• 5/8 to 6/5-Walk and Ride
• 5/9 DBS Color Run
• 5/14--K to 2 Spring Concert
• 5/20--No Kindergarten
• 5/22--3 to 5 Spring Concert
• 6/13–Ice Cream Social & 5th Grade Art Show
• 6/18--Last Day of School (12:35 Dismissal)

Calling all Hartford Community Members!

The Hartford School District will be hosting a public forum with several local legislators and AOE leadership to discuss pressing issues that the legislature is working on as the legislative session comes to a close.

Please join your local legislators and AOE and school leaders to engage in a conversation on the issues that are directly impacting our schools and community: class size mandates, consolidation, PCB mitigation, and school funding, to name a few topics of great importance.

The event will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and it will be hosted in the auditorium at Hartford High School. Those who wish to listen in online may do so by accessing this YouTube live link (https://www.youtube.com/@junctionartsandmedia) or the Zoom link used for our School Board meetings (https://zoom.us/j/97430755984; Meeting ID = 974 3075 5984).

The legislators will discuss the significant changes being proposed with regard to education reform in Vermont, as well as share any related efforts that are being made at the state level to address some of the Hartford School District's unique challenges and needs, including building infrastructure related to PCB remediation and abatement in our District.

We are looking forward to hearing from our legislators and invite you all to share at this public forum any concerns, comments, questions, and support you may wish to provide as the legislative session concludes.

We are tremendously grateful to our local Senators and Representatives as well as the Agency of Education for their participation and the opportunity to meet with them.

Please join us!

2025/2026 School Year

We are starting to create class lists for the 2025/2026 school year. If your child is not returning to DBS next year, please let the office (dbsoffice@hartfordschools.net) know as soon as possible. We work hard to create balanced class lists and a few kids moving out can have a big impact. Thank you for your help.

Starting on May 8th and running on Thursdays until June 5th students may participate in a supervised walk to school along the Wilder multi-use path. Parents will be posted intermittently along the path to make sure that this is a safe experience for every child. With that said, we need four more volunteers to make this event happen. If you are available to help out with Walk and Ride, please contact Rick Dustin-Eichler.

• Drop-off is between 7:30 and 7:40 at Datamann in Wilder.
• Children that get dropped off must be dressed for the weather.
• Families must find an adult to walk with kindergarteners.
• We encourage students to walk or roll to school. If you child decides to roll, they MUST wear a helmet.
• Finally, only people powered rolling. No motors.
• 
  

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Dear DBS Music Students and Families,

Our K-2 Spring Concert is fast approaching! Here are the details for that evening, and please encourage your child(ren) to practice every day, especially singing all the words found under the “Student” tab on the DBS Music Website (http://www.dbsvt.com/Related-Arts/music). If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by phone ((802) 359 - 4797, EX 5170) or email (steina@hartfordschools.net.) Thank you for supporting music in our school!

Musically Yours,

Mrs. Stein

Concert Attire: ((Only for nighttime performance, not needed at school that day for practice.))

• Your choice of dress, skirt (below the knee), or dress pants/khakis with a nice top (no words) and shoes. Neck-ties and bow ties are optional.

• Please do not wear t-shirts, shorts, short skirts, jeans, sweatpants, flip flops or sneakers/tennis shoes.

• Students should look their best. No new outfits needed!

Procedure

ARRIVAL:

• Students should arrive at Dothan Brook School and go to the parking lot next to the playground/music room on Wednesday, May 14th between 6:00 and 6:25 PM. We will begin our performance promptly at 6:30 PM. Please note that chairs will not be available until 6:00 PM.

• Families can bring folding chairs or picnic blankets to sit on the hill by the playground/baseball field.

• Please remind your child(ren) to use the restroom before they arrive or right when they arrive as there will be no time to go once the concert starts.

• Students will leave their coats and belongings with their parents/guardians for safe keeping.

• Students will go right to their concert spots and wait for further direction.

• Please hold off on using the playground until after the concert, to minimize distractions for our performers :)

DISMISSAL:

• After the performance, families will be asked to pick up their child by grade.

Details

What: “The Great Outdoors” Spring Concert 2025

Who: Grades K, 1, 2

When: Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 PM (Those who are not able to attend the nighttime concert, or who have difficulty navigating large crowds, are welcome to attend the dress rehearsal at 1:05 PM on May 14th.)

Rain Date: In the event of rain, we will hold the concert on Thursday, May 15th at 6:30PM.

Where: Dothan Brook School Parking Lot (near the playground/gym - bring a blanket or chair to relax on the grass!)

Parking: At school or across the street at King Arthur’s Flour.

Hi Parents and Guardians!

As you gear up for summertime, I'm excited to share with you an awesome, high-energy, hands-on experience for your child! This summer, I will be the Director of Camp Invention® at White River School July 7th-11 . It was a hit last summer and we can’t wait to do it all again!

This program is an exciting chance to introduce your young innovator to STEM concepts as they build confidence and form friendships. When your child joins us, they will team up to take on exciting real-world challenges, dive into open-ended learning adventures and expand their creativity – all while having a ton of fun!

This summer, campers will explore design thinking, unlock creative problem solving and build confidence as they engage in all-new STEM learning experiences. If you are ready to register, visit invent.org/mylocalcamp and use promo code SUM15 by 5/15 to save $15 off the registration fee.

There are quite a few scholarship spots available as well. We would LOVE to see your child this summer! If you have any questions, please don' hesitate to reach out!

Sincerely,

Chloe Balch

3-4 Teacher

White River School

balchc@hartfordschools.net

Hartford students can take $10 off by entering code DARTMOUTH10

Week 28: “Let’s Keep Building Together” - Joe Major

From now until the end of the year, the Curiosity Corner will be sharing stories from members of the Hartford School District and the larger Hartford Community. We’re starting off with Vermont State Senator, Joe Major with this message for the Hartford Community, where he is a neighbor, a public servant, and a proud Vermonter.

Watch it here: Video Message

Transcript:

Hello Friends, I’m Joe Major and I want to take a moment to speak to you, not just as your state senator, but as a neighbor, a public servant, and a proud Vermonter.

Being a Black man in a predominantly White state has shaped my journey in ways I never expected. Vermont has been my home, my community, and my responsibility. I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t about where you come from, it’s about what you give back. And I’ve been honored to serve, to listen, and to build bridges that bring us closer together.

Through my work, I have fought for policies that lift up everyone, to expand access to education, support small businesses, and to make sure every Vermonter no matter what their background has a fair shot at success. I have worked with schools to create opportunities with young people, with local businesses to strengthen our economy and with our community leaders to ensure the government reflects the voices of all of its people.

Vermont has welcomed me, challenged me, and given me a chance to give back. And I will keep working every day to make sure this state remains a place where everyone no matter what their race, background, or story feels the same sense of belonging that I have here in Hartford. Let’s keep building together!