Hartford Hurricanes 2026-2027

Dear Hartford High School Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents, Caregivers and Families,

While our school district is currently navigating some unknown variables, including the work needed to mitigate PCBs and looming budget questions, it is more important than ever that we shine a bright spotlight on all of the positive things happening on our campus. Our students and our co-curricular offerings consistently showcase the very best of who we are, proving that even in complex times, our community is thriving.

This week, I want to focus on our upcoming school musical, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT!

Lovingly "ripped off" from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It features absurd humor, zany characters, cows, and killer rabbits. Packed with unforgettable songs, the original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards® (including Best Musical). Featuring the classic anthem, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," this gloriously entertaining journey promises to leave audiences in stitches from start to finish.

Behind every hilarious line and musical number is an immense amount of hard work. Our cast, crew, and their supporting adults have been pouring their hearts, time, and energy into this production since September.

Beyond being fantastic entertainment, this show demonstrates just one of the key ways we help Hartford students prepare for life after graduation. In our district, one of our core goals (Ends Policy) is:

"Students will demonstrate the ability to develop long-term life goals, to plan for their future, to cooperate with others, and to live independently within and adapt to an ever-changing world. They will be able to identify problems and determine the resources and people necessary to help solve them. Students will demonstrate the qualities essential for succeeding within and outside of the school setting, including integrity, tolerance, self-motivation and work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and respect for themselves and others."

Putting together a production of this scale requires every single one of these traits, from relentless work ethic and self-motivation to deep collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual respect. Seeing our students embody these qualities on and off the stage is something that our community should be proud of!!!

We still have seats available, and we want to fill the house to celebrate what our kids can do!

Show dates are:

• Friday, November 13 at 7:00pm - sold out!

• Saturday, November 14 at 2:00pm

• Saturday, November 15 at 7:00pm
• Sunday, November 16 at 2:00pm

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students/seniors.
https://hartfordhighschool.ludus.com/

Please join us for a weekend of laughter, community, and celebration of our incredible students.

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and dedication to our Hartford High community!

My best,

Amy Molina

Principal, Hartford High School

Hope Happens Here and the ILC brought 30 students to DBS to help them celebrate Unity Day.

DBS hosted their annual Unity Day celebration on Friday, 10/30! Orange was the color of the day as elementary school students and their HS mentors gathered for a whole school assembly to celebrate being an Upstander followed by an anti-bullying rally outside the school.

This month's "Artist, Designer, and Innovator Awards" go to Chase Hunter for Photography and Isaac Obar for Instrumental Music.

Isaac is a flute player in Concert Band. He recently auditioned for the VT District VI Band and was seated as the first chair flute player. Isaac can often be heard playing the National Anthem at all types of HHS sporting events - for both his own teams and other teams as well. He is reliable, helpful, and continues to improve his craft through hard work and dedication.

Chase comes into class everyday ready to work, and ready to be creative. He is always looking for the next photograph to take, and works well with his peers to create dynamic and creative artworks.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your passions and talents with the Hartford community!

The Hartford Debate Team is back in business after a four year break from competition. In recent years, we have been focused on Speech Team competition accumulating in winning the State Championship last year. Our Speech Team begins competition in December, but our debate Team has been busy creating arguments, writing speeches and refutes for a scrimmage tournament at Hanover this coming Saturday. We have a strong team of dedicated debaters, and there are still opportunities to join the team! See Mr. Dixon in room 130 if you want to join!

Each year, each school in the district is asked to choose an Educator of the Year. At HHS, this person represents the best of the best. This year, our Educator of the Year is Mrs Kara Garrow. Some teachers are remembered for the lessons they teach, while others are remembered for the way they make people feel. Mrs. Garrow does both by creating spaces where every student belongs. Through authentic relationships, she inspires students to take pride in their learning, and in their voices. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to our school community make her an exceptional educator and a deserving recipient of this honor.

Kara was honored at a reception at UVM last week. She was joined by her husband, Tyler and future HHS English Teacher (and daughter), Charlotte.

Good Evening HSD Teaching and Learning Community,

The Hartford Board of School Directors is seeking community input into the budget models and approaches that were presented to them at last week's Board meeting.

Here is a link to the survey that was developed to gather feedback from all of the various stakeholders in the school and district community and beyond.

Your input matters and is so valuable as the board considers the path forward, a path that has been made incredibly challenging by the legislation passed last session (for an understanding of the hurdles that have been placed in front of us, please also see the joint statement that was signed by the HSD Board, HSD Leadership, and HEA Leadership).

We very much appreciate your feedback and support as we navigate through this challenging situation together.

With Gratitude,

Caty

• Wednesday, November 11 - No School for Veteran's Day

• Monday, November 16 - School Picture Re-Take Day (please note date change)

• November 25: No School

• November 27: No School

• November 26: No School

Students who participate in a co/extra-curricular activity such as participating on a sports team or the musical are required to be on-time for school (and attend all classes on time) in order to be eligible to participate in after-school activities. Please help/encourage your student to be on-time EVERY day, for EVERY class.

Hello Hurricane Families!

Now that the fall season has concluded we ask you to take care of 2 important tasks so we can wrap things up on our end. First, please be sure to return all of your uniform parts & pieces so that we don’t have to use precious budget money replacing items. Second, please complete the post-season survey to help provide us with the feedback we need to make changes and improvements. The surveys are anonymous and are compiled by a 3rd party before being summarized and sent to the athletic department for use in the post-season meetings. Your participation is appreciated!

https://qualtricsxm9y75jyv6y.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rmlzjYRMRarSFU

Please register for your winter sport (if you haven’t already) on Infinite Campus.

The winter sports student-parent-coach orientation is scheduled for November 9th at 7:00. You should enter the building through the main entrance and follow the signs to your sport specific breakout room. (Indoor Track, Basketball, Ice Hockey). Pre-season practices begin November 30th. There will be open ice and open gym time during the break between fall sports and November 30th including camps offered by Hartford Parks and Rec.

The Unified Club will be starting on Monday, November 9th! Open to all students, Unified Club takes place during B5 each Monday. Just sign up for the Unified Club B5 offering on Infinite Campus, show up, and make a difference! The club is being run in partnership with volunteers from Dartmouth Medical and includes games, activities, mentorship, walking, talking, and more. No registration required…just choose Unified Club for your Monday B5 and meet us in the HHS cafeteria! #choosetoinclude

Reminder - Fall fitness center hours are as follows:

• Monday: 3:00-5:30
• Tuesday: 3:00-5:30 & 7:00-9:30
• Wednesday: 3:00-5:30
• Thursday: 3:00-5:30 & 7:00-9:30
• Friday: 3:00-5:30
• Saturday: 10:00-11:30
• Sunday: CLOSED

Want to Purchase Sports Passes?

Please see the attached GoFan Flyer for special All Sports Passes good for fall and winter when we charge admission.

The Booster Club needs your help!

The Booster Club is looking for parents and family members to help staff the concession stand this winter (and spring). The Boosters are a massive source of funding and support for our athletic teams and with the tough budget season that is being predicted we need all the help we can get! If you are able to serve (even a single game shift!) please reach out to Booster President Jen Lyman (lyman.jenifer@gmail.com). Thank you for your support!

Jeff Moreno

Athletic Director

Hartford High School

• Tuesday, November 24 - Sophomore Visit Interest Survey by 11/24***
• December 8th (8:40 to 10:15): Interested students visit the Tech center *** Students then must submit Sophomore Visit Interest Survey by 11/24***
• December 11: HACTC application link goes live on HACTC.com
• January 7 HACTC Prospective Student Open House @ 6pm (Jan 14th Snow Date)
• January 12 Virtual Information Session @ 7pm
• January 22 Application deadline for SY 2027 - 2028 admission
• February 17 Admission Decision letters mailed (via USPS) to students and families

For more details about each scholarship and the eligibility requirements, read the details below carefully.

• Scholarships Available
• Distinguished Young Women
• Student Scholarships - rolling applications/deadlines. Always being updated

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate from college debt-free. Parents’ Adjusted Household Income must not exceed $125,000. The scholarship provides $1,000 to help purchase essential items for college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Free workshops, free Schwab Brokerage Accounts, and free Study Abroad opportunities provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. Hagan Scholars have attended 745 colleges and universities located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and have studied abroad in 64 countries.

The Hagan Graduate Scholarships are for Hagan Scholars who have graduated from college while enrolled in the Hagan Scholarship Program and are good for up to four additional consecutive semesters, providing up to $7,500 each semester to attend graduate school or the first two years of a professional program.

The Hagan International Graduate Scholarships follow the same terms as the Hagan Graduate Scholarships. International applicants must have graduated or will graduate from a foreign institution, and must have received an acceptance letter for the upcoming fall semester as a first-time graduate student at a college or university located in the U.S.

https://haganscholarships.org/application/

• Admissions Representatives from schools all over visit Hartford High School. This is a great time to learn about schools, show interest, and meet the people who read college applications. You MUST sign-up for each college visit ahead of time. You can sign up in Infinite Campus using Responsive Scheduler for the 5th block time slot or in the Counseling Office with Lauren for earlier day visits. Your name must be on the list to be excused from class for the visit. *** Students are responsible for make up work and notes if attending a college visit during class time. You may not miss a test for an on-campus college visit***

• Here is the list of scheduled visits and times!

• Common App Help - Want time, space and maybe help filling out your Common App? Set up an appointment during your free block with Lauren in the Counseling office or sign up to join during 5th block with responsive scheduler.

Are you a Vermont student that needs help filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027-28 school year?

VSAC is available to assist Vermont families in person or virtually. Virtual meetings are being offered Monday-Thursday with in-person meetings available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Find out what documents are needed by visiting our Focus on FAFSA page and navigating to the "7 Steps to FAFSA" tab.

Already filed your FAFSA or have other financial aid questions (such as "what's next?" or "did I do this right?") that you would like to ask? Email resourcecenter@vsac.org to request an appointment. Please include any specific discussion topics (IE: grants, scholarships, SAI, college awards, etc.) so we may better serve you.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance held on November 20 to honor and memorialize those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence and hate crimes. Founded in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith in response to the 1998 murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, the day was created to ensure that trans individuals killed in hate-fueled attacks are not forgotten by history or erased by media misgendering. Communities worldwide observe TDOR primarily through solemn candlelight vigils, public marches, and dedicated art or community gatherings. The cornerstone of most vigils is the reading of names—a powerful roll call detailing the identities of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals killed over the previous year, highlighting the disproportionate violence faced by Black, Latina, and Indigenous trans women.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is necessary because anti-transgender bigotry remains a severe global crisis, driven by dehumanizing rhetoric and deep-seated systemic discrimination. Violence against transgender people is often underreported or misreported in official records, making the dedicated gathering of names an act of truth-telling and public accountability. Beyond honoring those who have been killed, TDOR acts as a vital call to action for the living, forcing society to confront the lethal consequences of transphobia and pushing communities toward meaningful legal protection, social affirmation, and safety for all transgender people.

This necessity is compounded by political and legislative attacks on gender-affirming care, which have severely targeted the wellbeing of transgender youth. Across numerous jurisdictions, bans on essential medical care—such as puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and gender-affirming mental health services—have restricted young people's access to medically necessary, life-saving healthcare backed by major medical associations. Stripping away this care forces trans youth into profound psychological distress, elevating rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, while signaling to them that their authentic existence is being legislated away. Denying access to supportive medical care and safe environments creates a surrounding climate of hostility that exacerbates the very violence and isolation Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to end.

The Boston murder that sparked Transgender Day of Remembrance

HRC Explains Gender-Affirming Care

Previous Curiosity Corners

Julia Lau

Equity Coordinator

HSD

I want to take another opportunity to review the protocol for students who need to take medications during the school day. Aside from certain rescue medications (Epipen, inhaler, diabetic supplies), students are not allowed to carry and self administer medications at school. I have a supply of Ibuprofen, Tylenol and TUMs available for them when I have parent permission to administer these. Permission is either conveyed for the school year by completing the annual health form or verbally via a phone call for each request.

If your student uses any other medication either prescribed (taken as needed, long term or short term such as an antibiotic) or over the counter, this can be held in the health office for them. Over the counter medications must be provided in the original manufacturer packaging and prescribed medication must be in a prescription labeled container. You can ask the pharmacist for a second labeled bottle for school if needed.

• Prescription Medication Permission Form
• Over The Counter Medication Permission Form

Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Felicia Hayes, MSN, RN

The Hartford High School National Honor Society, in partnership with HHS Staff members Robin Martin & Jamie Briggs, organizes the Hartford High School Food Shelf. The food shelf provides a variety of foods and hygienic products to student families in need. Currently we provide resources to 9 student families on a weekly basis. Every year it is uncertain how many people will be in need of our help.

• Ramen Packs

• Dry cereals

• Oatmeal

• Fruit Cups

• Pasta & Sauces

• Peanut Butter

• Jelly

• Canned tuna

• Canned chicken

• Macaroni & Cheese

• Granola Bars

• Canned soups

Thank you for your support.

Congratulations to Navah Duffy for winning the library's annual Two Sentence Horror Story contest! Second place went to Laurel Golding in this down-to-the-wire competition. Thank you to all the classes and students who participated and voted!

Library data:

Graphic novels and romance books continue to be the most circulated genres, with Rachel Smythe's Lore Olympus series currently reigning as the most circulated books. 217 books have circulated this year, up from last year. November is Native American Heritage Month, and there are many Indigenous titles and authors on display for students and staff to enjoy.

This month's mental health moment will focus on stress awareness and management. Dealing with stress is unavoidable and poor management of it can have a compounding impact on our lives. I have included a link to a resource that outlines various types of stress that exist, signs to look out for, and some recommended ways in which you can support your child around managing theirs. Parents deal with stress too! It is important for us as adults to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others, here is a link for parents looking for support managing their own stress.

Be well and take care,

Alex Bronner, LICSW,

Hartford High School, ext. 2216

bronnera@hartfordschools.net

Congratulations to the following Hartford High School students who will be performing in the VT District VI Fall Music Festival:

Concert Band: Maddie Carbino, Tilly DalPra, Emma Davis, August Fallon, Bryce Leighton, Bella Lombardi, Kaitlyn Nichols, Isaac Obar, Braedon Rice, Amaya Robinson, Finley Thauvin, Kellin Trzesiara, Cooper Warren, Jesse Wood, and Charles Zitka

A Cappella: Isaac Dustin-Eichler, Gideon Malia, Harper Raymond, Mirren Walther, and Charlie Witzgall

The festival takes place at Hartford High School on November 20-21. The concerts will be on Saturday in the Gym: (2:00 PM Middle School Concert, 3:30 PM High School Concert, tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students/senior citizens).

Show dates are:

• Friday, November 13 at 7:00pm

• Saturday, November 14 at 2:00pm

• Saturday, November 15 at 7:00pm
• Sunday, November 16 at 2:00pm

Tickets are limited, so please get yours early!

Save the date for the HHS “Fire and Ice” Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 8 at 6 PM in the HHS Gym!

Please visit the HHS Performing Arts Calendar of Events for all of our upcoming events!

Some of the students who attend classes in the Regional Resource Center participated in a Halloween Film Lab sponsored in combination with the Special Needs Support Center and the Junction Arts and Media. These students stepped out of their comfort zone to be part of the Halloween Film Lab crew. They learned much more than how to operate a video camera and act in a film. They developed skills in the areas of self advocacy, teamwork, time management, public transportation use, and problem solving. A special shout out to Sarah McKinney who went above and beyond in order to support these students and families to make this endeavor successful.

Their hard work paid off when the film, "The Girl Who Cried Fox," won three awards (Judge's Choice, Audience Choice, and Creepiest Costume Design) at the JAM Halloween-a-thon. Here is a link to their film.

**Disclaimer...there is a scene with blood and a little bit of violence in this short film**

https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=101747803035920

All students can create 2 free custom pages in their book! These pages will only print in your book, but it is a great opportunity to get your memories in there!

The Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program is available to income qualifying Vermonters to help alleviate the cost of heating your home. For further information and/or assistance with the application, please call 2-1-1, or visit the website Fuel Assistance.

• If you are 60 or older, call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.
• For translation and interpretation services, call 1-800-479-6151 and ask for an interpreter.
• Vermont Fuel Assistance and 3SquaresVT (flyer)

Upper Valley Food Resource Guide 2026 - Free food distribution locations, food pantries, meals-to-go and meal sites. A resource created by the local Department of Health office.

The Haven’s 2026 Turkey Day event will take place at Hartford High School on Saturday, November 21 from 9 AM – 12 PM.

https://uppervalleyhaven.org/turkey-day-is-coming/

Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Project SEARCH program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The applications are available on our website. If you have a student with an intellectual and/or developmental disability who is interested in pursuing competitive employment after high school, please encourage them to apply. The Project Search team would also be happy to arrange a time to meet with you to discuss the program, set up a tour and/or discuss whether Project SEARCH would be a good fit.

We are currently recruiting for the 2027–2028 school year, with two application deadlines:

• January 7, 2027
• February 17, 2027

Please reach out if you would like more information, have a student who may be interested, or would like to schedule a presentation or visit.

We're excited to share that HCRS is offering 2 special After-School Access Pop-Up sessions this November and December! Traditional daytime hours can make it difficult for some families to access services. In response, we're testing 2 later-day sessions to make it easier for children and teens to connect with mental health and substance use support at HCRS.

Here's what families need to know:

• Dates: Tuesday, November 10, and Tuesday, December 8
• Time: 3:30–6:15 PM
• Who: Youth ages 5–17 seeking HCRS services
• What: Mental health and substance use services through HCRS. The pop-ups are not intended for enrollment in HCRS' school-based services.
• Where: HCRS offices in Brattleboro, Springfield, and Hartford, or remotely by calling 802-886-4500 and selecting option #3 during the above dates/times.

No appointment is needed! Families can walk in or call during pop-up hours to complete registration, meet with a clinician to discuss the child's needs, and discuss what services may be helpful. The process typically takes 1.5–2 hours.

Warmly,

Becky Gilbert, Director

Children, Youth, and Family Services