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HSD Equity and Inclusion Updates

Check out what's happening across the HSD!

HSD Equity andInclusion UpdatesCheck out what's happening across the HSD!

October 2026 October 2026

2026-2027 Building Equity Leaders

If you have an equity question, please reach out to your Building Equity Leader(s) for guidance!


DBS: Michaela Eckler & Jordan Ela

OQS: Kari Amick & Laura Brooks

WRS: Kathleen Grady

HMMS: Patrick Lincoln & Angela Janoo

HHS: Nik Stuart & Steve Gagliardone

HACTC: Timmy MacDonnell

TWS: Sheri Gauvin & Julie Gribble

Free To Be Youth Day Free To Be Youth Day

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Members of the Hartford High School and Hartford Memorial Middle School BIPOC Affinity Groups attended the Free To Be Youth Day in Bethel, VT which brought students of color from all over Vermont to meet, be together, and celebrate diversity!

Neurodiversity and Inclusion Training - Dr. Mel Houser Neurodiversity and Inclusion Training - Dr. Mel Houser

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The Hartford School District values neurodiversity as a natural and vital part of human diversity and that honoring neurological differences is essential to building an inclusive community. We affirm the inherent value and dignity of neurodivergent individuals and are committed to creating learning environments where we uphold each person’s authenticity, cultivate belonging, and promote agency by confronting ableism and ensuring neurodivergent students, staff, and community members are recognized, included, and supported.


To honor this statement, all staff in the Hartford School District attended a 2 hour virtual training with Dr. Mel Houser of All Brains Belong, VT. The training consisted of an overview of the neurodiversity paradigm, disability and barriers to access for school, sensory processing, executive functioning, dyspraxia, and regulation, and the importance of talking with students about neurodiversity.

Holidays in November Holidays in November

Derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights,” Diwali is known for the brightly burning clay lamps that people put outside their homes during the holiday.  Photograph by Tapas1978, Dreamstime
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November is National Indigenous Month.

November 2 Dia de los Muertos (Mexico)

November 2 Dia de Finados (Portugal)
November 3 Bunka No Hi (Japan)

November 8 Diwali (Sikh, Hindu)

November 11 Veterans Day (USA)

November 11 Remembrance Day (Canada, Australia, UK)

November 15 Shichi-Go-San (Japan)

November 23 Kinro Kansha No Hi (Japan)

November 24 Guru Nanak's Birthday (Sikh)

November 25 St. Catherine's Day (Canada, France)

November 26 Thanksgiving Day (USA)

November 29 First Day of Advent (Christian)

November 30 St. Andrew's Day (Romania, Scotland)

Curiosity Corner Curiosity Corner

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In your school's weekly newsletter, we provide a quick blurb, article, video, or story to help you better understand the HSD Anti-Racism and Gender Inclusivity Policies. Here is a link where you can access all the past Curiosity Corner information!

Archived Newsletters Archived Newsletters

Julia Lau
Hartford School District Equity Coordinator
https://hsdvt.com/equity-and-inclusion
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