HSD Equity and Inclusion Updates

OQS: Kari Amick & Laura Brooks

WRS: Kathleen Grady & Linda Saturley

HMMS: Patrick Lincoln, Angela Janoo, & Susannah Conway

HHS: Becky Whitney & Steve Gagliardone

HACTC: Timmy MacDonnell

TWS: Sheri Gauvin & Julie Gribble

After years of HMMS hosting the Pride Parade, the Hartford School District took the lead in this year’s celebration! This shift expands our reach to students in ALL the HSD schools’ PRIDE groups, Rainbow Clubs, and their allies.

The tradition of the Pride parade began as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots in New York City in June 1969—a pivotal turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. What started as a courageous stand against discrimination has evolved into a global movement. Today, Pride Parades are a powerful symbol of visibility, acceptance, and solidarity.

For our school district, hosting this parade is an essential part of creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. In addition to the parade, the HACTC ran Pride-themed activities for our elementary school Rainbow Club students. These gatherings provide a platform for our LGBTQ+ youth and allies to feel seen, heard, and valued. It also reminds us all of the ongoing journey toward equity and justice and the importance of fostering a community where everyone can be their authentic selves.

On May 22, Hartford School District hosted Vermont Equity Leaders from around the state. VEEC meets monthly to discuss equity issues, legislation, and how to promote equity in our various school districts. We discussed how we intentionally hire with equity in mind and create affinity groups that support our most marginalized students.

June is Pride Month!

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month!

June 1 Gawai Dayak (Malaysia)

June 6 Red Earth Native American Fair (Indigenous USA)

June 16 1st Muharram - Islamic New Year (Islam)

June 19 Dragon Boat Festival (China, Hong Kong)

June 19 Juneteenth (USA)

June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)

June 21 Litha (Wicca)

June 21 Inti Raymi (Peru)

June 24 Dia de San Juan (Puerto Rico)

June 24 Matariki (Indigenous, Maori, New Zealand)

June 26 Ashura (Islam)

June 27 Multiculturalism Day (Canada)

July is Disability Pride Month

July-August Sun Dance Ritual (Indigenous)

July-August Green Corn Ceremony (Indigenous)

July 1 Canada Day (Canada)

July 1 HKSAR Establishment Day (Hong Kong)

July 3 Emancipation Day (USA)

July 6 Dalai Lama's Birthday (Tibet, Buddhist)

July 20 Munoz-Rivera Day (Puerto Rico)

July 23 Tish'a B'Av (Jewish)

July 24 Pioneer Day (Christian - Mormon)

July 30 Wassana/Dhamma Day (Buddhist)

August Native Wild Rice Harvest (Indigenous)

August Hopi Snake Dance (Indigenous)

Aug 1 Lugnasad (Wicca)

Aug 6 Hiroshima Day (Canada, Japan, USA)

Aug 12 International Youth Day (UN)

Aug 15 Assumption (Christian)

Aug 15 Now Ruz (Zoroastrian)

Aug 24 St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec, Canada)

Aug 26 Eid-Maulad-un-Nabi (Islam)

Aug 26 Onam (India)

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!