District Newsletter

Dear HUUSD Community,

As we enter November and approach Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on what has been an especially difficult year for our school community. The recent tragic deaths of Gracie Dunbar and Vinny Viola have been heartbreaking, and I want to keep both of these young people, their families, friends, and classmates in our thoughts. Their loss has touched our entire school community in ways that words cannot adequately express.

As we move from these tragedies into what promises to be a challenging school budget season, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to live and work in such a beautiful place, surrounded by people who genuinely care about one another. We may not always agree on the difficult decisions before us, but I believe the kindness and compassion that define our communities are far greater than our differences.

This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve a school district filled with dedicated educators, supportive families, and neighbors who step forward when others need them most. I have witnessed extraordinary kindness during these difficult weeks, and it reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of this community.

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I hope we will continue to hold Gracie's and Vinny's families close in our thoughts and extend a little extra kindness to those around us.

I wish you and your families moments of peace, comfort, and gratitude.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Leichliter
Superintendent of Schools

This fall, HUUSD educators have been using early release days to work together, share ideas, and strengthen teaching practices that support student learning. The goal of these days is to help teachers develop and use effective strategies that make learning engaging, accessible, and meaningful for all students.

During the first sessions, teachers have focused on helping students become stronger readers and writers, building math understanding and problem-solving skills, and supporting important learning skills such as organization, planning, and managing emotions. Early childhood educators have worked together to improve how they assess and support young learners, while behavior specialists have explored ways to help students manage challenging situations and build positive relationships.

Throughout the year, educators will try new strategies in their classrooms, look at student work and progress, and share what they are learning with colleagues. This ongoing collaboration helps ensure that our students receive high-quality instruction that builds their skills, confidence, and independence.

The Public Outreach Committee of the School Board has begun a series of town meetings on the next year’s school budget and the complex issue of school consolidation. We met with about 20 Moretown residents on September 29 and with about 45 Fayston residents on October 21.

These discussions were based on a slide deck prepared by Moretown board rep Caitlin Lovegrove. Both discussions lasted over two hours, with a wide range of opinions put on the table. Board members and the public alike reported that these meetings are very informative.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Waitsfield: 11/9 at 6:00 p.m. (location TBA)
• Waterbury/Duxbury: 11/12 at 6:00 p.m. (location TBA)

Watch the Valley Reporter, the Waterbury Roundabout, and your local Front Porch Forums for more details.

Valley 5th & 6th grade students took a field trip to HUHS for a preview of the Battle of the Bands. The Harwood Assembly Band and the Glam Cowboys performed and answered questions that the students had about music or being in a band–and a few students had an opportunity to join in on a performance.

Fourth graders are honing their public speaking skills as they’ve taken over the morning announcements…morning show style! Students plan, rehearse, and film the morning announcements, which are then shared with classrooms each morning. The announcements include daily updates like the day's lunch, the day of school, birthdays celebrations, and a fun fact or joke.

As the fall season is wrapping up, we are looking forward to the winter season starting on November 30. If you have not already done so, please click the button to register.

As a reminder, school breakfast and lunch are 100% free for all students. Student participation keeps our program strong and self-sustaining, so encourage your child to join us in the lunch line this month!

Thank you,

Your Food Service Team

Registration is open for November Vacation Camp! Spend your school vacation with us, outside at the Green Mountain Audubon Center! Vacation camps mirror our summer day camps in many ways, making them a great opportunity to try Audubon programs for a day or two.

Before things get quiet for winter, let’s take this chance to view the center through the eyes of the animals who live here and shape the landscape. And we’re not talking turkey!

• Dates: November 23 and 24—Sign up for one or both days!

• Age: Students grade K-5 (approximate ages 5-11 at the time of the program)

• Pricing: $70/day Audubon members save 7% with discount code "vacayay"

• Timing: Full days, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Thinking about February and April Vacation too?! Registration for our February and April Vacation camps are open now too! Audubon Member AND full week registration discounts available!

• November 4: HUUSD Board Meeting
• November 11: Early Release
• November 18: HUUSD Board Meeting
• November 23-27: No School

Website: huusd.org

Facebook: HUUSD
Phone: 802-496-2272