Hartford School District Newsletter

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

– William Butler Yeats

😎 Reminder: last day of school is Wednesday, 6/17 (early release) 😎

May 1, 2026

Dear Hartford School District Learning Community,

It is astonishing to believe that there are only 6 weeks left of school this year!

As time often behaves throughout the school year, there have been fits and starts, and stalls, stops and bursts, but here we are! I often think of a school year as its own amorphous organism that stretches and travels and extends to fit what we offer it, which is always more than we think we can handle at the beginning!

Now we get to both sprint to the finish, but also try to be present to enjoy and admire and celebrate the growth that our students have experienced throughout the year and in so many ways.

As a district, we have been reflecting on this growth while looking toward what is next through the process we undergo throughout the development of our continuous improvement plans, which we will be presenting to the school board throughout the month. This process requires us to review and analyze the data we have collected throughout the year to inform our goals and invest our funds accordingly.

It is always both exciting and humbling to take stock of where we are, where we want to be, and how we will get there.

We would also be remiss if we did not also recognize and celebrate all of you, who support and advocate for your students and provide all of us with the information, guidance, and resources we need to ensure that our students can do their very best work.

Below and throughout this month's newsletter, please enjoy a glimpse into some recent celebrations we have had as we wrap up the school year, as well as a preview of the celebrations to come!

Thank you all!

Warmly,

Caty Sutton

Superintendent

Hartford School District

suttonc@hartfordschools.net

The legislation would lower the excess spending threshold from 118% of the statewide average per-pupil spending to 112%.

The modeling we have seen impacts the southeast region of the state disproportionately, and has the potential to decrease our budget by 4.3 million dollars.

Please read the article below for more details, and contact our local legislators if you wish to weigh in on this bill!

Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie

Representative Esme Cole

Representative Michael Hoyt

Senator Alison Clarkson

Senator Joe Major

Senator Becca White

"Democrats touted the legislation, H.955, as balancing the twin goals of tamping down the cost of education and expanding access to educational opportunities."

"H.955 offers a process far different than the forced consolidation envisioned in Act 73, last year’s education law. After months of gridlock in the House Education Committee, lawmakers said they lacked the political consensus to move forward on any form of forced mergers."

"Instead of forced consolidation of the state’s 119 school districts, the House bill would overlay seven regional entities, called cooperative education service agencies, or CESAs, over existing school districts.

Those regional entities, already in use in southeastern Vermont, would then facilitate the sharing of services in special education, professional development, human resources and other areas for member school districts."

Dear Hartford Families,

The Hartford School District has started the registration process for the 2026/2027 kindergarten class. Early enrollment is important because it gives the schools time to prepare for your child’s kindergarten experience.

If you have a child who is 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026, they are eligible to enroll.

• Children who are currently enrolled in a Hartford School District Pre-K program do not need to complete the registration process.

• Families who already have a child who is actively enrolled within the Hartford School District go to https://hsdvt.com/enroll-new-student and scroll down to the section entitled Existing Families-Pre-K to 12th Grade.

• Families who do not have an actively enrolled child, go to the section entitled New Families-Pre-K to 12th Grade

If you are not able to complete the registration process online, please contact one of the schools. We are happy to help you complete the process.

The Hartford School District assigns students to a school based on your family’s physical address. The district’s catchment area map is available on the right hand side of the Hartford School District’s website (hsdvt.com).

For planning purposes, note the following important dates:

• Prior to May 8th–Registration Completed Online

• May 15th–School Placement & Kindergarten Orientation Times Emailed

• May 26th–Incoming Kindergarten Orientation. Your family will receive a time slot that will occur between 8:30 and 2:00.

If you have a friend or neighbor with a child in this age range, please share this information or have them call their local elementary school.

Thank you for your assistance and please feel free to contact the school with any questions.

Sincerely Yours,

Patrick Peters, Dothan Brook School - 295-8647

Amelia Donahey, Ottauquechee School - 295-8654

Doug Kussius, White River School - 295-8650

All Learners Network (ALN) is a Vermont based company that Hartford School District partners with to support its educators in math pedagogy to support our student’s academic growth in math. From their website:

“Our company was founded on the premise that everyone can be successful with math regardless of ability or circumstance. We have found, in our practice with hundreds of teachers and thousands of students, that every single child can be successful if effective pedagogy is used. Our professional development offerings are designed to help teachers make the journey from hoping all children - children living in poverty, children of color, multilingual children, and children with IEPs - can learn, to fully believing that they can learn math. Our motto is: All means all. Our mission, energy, and expertise are devoted to helping teachers support their students to achieve math success and access to all the opportunities that come with it.”

Back in April, one of Hartford’s own, Dan Weintraub, Math interventionist at Hartford Memorial Middle School presented at ALN’s Math For All conference held at Vermont State University - Castleton Campus. His presentation “Home Made Math Intervention Board Games: An Engagement and Learning Strategy” demonstrated to other VT educators how he uses home made board games for students to use in building up their math understanding. These games are completely modifiable to meet the needs of the learners playing with them. The participants in his session walked away inspired with a toolset to help increase engagement and math fluency in their own classrooms. Here is a link to his website: mathboardgamesvt.net

This time of year is always a busy and exciting one at Dothan Brook School! Just before April break, our Drama Club wowed the entire learning community with a performance of CATS. The evening show drew a packed audience, and every single Otter on stage delivered an outstanding performance. It was truly hard to believe these were elementary students—the talent, confidence, and dedication on display were remarkable!

In Kindergarten, students wrap up the year with a beloved tree unit. During this time, they create beautiful watercolor paintings of trees and write about how to care for trees and the environment. They also spend extra time in our outdoor classroom, learning while surrounded by nature. Kindergarteners are also completing their pumpkin project by planting pumpkins outdoors, with the hope that next year’s class will be able to continue the tradition—a wonderful “legacy” for future students.

Our first graders spend the second half of the year immersed in a bird study. They explore what makes a bird a bird, along with habitats and life cycles. To culminate their learning, students write and share their own bird-themed narratives. One of the most exciting parts of this unit is happening right now—about 30 eggs are incubating in the classroom! We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of chicks in the coming weeks.

Second graders recently had the opportunity to present their pollinator research to families on May 1st. After spending April researching and learning about pollinators, students compiled their findings into engaging presentations. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication they demonstrated throughout this project.

This spring, our third graders have been raising trout as part of their science studies—observing, feeding, and learning about their growth and development firsthand. The Trout in the Classroom program is sponsored by TIC and VINS. This program allows students to watch and experience the growth from egg to small trout. During the time the trout are in the classroom students learn about the life cycle, the differences between tank and brook life, environmental hazards, chemical balance of water, trout and plants, predators, etc. The curriculum also leads into the study of invertebrates as those are both brook health indicators and often food for trout also.

The trout program also allows for crossovers in art (we have made watercolor silhouettes of other brook animals that now decorate our tank), math (at times we have to calculate things like the # of gallons in the tank, or the fractions of trout that survive in a natural setting) and language arts (this week we are writing Haiku poetry about our fish).

As 3rd grade spends most of the day every Friday in our Outside classroom there is a direct connection to Dothan Brook in which we often play. The health of our brook becomes a natural path of study; soon we will see students in the brook catching, categorizing and studying the invertebrates living there. The trout are a true connection to the place DBS third graders call home.

Fourth graders are preparing for their annual Poetry Slam, a highlight of the year. Students select pieces from their poetry portfolios—collections they’ve been developing all spring—to perform aloud. This joyful event celebrates creativity, expression, and the craft of writing. This year’s Poetry Slam will take place on June 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the DBS Library.

Looking ahead to June, we are excited for our school-wide Field Day—a chance for students to enjoy time outdoors, participate in fun activities, demonstrate great sportsmanship, and celebrate the end of the school year together as a community.

We will also host our annual 5th Grade Art Show and Ice Cream Social. This special event allows our fifth graders to showcase their artwork to families and the broader community, while the PTO provides ice cream for everyone to enjoy as they admire the students’ creativity.

As the school year comes to a close, we will also be preparing to say goodbye to our fifth graders as they move on to middle school. Their graduation ceremony will be a meaningful opportunity to celebrate all they have accomplished during their time at Dothan Brook School. We are so proud of our fifth graders and look forward to all that lies ahead for them.

It has been a wonderful year filled with learning, creativity, and community. Thank you for being part of it!

"You Otter Know": May 1, 2026

5/7: PTO Meeting 6pm in the OQS Library

5/13: OQS Student Art Show: 5:30-6:30

5/18: Late Start Monday: K-5 drop off 9:45-10:00; no school for PreK

5/25: No School (Memorial Day)

5/26: Non-attendance day for kindergarten only (for incoming K orientation); Spring Concert (1st-5th grades)

5/27: SPARK! Community Science Night 5:00-6:30

5/29: Kindergarten performs at all school assembly

6/4: PTO Meeting 6pm in the OQS Library

6/11: International Day of Play

6/16: 5th Grade Graduation

6/17: Last day of school, Field Day 8:30-11:30

The "Pie a Teacher" event was designed to reward our OQS students for demonstrating Wolf Way Character Strengths over the last two weeks before the break.

On Thursday morning, the students had their chance to celebrate, and no one was safe! Not even Mr. Moreno or the Superintendent!

It was an absolute blast, and so much fun and joy was had by all!

The Howler: April 17, 2026

White River School has a variety of end of year events, rites of passage, and celebrations of learning, including:

• Boston
  Every three years White River School goes to Boston as a school. This tradition has been around for decades and will continue this year as we send K-2 to the Aquarium, 3-4 to the Science Museum, and 5th grade will be touring the USS Constitution and Freedom Trail.
  
  
• Step up Day
  Kids meet their teachers for next year and future classmates.
  
  
• Field Day
  Our field day is a time honored tradition filled with fun, waterslides, and a fire-hose!
  
  
• 5th Grade Step Up Ceremony
  Our whole school community comes out and celebrates our 5th graders as they move ‘over the bridge’ and up the hill to the Middle School Next Year.

Field Day Fun!

On Friday, April 17, the last day before break, the White River School hosted its annual "Read on the Beach" event!

This special day, dedicated to celebrating the joy of reading, was a delight to behold and to be a part of!

Weekly Review: April 16, 2026

On May 8th, we will welcome caregivers of incoming 6th grade students for a daytime visit. Families will participate in a student-led tour of the building, guided by our 8th grade leaders, followed by a brief presentation highlighting important information for the upcoming school year. Each family will also receive a one-page “need to know” document outlining key dates, summer communication timelines, and answers to frequently asked questions. This event is designed to begin building relationships and a sense of belonging before students arrive in the fall.

In addition, we are thoughtfully reimagining our Step-Up Day experience. On June 5th, our rising 6th grade students will be welcomed by our rising 8th graders for a fully student-led day focused on connection. By centering student voice and leadership, we aim to create a meaningful experience that helps incoming students feel comfortable, connected, and excited about joining the HMMS community.

Before April break, Hartford Memorial Middle School hosted a successful Spring Spectacular that brought our community together for a day of fun and connection. Highlights included a students vs. staff basketball game and a variety of engaging activities

On May 29th, Rebecca Osbourne and Brycen Nardone have organized a Day of Service for HMMS students. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at sites throughout the Upper Valley, connecting with and giving back to the broader community.

Our 8th grade students, along with school counselor Annmarie Hall, have been visiting our elementary schools to connect with rising 6th graders and share insights about life at the middle school.

HMMS Newsletter: April 3, 2026

During the past few years our students have traveled the world in service, search for adventures, and immersing themselves in the local culture. This year our students spent the April break in Peru. These trips positively impact both our students and the people they come in contact with, we are sharing our Hurricane spirit far and wide.

At the end of each semester, our school community comes together to celebrate Exhibition Night. This event serves as a culminating experience for students across grade levels, providing a platform to showcase the work they are most proud of from the semester.

Exhibition Night reflects authentic, student-driven learning. Rather than limiting achievement to tests or final papers, this evening highlights the diverse ways students grow, create, and apply their knowledge. From independent research projects to hands-on, community-based experiences, the range of work on display demonstrates both academic rigor and personal passion.

Throughout the day, students have the opportunity to explore the exhibition alongside their peers, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment and inspiration. In the evening, we open our doors to families and the wider community, inviting them to engage directly with student learning.

Held in the high school gym, the event typically features between 85 and 120 student presenters. Each student or group is provided with a booth space to represent their work. Participants are encouraged not only to display their projects, but also to actively explain their process, reflect on their learning, and respond to questions from visitors.

Exhibits represent a wide variety of programs and experiences, including Student-Created Independent Projects, Work-Based Learning, Learning Through Place, the World Language Club, and many others. This diversity highlights the many pathways students take to explore their interests and deepen their understanding.

At its core, Exhibition Night is more than a presentation, it is a celebration of student voice, agency, and growth. It allows students to take ownership of their learning, build confidence in their communication skills, and connect their work to a broader audience. For our community, it offers a window into the creativity, dedication, and curiosity that define our students every day. This spring’s Exhibition Night is June 4 in the gym.

One of the truly enduring rights of passage is the Junior / Senior Prom. The Prom continues to be part of our students’ springtime activity. The opportunity to dress up, spend time with friends, dance, and be social are all part of the Prom equation. While so many of our school’s traditions are waning or being lost or left behind, the Prom endures. Our school works closely with our students and their families to ensure that every student who wants to participate can do so. This support includes “scholarships” that cover the cost of the tickets. A significant number of our staff chaperone the event and it continues to be a place that brings our students and staff closer together.

HHS is bringing back H-Term which is 3-days of special learning experiences that are created by our staff and students. We have not had an H-Term since before COVID. This year’s H-Term catalog includes a diverse set of opportunities; it is not a stretch to say there is something in the catalog for everyone. The committee of staff who have worked tirelessly to bring H-Term back should be applauded for these efforts. H-Term will take place on May 20, 21, and 22. Some of the activities are off-site, including a few that are a distance from our campus. Many of the activities are held on campus. Some of the experiences take place during a half-day (students combine half-day activities to fill out their day), others are a full day, and a few span multiple days. Our hope is that all students can find something that engages, inspires, and provides the chance to dive into their interests. We will be spending time during the advisory in the coming days preparing for this year’s H-Term.

And just like that we have been asked to preview our end-of-the-year plans. The most significant culminating event in the life of a high school student is graduation. The Hartford class of 2026 will graduate at 7:00 on Friday, June 12 - on Alumni Field, weather permitting. Prior to graduation there are a number of other events which include:

• Senior Awards Evening (6:00 on Sunday, June 7 in the gym)
• The annual SWIRLS athletic awards (Monday, June 8)
• Our Spring Concert and Music Awards (May 19 in the gym)
  
  

Hartford High Lites: April 17, 2026

“Excellence in America’s workforce begins with excellence in workforce education” - NTHS Slogan

The HACTC recently inducted 33 new members into the National Technical Honor Society. These students were selected for their strong performance at the HACTC and at their sending school. The students selected also demonstrate great character.

The purposes of the National Technical Honor Society are:

• To reward excellence in workforce education.
• To develop self-esteem, and pride and encourage students to reach for higher levels of achievement.
• To promote business and industry’s critical workplace values – honesty, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, productivity, leadership, and citizenship.
• To help schools build and maintain effective partnerships with local businesses and industry.
• To champion a stronger, more positive image for workforce education in America.

NTHS Inductees

Hartford High School NTHS Inductees

Lebanon High School NTHS Inductees

Windsor High School NTHS Inductees

Woodstock High School NTHS Inductees

At the end of the year, seniors at the HACTC conduct a student-led conference. Students invite guests such as their parents, home school advisor, coach, and others to come in and attend their student led conference. During this conference students share examples about the projects they have done. They also talk about their growth in the program.

The HACTC’s Senior Celebration is held at the Lebanon Opera House at the end of May and is a wonderful way for students to be recognized for their completion of their HACTC program. Awards and scholarships are also presented to students at this celebratory evening.

Demonstrations of learning are at the core of what we do in Adult Education at HACTC. The spring semester has provided many moments worth celebrating. In our LNA program, students of all ages and backgrounds have worked diligently to build both clinical knowledge and compassionate care practices, culminating in their graduation this week—a milestone that reflects their commitment and readiness to enter the healthcare field.

In our skilled trades programs, students are also reaching impressive benchmarks. One welding student recently passed the rigorous G1 bend test, demonstrating precision and technical mastery, while our Electrical 1 students can now confidently wire a three-way switch, showcasing their understanding of foundational electrical systems. These accomplishments are powerful examples of hands-on learning in action, and a reminder that at HACTC Adult Education, growth is demonstrated every day.

Highlights from the HACTC: May 1, 2026

The Year in Reviews: Fun with a Purpose at TWS!

Please see the latest Equity Updates in the April 2026 Equity Newsletter!

The White River School completed their Migration Stories Comic Book Projects. Students chose a migration story to tell - either that of an animal's migration, the story of their guest speaker - Robyn Smith, or their family's own migration story.

A link is here for your convenience!

Hartford Athletics

Jeff Moreno, CAA

Athletic Director

morenoj@hartfordschools.net

The softball team is off to a red-hot start which continues a run of success for the program that began a handful of years ago. The team is currently 5-1 with their only loss coming on the road at perennial D-I powerhouse Mt. Anthony in a game that was very competitive. Coach Danielle Tenney has guided the Canes throughout the off-season and summers to prepare them for the spring and the girls came out hot this year. Senior Ren Martel has been unstoppable in the circle and the bats have had serious pop this year with multiple players going yard this season. Keep up the great work Canes!!

Senior lax star Nella Bowen became the latest Hurricane laxer to eclipse the 100 point plateau. She accomplished this in the first game of the season after wrapping up her junior season only a few points shy of the century mark. Nella is a strong athlete with excellent stick skills and a sharp eye for the corners of the goal and she has been piling up the points since she joined the program. Nella is the 11th Hurricane to reach this milestone. Congratulations Nella!

Dates to put on your calendars:

• Fall sports parent-coach-athlete orientation will be held on June 8th at 6:00. We will meet in the auditorium and then break out into rooms based on which program you are participating in (girls volleyball, soccer, football, cross country, golf, bass fishing, field hockey)
• The 10th annual Swirls athletic department award show will be held on June 8th at 7:00 at Alumni Athletic Complex (bring a lawn chair). For those new to the Swirls event…it is put on entirely by our Athletic Leadership Council and intends to highlight the athletic year that was through stories, awards, dedications, and more. The event is meant to be light and fun…but there’s usually a few tearjerking type moments too. Please come as you are… stay only as long as you want… and definitely bring a chair or a towel to sit on. If the weather is bad we will move into the gym.
• Fall sports start 8/13 (football) & 8/17 (all other teams). Summer offerings and fall sports information will start populating the HHS Athletics webpage soon. Get those physicals scheduled!

Gary Gervais has been a rock solid assistant AD at Hartford for many years now and this spring he has stepped up even more than normal as I have been splitting time at OQS since the end of the winter season. That would not be possible if it were not for the incomparable Gary Gervais! Gary is originally from Lewiston, Maine and he is a proud parent of 4 daughters, all who were Hurricanes and starred on the field hockey, ice hockey, golf and softball teams. Gary enjoys doing a lot of work behind the scenes but he is a huge part of our gameday operations as he handles transportation, officials, and gameday staffing. Often the first one there and the last to leave, we are so lucky to have Gary on our team! Thank you Gerviss!!

Please give a warm welcome to our new board members, Colin Butler and Daniel Schapira!

If you would like to contact the school board, please access their page on our website.

To watch recordings of past meetings, including our last meeting on April 15, please access this link.

To reach all members of the school board collectively, email schoolboard@hartfordschools.net

Here is the link to apply: www.gobeacon.com/careers

http://www.gobeacon.com/careers

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