and has overseen a tremendous growth spurt of the program in that time. Her 2 runners-up and 1 state championship during her 3 years is a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations Coach Stevens…well deserved!

Please join us!

Vermont Public Radio provides a good explanation of how Vermont schools are funded in THIS piece. The article and the video work well to bring clarity to a confusing system.